Maid to Perfection

By Meghan Miller

Plucky Alicia Salazar lives in a world of superheroes and villains. So what's a girl to do? Become a hero herself, of course! But villains aren't the only obstacle in her chaotic life; she has to deal with an overbearing governor, an arrogant ally, wrestling with love, and clashing with her own self-doubts and minimal abilities... all while keeping her identity a secret and saving her hometown from being taken over by lowly criminals and high-class villains.
Sometimes, being a hero and making a difference doesn't always involve walking the line, but crossing over it. With the aid of a few former villains, Alicia must make rash decisions, defy the authority she answers to, and will make a discovery that changes her life, for better or worse, and affects everyone she holds dear.
Maid to Perfection is a thrilling story of bravery, heroism, and triumph over inadequacies with the help of friends. It is an exhilarating tale for readers of all ages with twists and surprises to keep the pages turning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Sep 2, 2019
• ISBN: 9780359726394

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Maid to Perfection

Maid to Perfection

Copyright

Copyright © 2019 by Meghan Miller

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All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be copied, reproduced, or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher or author except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal with proper credit.

First Printing: 2019

ISBN 978-0-359-72639-4

Acknowledgements

I want to publicly thank everyone who supported me throughout the years as I imagined and created this book. I definitely couldn’t have done it without you! I’ll make this short and sweet, so my readers can delve into a new experience brought on by the written word. Thank you:

Duane & Chris Warner, Kalynne Williams, Shannon Aguilar, Eleana Hogan, Dean & Vicky Davis, Ashley Campman, Anika Cole, Allison Robbins, Sylvia Rivera, Crystal Mitchell, Maribel Mendoza, and Charna Christian! Your generosity and support go a long way!

Shelby, who was always so excited for this book, you’ve helped me so much!

Dedication

For Arturo Marin and Doug Armendarez

Your teaching and encouragement made a difference.

&

For Duane and Chris

You know why.

Chapter 1: Once Upon A Trumpet

Once upon a time there was a gorgeous hero who saved the world from the vile clutches of the hideous, evil villain. Then, the hero ran off with the love of his life, and they all lived happily ever after.

That’s completely untrue. First off, the more attractive the hero, the cockier they get, and it usually goes downhill from there. They assume since they’re gorgeous they can always get the upper hand and the damsel in distress will fall for them. Secondly, evil sometimes wins; no matter how good the hero may be, villains can simply get the upper hand. This is just one of the devastating and difficult facts of life. Third, not all villains are unappealing. In fact, many are breathtakingly beautiful and that is one of their enticements to henchmen, sidekicks, and weak-willed heroes.

I, however, am more of the stubborn-at-all-costs type of hero. I’m not a superhero, but I do my best with the talents that I have. I fight criminals and various villains when I can, and I try to help keep the city in order along with other heroes. There are, however, a few problems that make my duty and my personal life quite difficult.

For example, heroes and villains are firmly set that what they do is better than the other. Heroes completely believe that there is only one right way, and if you’re not on it, you need to be defeated. Villains tend to mercilessly skirt the system, trying to get what they want, and make wild attempts at world domination. There’s no happy medium, so I will always be working. Even on my days off I’m plagued by negativity. Unfortunately, not all of it is brought about by villains; some of it is because of a regular, everyday citizen.

This is one of the reasons why I happen to be at odds with Toby Frost. He’s not an archenemy or villain; he’s just so annoying and hangs around all the time. The worst part is Toby is my boyfriend’s best friend, so I can’t just get rid of him.

Like right now.

Just put it on and don’t ask questions, Alicia! Toby exclaimed, proffering a bag to me. I gazed at it skeptically. Toby had just barged into my house, unannounced, disturbing my relaxation time.

When have I ever not asked questions when you were involved? I grabbed the bag and peeked inside. A sundress?

And sandals, courtesy of Gabe, Toby related. I opened my mouth, but he beat me to it. Go change!

"Fine, mother," I went to my bedroom and held up the dress in front of me as I gazed into the mirror. The yellow brought out my tanned skin and dark hair quite nicely, much to my surprise. Gabriel wasn’t exactly the most thoughtful boyfriend, so I never expected this. I changed quickly and emerged wearing the dress and white sandals. Toby did a double take.

Wow, you almost look human, he sniggered. I refrained from hitting him because I knew that would only egg him on.

Too bad the same can’t be said of you.

I love when you flirt with me. Toby wiggled his eyebrows suggestively, a playful grin spread across his face.

You wish I was attracted to you, I countered. Okay, so I’m in the dress. Now what?

Now comes the rest of the surprise!

What surprise? And why?

I’m not at liberty to discuss such matters with you.

Then— As I was about to reply, my doorbell rang. I gave Toby a questioning look, but he remained stoic and gestured towards the door. I trudged over and opened it.

Gabriel Sutton was standing there with a single long-stemmed red rose. He, too, was dressed up, wearing slacks and a gray button-down shirt. I took the rose and sniffed it.

Alicia, come with me.

Absolutely! I exclaimed, leaning forward and giving him a quick kiss. I grabbed my purse that was sitting on the table near the door. I turned back to Toby. Bye, loser!

Joke’s on you! I’m joining this escapade, Toby grinned triumphantly. I gazed at Gabe for confirmation.

Let’s all get going, he smiled, not wanting to add fuel to the fire. I groaned dramatically and grabbed Gabe’s hand as we walked away from my house.

Gabe had called earlier in the day, saying he had a surprise for me, and Toby was involved somehow… I kind of ignored that part, especially since there was little detail. No sooner had we began walking, Gabriel pulled a magazine from his back pocket and began to flip through it. I smiled ruefully; that was the Gabe I was familiar with. It was the latest issue of Cars: Revved Up which was Gabriel’s major obsession. I knew I didn’t stand a chance.

So… what’s the surprise? I turned to Toby, hoping to get an answer.

No.

That’s not even a possible answer, I pointed out. I began poking his arm repeatedly. Despite being nineteen, I still enjoyed pestering Toby as much as possible. He and Gabe had gone to the same high school, but we had never actually crossed paths there.

Suddenly, Toby grabbed my hand and pushed it away and reached over and yanked the magazine from his friend’s hand.

Hey! Gabriel protested, finally zoning into reality. That’s mine!

Gabe! Your girlfriend is annoying me. I’ll meet you back at the… place. Toby winked conspiratorially and quite conspicuously dashed off down the street. I had no idea what he was going on about.

Right, then. Shall we? Gabe slung an arm around my shoulders and guided me toward our destination. We were just walking down the street, passing neat, clean, suburban houses, only a few away from the house where I lived with my mom and sister.

Where are we going? I asked again, hoping to get a real answer.

It’s a surprise.

Yeah, I heard that, but I— Gabe stopped me by putting a finger to my lips.

Shh. Don’t talk, he grinned and led me onward. We wove our way through the streets, the warm sun shining bright. No matter how much I pestered Gabriel about where we were going, he refused to give in. After we’d been walking for what seemed like forever, Gabe stopped me.

We’re here? I probed, looking around. We were stopped at the end of a residential area. Surprise, there’s no surprise!

No. Close your eyes and don’t peek, Gabe covered my eyes with one of his hands and his other was on the small of my back as we began walking very awkwardly. We stopped all of a sudden and Gabriel removed his hand from my eyes. Tada!

I blinked and looked around. We were at Toby’s house, which was actually quite close to mine. It should not have taken this long to get here. I guess I hadn’t been paying too much attention, or we probably backtracked a lot through the blocks to throw me off the trail.

We’re… at Toby’s, I slowly articulated, raising an eyebrow. Was this a weird joke? Gabe’s humor was usually much different.

Yes. And what is today’s date? Gabriel prodded; he looked really excited for something.

June ninth. I answered. I searched Gabriel’s face for any clue as to what he was attempting to get at. Gabriel sighed heavily and had the air of resigning himself to explaining something incredibly simple.

Trumpet, he hinted.

Oh! I exclaimed, my cheeks heating up. I’m so sorry I forgot. Happy anniversary, Gabe!

Ditto. Come on in; I have surprise for you.

Another surprise? What is it?

A surprise, Gabe grinned handsomely.

I hope its Toby… unconscious in a ditch. I rubbed my hands together and smiled.

You can at least pretend to like him, Gabe chided as we stepped up to Toby’s front door. It opened the moment we got to it. Toby stood there, with a blue and white checkered dishtowel over one arm. He was wearing blue long-sleeved button-down shirt and black slacks.

Welcome. Please come in, Toby bowed slightly as he tried extremely hard not to laugh. Gabe and I entered the house and Toby shut the door behind us. Let me guide you to your table.

We were escorted to Toby’s dining room table, where all but two oak chairs were removed, and two place settings were visible. There were three tall green candles between the placemats. I smiled as Gabe and I sat down while Toby ran off to get the food.

This is a great surprise, I whispered to Gabriel, and I can’t believe you got Toby to play along.

It didn’t take much convincing; he was overjoyed at being able to be a part of this.

Oh, no! He’s poisoned the food! I exclaimed with a feigned gasp of shock.

Can’t you ever be serious?

No. Can’t you ever be playful?

No, Gabe admitted after blowing me a kiss. He reached across the table and squeezed my hand in his.

Opposites attract, Toby stated, coming into the room. He smiled down at me. Oh, yeah, he totally poisoned the food, I thought, making a face.

We’re not that opposite, Gabe defended as his plate was set in front of him. Toby shrugged and removed the napkins from on top of the plates. A golden-brown rectangle sat in the middle of my plate, steaming with freshness.

Hot Pockets? I questioned through my surprised laughter. Toby reached over and flicked my shoulder.

Don’t criticize the cook! I’ll spit in your food, Toby stated. My amusement slowed down into slight giggles. Toby then disappeared, and that’s where everything got dull. And by dull, I mean very, very boring.

All Gabriel would talk about was the body of a car in his magazine, with its torque and horsepower, and at this point, I wasn’t even sure which car. I nodded as he spoke and poked my Hot Pocket with my fork. We’d been together for a year today, and for some reason, I just didn’t want to celebrate if this was what it meant. I was initially excited, but that feeling quickly dimmed back to reality. One or two surprising gestures didn’t outweigh everything else.

I adore Gabe, don’t get me wrong. It’s just sometimes he gets boring and one dimensional. We just had really different interests, I guess. That doesn’t mean I love him any less, though, just for the record. Maybe I was most disappointed because it started out pretty fantastic and then came to him monologuing, and I got plenty of that from villains!

Just when I was at the brink of losing my sanity from boredom, I heard the trumpet. I immediately giggled, and Gabe stopped his soliloquy mid-sentence. Toby marched in, playing a song on his trumpet that I couldn’t recognize. After the fanfare, he cleared his throat.

Once upon a time… about a year ago today, there was a trumpet player who played and played beautifully. Then a beautiful alliance was made. Alicia, Toby looked down at me, then over at Gabe, Gabriel…. May you both live on in the beautiful song of my trumpet.

How romantic, I scoffed.

Shh! This is my moment to shine! Toby blew his trumpet at me. I winced and briefly covered my ears.

You’re not even telling the story right.

Yeah, I heard awful music, and I wanted to find out what it was, hoping to make it stop. So, I walked toward the noise where you and Gabe were having band practice in your open garage. And it was sort of instant attraction. Not to you, I clarified to Toby, who pretended to be hurt.

You know, if we didn’t hate each other so much, we might just be friends. Toby stated thoughtfully. I clicked my tongue.

Yeah, right. You and I could never be friends.

Well, at least you have the joy knowing you’ll be stuck with me forever.

The worst part is I’m dating his best friend. I really will be stuck with him forever… I whined aloud.

So much for giving me thanks, Toby set his trumpet down on the table. I took a small bite of my cold meal.

Thanks for what? I asked through my food.

Getting you together with my mad trumpet skills and planning your super-secret anniversary dinner-type meal! Toby winked at me and blew kisses at Gabriel, who appeared less than amused. I shook my head just as my cell phone started vibrating. I pulled it halfway out of my purse, and realized it was the cell phone I’d recently received from the governor to better aid crime fighting. I stuffed it back down.

I’ll be right back! I jumped up and rushed to the bathroom. I pulled the phone out and answered the call.

Omega Guardian, the governor’s voice was deep and sounded a bit frantic.

Yes sir, I answered in a whisper, waiting to hear of the latest catastrophe.

A villain has arisen in the city. His name is Cat Eye—

Let me guess, he’s like the Pied Piper and lures all the cats into the city to destroy us. I looked at my reflection in the mirror over the sink; I should have put on makeup.

You already know about him? The governor sounded amazed. I nearly dropped my phone into the sink.

You’re serious! No way! Did I call it, or did I call it? I exclaimed before remembering I was in the bathroom and nobody was supposed to know I was on the phone.

He’s in Orange Garden Shopping Center, playing on his flute. I expect this mess to be cleaned up within the hour, the governor divulged, ignoring my outburst, and hung up. I slipped my phone back into my purse.

He’s serious. A ‘Pied Piper’ of cats! These villains just get cornier and cornier. Where is all the originality?! I whispered before throwing open the bathroom door. I really hoped Toby and Gabriel didn’t hear any of my conversation.

—went okay? Gabriel was asking as I came towards the spot I’d last left them. I paused on the other side of the doorway to listen. My eyes focused on the gray kitchen tile as I eavesdropped.

Of course, it went okay. She probably just had to fix her makeup or whatever it is women do in bathrooms forever, Toby answered. I let out a long breath. I had to make this good; I didn’t want them suspecting anything. Nobody knew my secret identity, and I wanted to keep it that way.

Guys, I groaned, holding my stomach as I rounded the corner, I’m so sorry. I think I’m gonna have to go home.

Are you okay? Gabriel questioned. Toby looked worried. I was a bit shocked at how concerned they both appeared to be. I was just pretending to be sick, not dying! Maybe I was a better actress than I thought.

I feel really nauseous. I’ve got to cut our anniversary date short, Gabe. I’m so sorry. I sucked in air very quickly through my teeth and shut my eyes tight. A chair scraped on the floor and I felt arms around my shoulders, supporting me. I opened my eyes as Toby went toward the front door, holding it open. I turned my head to see Gabriel, with his arms on my shoulders, looking intently at me, making sure I was alright. He squeezed his hands and smiled.

You’ll be alright. Gabe’ll get you home. Take some ginger or something. Toby suggested as I reached the door. Get some rest, too.

Yeah, right next to the toilet, I retorted disparagingly. It was probably your cooking that did this to me, anyway!

Sure, blame me. This’ll be the last time you taste anything so delicious! Toby joked, lightly patting my back.

I’m sorry, Gabe, I groaned, relaxing against Gabe’s shoulder as we walked away.

Don’t worry about it. You just get better and you can make it up to me later.

You mean by buying you another car magazine?

Of course! Gabe quipped as we continued walking gingerly to his car. He set me into the passenger seat and quickly got in and sped off to my house, which was only two blocks down from where Toby lived.

Thanks, sweetie. I leaned over and kissed Gabriel’s cheek and pulled out my house keys from my purse, remembering to act sick. He walked me to my porch and waved at me as I shut the door behind me, relieved. I ran into my room and quickly changed into my hero costume.

I was extremely proud of my outfit as I’d made it myself. My outfit consisted of blue mid-thigh shorts, a white short-sleeve shirt with my hero name on the back in black press-on letters, and sturdy black boots. I pulled my long black hair back into a ponytail and tied the matching blue mask onto my face to cover my eyes and nose.

Before I headed out, I admired my work in my bedroom mirror that was stuck to the back of my door. I didn’t get my outfit custom made like some of the other heroes, so I definitely had more pride in the way I looked, even if it wasn’t as sleek as some others. And, to be honest, I just couldn’t take myself seriously running around in spandex or tights.

I snuck out through my bedroom window that lead out to the backyard, took a look around to make sure nobody was around to see me, and I rushed off toward the Orange Garden Shopping Center, which was essentially the square in the middle of town.

I was a fast runner, by nature as well as due to my powers. I used to run track in high school, so I was ready for anything. I didn’t have any significant powers, but I had a couple little ones, like heightened dexterity, an exceptional talent with my switchblade that I always carried with me, just in case, and the power of speed.

Thank the political office you came! A frantic voice jolted me from my rambling thoughts. I frowned at the governor’s overt antics. He was sweating profusely, and his blue eyes were wild. I wondered what he was even doing on site; normally, he was back in his office. You can defeat him, can’t you?

I don’t even see him or the cats, I turned full circle with a shrug. The governor huffed with the air of having to explain a simple concept to me. I narrowed my eyes behind the mask. I didn’t like being condescended to, especially by him. He tended to be a pompous know-it-all that really cowered in the face of actual danger.

Omega Guardian, he’s around the corner. The governor pointed to the right, his eyebrows raised high onto his forehead. I stalked around the building and discovered my current nemesis: Cat Eye.

Who was dressed as a tawny cat, whiskers and all.

So, I did what any sane hero would—I burst into laughter. This, of course, drew the attention of Cat Eye and his forced feline followers.

So, you have come because you believe you can defeat the great Cat Eye? The man purred. I stifled a smile before turning serious.

I came because you’re using cats to do your job. I retaliated. I looked around and saw something I hadn’t expected. Hex!

My black cat, Hex, was amongst the group of hypnotized felines that were under Cat Eye’s current jurisdiction. Now it was time for me to really get serious. I love Hex, and there’s no way I was going to let this crazed cat-freak use my beloved pet against me; I had to stop him.

Well, pretty little girl, prepare to be destroyed by my amazing capabilities! Cat Eye whipped out a pan flute and began to play something that sounded so beautiful, I stood there and listened. I didn’t even notice the cats approaching me until it was too late. I was about to be a part of a feline frenzy. It was catastrophic.

Chapter 2: Power Times Two

Soon, the felines were swarming me. I back flipped out of the middle of the group, only to stumble my landing and squish one of the cats. I briefly hoped it wasn’t Hex, but I had other things to focus on.

So, you think you can avoid my minions, do you? Cat Eye lowered the pan flute from his painted, thin black lips. I stood up and placed my hands on my hips in an attempt to appear more menacing.

Using animals like this is against the SPCA! I cried out, stamping my foot.

In that case… Cat Eye closed his eyes and played a different tune on his flute. The cats began to form a circle around me, leaving a radius of about three feet. They all sat down, motionless, and stared at me, unblinking. I was about to step forward and attack Cat Eye, but I realized that I couldn’t move. My legs wouldn’t cooperate with my brain signals.

Suddenly, the tune changed just a little, and my arms stretched out to my sides. My legs began to bend and move around against my will. Cat Eye was now using his magical flute to make me do his bidding, which, at the moment, was dancing! Normally, I wasn’t too bad of a dancer; I mean, I couldn’t possibly win competitions or anything, but I had rhythm. Now, I looked like a puppet or a weird monkey. My cheeks heated up; I was embarrassed as well as furious. How was I supposed to defeat him when he had control of my every move?

The dancing, though quite embarrassing, wasn’t as terrible as when he made me dig into my pocket, which procured my switchblade.

I opened the switchblade and twisted it expertly in my hand. I wished I was coordinated enough to do that on my own. I held out my wrist and slowly the knife made its way until it was resting on the light brown flesh that covered my vein. My eyes widened, and my knife-wielding hand shook in protest. He forced me to dig in slightly with the knife, just enough to allow a thin streak of blood to appear. It pooled and ran off to the side.

Surely there has to be another way to kill the hero, a new voice declared from off to my left. I sighed heavily; I knew that arrogant voice well. And of all the people to come to try and save me, I really didn’t want it to be him.

And who are you to give out such pointers? Cat Eye questioned, his music stopping. I flung my knife into the crowd of cats, just to get it away from me. I didn’t want him trying that awful trick again. I backed up a couple steps and looked over at the newest distraction.

It is I, the champion of goodness and hope; I am—

Captain Justice. I answered, annoyed. The masked hero looked over at me with a grin.

You know my name! Captain Justice cried with happy surprise. I held back a laugh, to be professional.

Of course. I have to—you’re my rival in heroism. I snapped, looking him over. Captain Justice stood there, wearing his custom-made thick red bodysuit, emblazoned with his emblem, a letter C inside a shield, a non-utility black belt, and black half-cape. His black combat boots even looked polished. I’m sure cost him a great deal of money. I admit, I used to be envious for a long time; it would be nice to be able to afford luxury items and tailor-made uniforms, but I had to help my mom with her bills. Anonymously, of course, since she didn’t know my hero persona.

How wonderful; now I can kill you both at once! Cat Eye cut in, putting the flute to his lips and drew a deep breath.

Cover your ears! Captain Justice yelled, his hands flying up to his ears. I followed suit, hearing just two notes before the suction cup sound hit my ears. The music was muffled, and apparently was not working, unless he wanted me to stand there and stare at him. His cat-face distorted in raw anger, causing his whiskers to twitch. He played more vehemently, and the cats attacked, racing towards Captain Justice and me.

What’s the worst he can do? Captain Justice demanded, throwing the cats off him. One of the tossed cats hit Cat Eye, momentarily startling him into ceasing to play.

He made me dance! I said incredulously, shoving several felines away and rolling out of the way of a few more.

That madman must be stopped! Captain Justice exclaimed. I could tell he was being sarcastic.

I’m gonna go now. I informed him as I turned back to the villain at hand. I’m sure you can handle this.

No, wait, don’t go. I need your help in fighting Cat Boy.

It’s Cat Eye! Cat Eye called out sensitively. If you’re going to insist on believing you can defeat me, at least refer to me by my correct name.

I wonder if he’s just an irate English teacher behind the make-up, Captain Justice mumbled, shaking his head. He speaks too… arrogantly.

I am not arrogant! Cat Eye shouted, putting the instrument to his lips. As a lulling melody played, the cats came together in one giant mass with the sounds of growling and hissing emanating from it. It was a cornucopia of cats—and they collapsed onto Captain Justice and me.

I struggled against the heavy weight of the cats and burst through their body barrier. I stood, surrounded by cats that I was sure were quite injured. I couldn’t help but feel bad for them. They were innocents in this battle.

What, my dear Lady Disdain, are you yet living? Cat Eye questioned, finally lowering his flute. I glared at him. I hate it when scoundrels quote Shakespeare. Especially when it’s an insult to me.

Look, Catty, I don’t have time to just mess around, I leapt into the air, over the cats, and rushed to Cat Eye. He began playing his flute just in time. I stopped, only feet from him, unable to move.

Women never learn. Captain Justice said, flying just above Cat Eye. He picked him up, startling Cat Eye into clumsily dropping his flute. I collapsed forward onto the street, skinning my knees on the asphalt. I grabbed the instrument and held on tightly; there was no way Cat Eye was ever getting hold of it again.

Captain Justice was about fifteen feet in the air before he smirked and dropped Cat Eye. The villain fell with a hard thud and a groan. He struggled to get up, but Captain Justice landed swiftly on top of him with one booted foot. He whistled—his signal for the police. Several officers came from around the corners of buildings, weapons drawn, and ready to arrest Cat Eye.

I believe that a ‘thanks’ is in order, Captain Justice smiled at me as the cops dragged Cat Eye to his feet and began reading him his rights. I blanched.

I didn’t need your help, so no ‘thanks’ will be given. I was perfectly capable of handling the situation. I replied smugly.

The lady doth protest too much, Cat Eye stated as he was guided past us. I reached over and punched him in the jaw.

Villains and Shakespeare just don’t mix, I glared after him before brushing off my hands. I knew somehow that Captain Justice just wouldn’t let this I helped you thing be dropped. So, I swallowed my pride.

I reluctantly stuck out my hand towards Captain Justice. He grinned roguishly and shook it slowly, deliberately lingering. I wanted to tell him my alter-ego had a boyfriend.

Thanks for the assistance, I said instead. He nodded as I yanked my hand out of his.

No problem, Omega Guardian. We heroes should stick together. What do ya say about teaming up?

Absolutely not. I work alone. Always. I emphasized. Captain Justice looked a little surprised that I’d turned