The Incredible Adventures of Cinnamon Girl by Melissa Keil

have to be on set for another month – maybe I’ll stick around. Assuming we’re not attacked by Dark Elves or killer tomatoes or something.’ He tugs lightly at the end of my hair in that familiar, naughty way he used to do when we were little. ‘Whaddya think, Sarah? I promise I will be on my best behaviour. Not a single mini pig shall cross your eyeballs.’
    Grady looks at me with a raised eyebrow, but I see his confidence stumble. Man. How had I forgotten that Daniel could put Grady on the back foot like that?
    ‘Well … sure Sarah and I can rustle up some stuff to keep you entertained,’ Grady says. ‘Though it might involve navigating more cow poo than you’re used to –’
    ‘Anyway, our holidays plans have gone out the window, what with the invasion of the moon people,’ I add. ‘Stay, Daniel. We’d love that. You can get to know our friends – I could even be talked into hosting an X-Men marathon and cookie-fest. It’ll be just like old times. Except you’ve probably ditched the Buzz Lightyear jammies?’
    He winks. ‘I’m strictly an undies-only guy now.’
    Grady grunts. ‘Nice mental image. Sure Sarah was desperate to hear about your jocks.’
    In my memory, my boys were always like Spider-man and Superman to my Wonder Woman. I guess I’d forgotten that they were more like the duelling halves of Bruce Banner and the Hulk; sort of half in love, half one step away from poking each other’s eyeballs out.
    I stand. ‘Actually, Sarah would really like to dance. You guys coming?’
    Daniel sits back. ‘Nah. Happy to hang here and admire the view.’
    I grab Grady’s hand and drag him onto the swarming floor, ignoring his bewildered face. He swings me into his arms and loops one hand lightly around my middle.
    ‘So … Dan seems to have slotted right back in? Then again, he never had a problem fitting in,’ he says as my feet move easily alongside his. Cleo did rope Grady into taking dance classes with her when she was going through her ballroom phase, but secretly – and he would die before admitting this – I think he loved it. Either way, my boy has rhythm .
    ‘It’s weird though,’ Grady says thoughtfully. ‘It’s Dan, but not Dan.’ He smiles wryly. ‘I dunno, Alba. Abs or no abs – maybe this whole trip down memory lane thing is kinda pointless?’
    I’m only half-listening, because now that Daniel’s twinkly eyes aren’t focused on me, I’m replaying our conversation and my thoughts are getting all … jumbly.
    ‘So what’s wrong?’ Grady says.
    I look up at him with a start. ‘Nothing. Why?’
    Grady taps his forefinger between my eyes. ‘You have frowny line. Which you only get when you’re annoyed, or when you’re doing algebra. And I’m guessing you’re not puzzling out quadratic equations, so …?’
    Through the crowd I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror behind the bar. The feathery sweeps of eyeliner are visible even in the hazy reflection.
    ‘Hey, Grady?’
    ‘Yeah, Alba?’ he says distractedly.
    ‘Do you think I wear too much make-up?’
    He frowns at me. ‘No. It’s just your thing. Why?’
    ‘Nothing,’ I say sheepishly. ‘You just never say anything about how I look. Was just wondering, is all.’
    His rhythm sputters slightly. ‘I never say anything about how you look because you always look great,’ he says carefully. ‘And I know you don’t care what I think. Does that … bother you?’ He clears his throat. ‘I mean, do you want me to tell you –’
    I give his side a poke. ‘Relax. I’m not fishing for compliments. You’re just a closed book sometimes. You know, this chick was giving you all sorts of eyes earlier, but you didn’t seem to notice. I’m just curious what goes on in that curly head of yours.’
    He shrugs. ‘Boobs, cars. The catastrophic destruction of humankind. And she was? You need to point these things out, Alba! You’re a useless wingman otherwise.’
    ‘Right – suppose I should take my wing-person