19

Iwas standing outside. The stars were hard to see, but the moon was beautiful. It had been daylight at my house a few seconds ago. I rubbed my shoulders. It was cold.

“Would you like my jacket?” JerRic's voice came from behind me.

I turned around. He was wearing a slick gray suit. He didn't look at all like the guy who sat beside me in chemistry. He was a man who could conquer the world if he had a reason to.

My legs were getting cold too. I glanced down. I was wearing a navy dress that belonged on a manikin in one of the expensive stores. I would have never picked it out, but it was cute on me. I felt a larger piece of clothing drop around my shoulders.

“Better?” JerRic stepped back without his suit jacket.

I nodded. It smelled like him. I turned in a slow circle. I could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. When I came back to where I stood, JerRic was on one knee with a ring. My hand went to my mouth. His jacket started slipping. I grabbed it before it fell off my shoulders completely.

“Annabeth, would you do the honor of marrying me? Today? Tomorrow? Whenever?” JerRic didn't budge.

We were drawing quite a crowd. I don't know what got into me. I must have lost it, because I nodded my head and started crying. JerRic stood up. He put the ring on my hand and spun me in a circle.

The crowd started clapping. JerRic leaned in and kissed me. I put my arms around his neck. The jacket fell to the ground. This time I didn't care.

“And that's a real yes?” JerRic whispered.

I paused for a second as the crowd dispersed. “A real yes, as long as it was a real question.”

“Oh, it's a very real question.” JerRic nodded. He licked his bottom lip and glanced around. “Come with me.”

JerRic picked the jacket off the ground and dusted it off. I took it and put my arms through it. It was several sizes too big, but it was perfect. He led me away from the crowds.

We walked hand in hand down the street. I felt happier than I had ever felt before. For the first time, I peeked at the glimmering ring.

“Jer, this looks real.” I glanced up at him.

He leaned closer. “That's because it is real.”

My eyes about popped out of my head.

“One of the perks of being a Storyteller.” JerRic smiled.

“Just one?” I countered.

JerRic's smile grew several sizes. “Let me show you a few more.”

“Okay.” I didn't have a clue what he had in mind.