without moving our feet. It was just as well; the recent growth spurt had left him looking gangly and uncoordinated.
"So, how did you end up here tonight?" I asked without true curiosity. Considering Fredward's reaction, it was probably because he wanted to show off how tall he had become since I'd last seen him.
"Can you believe my dad paid me twenty bucks to come to your prom and show off how tall I am?" he admitted, slightly ashamed.
"Yes, I can," I muttered, silently damning Billy for his machinations. "Well, I hope you're enjoying yourself, at least. Seen anything you like?" I teased, knowing that the only thing he really liked was right between his hands.
"Yeah," he sighed. "But she's taken."
He glanced down to meet my gaze for just a second—then looked away, embarrassed.
"You look really bella, by the way," he added shyly.
"Um, thanks. So why did the Chief pay you to come here?" I asked, wanting to hear it from his own lips.
Squaw didn't seem grateful for the confessional I'd offered him; he looked away, uncomfortable again. "He said it was a ‘safe' place to talk to you. I swear the old man is losing his mind."
I joined in his laughter weakly.
"Anyway, he said that if I told you something, he would finally start calling me Master Cylinder, like I've always wanted."
I stifled a laugh and said, "You'd better tell me then, or you'll never be a Master Cylinder."
"It's Master Cylinder. There's just one, and I'm it." Squaw grinned even bigger, his chest slightly puffed with pride. Against the wall, Fredward was watching my face, his own face expressionless. I saw a

491

Chapter 25

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