Sirenz Back in Fashion by Charlotte Bennardo Page B

little sigh, wishing he would kiss me.
    Ding! Ding! Ding! The bracelet watch was chiming the five-minute warning to see Meg.
    â€œI’ve got to run! I’ll see you back at the palace!” I ran down the beach, not slowing to see if he followed.
    I skidded to a stop in the throne room in front of the table with Pandora’s Box. Lifting the lid, I saw a swirl of colors, like paints running down a sink drain. Suddenly, Meg’s face appeared.
    â€œMeg!”
    I was so glad to see her. For once, Hades kept his word about things happening the way he said they would.
    â€œShar!” she squealed, then narrowed her eyes at me. “What the hell are you wearing? I didn’t know you owned something like that.”
    â€œI don’t . This is his idea of everyday wear, apparently. At least I don’t have to wear black leather.” I shuddered delicately. “This is the most conservative swimsuit in my closet.”
    She made a disgruntled face. “Not exactly being subtle, is he? Didn’t he leave you any of your own clothes? But look, we’ve got less than five minutes, so let’s make this count.” She looked over her shoulder, her eyes shifting nervously as if she was making sure she wasn’t being watched. “What does he have you doing down there?”
    â€œMeet the Martha Stewart of the Underworld,” I said, throwing up both hands and waving them at her. “I get to co-host Hades’ Spring Fling. It’s a costume party. I think I’ll go as a nun. Maybe a leper. Which would he hate more?”
    â€œOh. My. God.” Meg tried not to giggle. I understood—this situation was too ludicrous to be credible.
    â€œWhat about you?” I asked. “Are you okay?”
    â€œI guess,” she answered, looking away.
    â€œTalk to me. What’s wrong?” My stomach sank in horror. “What do you have to do?”
    She tossed her head back. “Where do I start? Like I told you last time … Hades pretty much erased you. No one remembers you, not even Alana.”
    I tried not to look upset. Not that I missed Alana or anyone else yet, but being erased was unsettling, to say the least.
    â€œSo, all your stuff is gone and then, poof! I get a new roommate! She—”
    â€œYou have a new roommate?” I interrupted. My voice sounded very small and hurt.
    Meg bobbed her head. “Guess who I have to send to Tartarus? My new roomie, Miss Paulina Swanson.”
    â€œOh,” I nodded sagely, a bit relieved. At least Hades was making it easy; my visit to the Underworld might be shorter than I’d thought. “Seems like Hades has been a busy little demon. But how will you get her to a portal? You can’t Siren her.”
    â€œEhh!” Meg made a buzzer sound. “Things are a little different this time, so sayeth the Lord of the Underworld. I don’t have to find a portal or use my eerie powers.” She held up her hands and wiggled her fingers. “I have to get her to wear the Golden Fleece, and let me tell you, no one in their right mind would even want to sit next to it, although Alana and Kate seemed to like it, go figure. But that’s not the worst of it. You thought it was bad with Arkady being deaf and blind and never available? Well, Paulina saw the fleece—and she hates it, won’t go near it. And if today’s any indication, she’s my freaking shadow. She trailed me everywhere I went.” Meg looked over her shoulder again. “I’m lucky I was able to ditch her to come here. I’m going to need some help with this.”
    I thought for a minute, tapping my bottom lip. How to get a roomie who’s always around to wear something she despises? Hello? Opportunity!
    â€œThrow it over her while she’s asleep,” I suggested.
    â€œShar, you’re brilliant!”
    I beamed. All this and brains too. I heard the tinkling melody of the watch again.
    â€œIs our