The Scumbag's Guide To Heroism novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61: 61 | My Hero (Felony Assault Pending)

It was a fair question.

"They’ll remember I got the job done," I said. "Same as my parents did."

Something flickered in her eyes—respect, maybe? She leaned closer.

"Your parents were mid-tier at best," she said quietly. "Good people, sure. But they never cracked the top hundred. Is that what you’re aiming for? Mediocrity with a moral compass?"

My fingers tightened around my cup.

"At least they died heroes," Sloane snapped. "Not corporate sellouts shilling energy drinks on Instagram."

Grande Dame’s smile didn’t waver, but her eyes hardened again. "Careful, little girl. You’re not licensed yet. I’d hate for the Halloran committee to hear about your attitude problem before you even apply."

"Are you threatening her?" I asked.

"Of course not." Grande Dame’s hand landed on my thigh under the table, squeezing lightly. "Just offering friendly advice. The hero world is political, Lukas. Best you learn that early."

Her hand stayed on my thigh, thumb moving in small circles. I shifted uncomfortably, but she didn’t take the hint.

"Tell you what," she continued, "if you’re serious about Halloran, I could give you some pointers. My agency has connections there. We could meet for coffee sometime."

"That’s really not necessary," I said, carefully removing her hand from my leg. "I’ve got all the support I need."

Grande Dame’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Suit yourself. But my offer stands." She slid a business card across the table. "When you decide you want to play in the major leagues instead of the Fitzgerald farm system, call me."

She stood up, smoothing her crop top. "Enjoy your little date. And Sloane? Do tell your mother I said hello. I’m sure she thinks about me often."

With that parting shot, she sashayed away, immediately surrounded by fans wanting selfies.

"I hate her," Sloane said the moment Grande Dame was out of earshot. "I hate her so fucking much."

"I gathered that. What’s the real story between her and Diane?"

Sloane sighed, deflating a bit. "It’s exactly what I said. Grande Dame approached my mom’s agency after her last representation dropped her. Mom met with her, assessed her brand potential, and turned her down."

"Why? Grande Dame is ranked fourteenth nationally. That’s a big client."

"Mom said she was a bad investment. Too volatile, too self-centered. Said her power was impressive but her character wasn’t. That she’d never be a top-five hero because she cared more about looking good than doing good."

I whistled. "Diane actually said that to her face?"

"Apparently." Sloane stabbed a fry into ketchup with unnecessary force. "Grande Dame didn’t take it well. She’s had it out for our family ever since. Tries to poach Mom’s clients, talks shit about her in interviews."

"And now she’s hitting on her daughter’s boyfriend?" I raised an eyebrow. "That’s commitment to a grudge."

Sloane’s face turned pink again. "So I’m your girlfriend now?"

"I mean..." I rubbed the back of my neck. "I thought that was happening already? With the kissing and everything?"

"You never asked me properly."

"Do you want me to get down on one knee in the middle of an arcade food court?"

She kicked my shin under the table. "No, idiot. Just... ask me."

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