Trolls Prequel Novel Read Online Free

just that…I know cooking is an art form. I really do get that, and I totally admire it as one. Cooper’s flavors are creative, no doubt. And he’s a top-notch pastry chef. But when I think about what I want as a showstopping exhibit—the very
first
in my gallery, well…” She pauses and turns her troubled eyes to me. “I know I want an unbelievable opening night, but I’d kind of like something to remain of it by the end of the evening. I’m not so sure
edible
is part of my vision.”
    I swallow the last of my brownie. “O-
kay.
Well then, what
is
on that list?”
    “That’s the problem! I don’t know, exactly. I guess I was hoping maybe it would be one of those ‘I’ll know it when I see it’ situations.”
    Poor Harper. Her expression is borderline miserable. I
have
to figure out a way to help her. Which I can do. I
will
do. So it isn’t going to be as easy as I imagined. No worries. A challenge just makes the reward that much sweeter.
Er,
maybe that was the wrong choice of words, given the sugar attack we’re both currently fighting off.
    “Well, I guess I can’t argue with the artiste,” I say. “You definitely know more about this stuff than I do. But I’m going on the record as saying I’m awarding Cooper’s entry twenty enthusiastic thumbs up.”
    I scribble exactly that on my rating card before securing it to the back of the clipboard. I’m optimistic that Harper will reconsider Cooper’s entry before this is all over. In the meantime, I cross the pod to speak to Cooper.
    “Super-awesome job, Coop. We’ll be in touch by the end of the day to announce our winning entry. Thanks again for bringing us such scrumptious treats!” I lean close and whisper, “Any chance I can have a few extras? It’s going to be a long day of exhibit-selecting.”
    Cooper grins his sweet smile and sneaks me a solid dozen cupcakes.
    “Thanks, Cooper!” Harper calls, waving. Her head is down as she pores over the clipboard.
    Cooper waves back before escorting the last of his critters out the door with a cheerful “See ya later!”
    I slide back over to the table and tuck the tray of cupcakes beside my bag.
    “What?” I ask when I see Harper’s eyebrows shoot up. “They’re for later, in case we get hungry. Don’t give me that look—I got enough for you, too.”
    Harper rolls her eyes, then pats the mushroom stool next to her and takes a deep breath. “Help!” she says.
    “On it,” I reply. “Repeat after me: I’m hopeful, I’m optimistic, I’m one with the universe.”
    “I’m hopeful, I’m optimistic, I’m one with the universe,” Harper echoes. Her voice isn’t quite as steady as mine, but that’s okay. Baby steps. My work here is just beginning.
    I take another deep breath, motioning to Harper to do the same. “Okay, that’s our mantra, and we’re sticking to it. We’ve got this.”
    I wait for Harper to nod before I open my mouth and yell, “Next!”

Harper
    P oppy is always fun to be around, but one of the more entertaining things about her is how big she can open her mouth when she wants to be heard. So when she drops her jaw and belts out, “Next!” I’m not the least bit surprised when it echoes through the rustling tree branches.
    Not surprised, but definitely amused.
    And yet…nothing happens.
    I peek over Poppy’s shoulder. “Where’s the clipboard? Who’s signed up for this time slot?”
    She closes her mouth and squints at the sheet. “DJ Suki.”
    “Oooooooh,”
we both say at once.
    Makes sense.
    “I’ll bet she’s right outside,” I tell Poppy. “I’ll go get her.”
    She nods. “I’d bet that DJ Suki is blasting a musical mash-up through her headphones.”
    She’s right about that.
    Harper = art. DJ Suki = music. It’s her life.
    Suki can always be counted on to lay down a
beat
-tastic interlude on any appropriate occasion, which is basically
every
occasion in Troll Village.
    Sure enough, when I poke my head out of the gallery to investigate,