Chapter 21 Consequences

• Thaddeus's frown practically carved a canyon into his forehead when Athena dropped that bombshell. He couldn't just stand there, so he lumbered over and hauled her up as she dipped into a ridiculously formal bow.
• Theodore, who was right next to him, was floored by Thaddeus's sudden act of chivalry and gentleness. Athena was pretty surprised, too, since she wasn't expecting it.
• Thaddeus, acting all stoic and oblivious, put a hand on her shoulder and briefly patted her on the waist. "Forget the formalities," he said indifferently, "Just tell us what's going on. We don't need you bending over backward like a pretzel."