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“Don’t think like that.”

“No? Why shouldn’t I? You were the first good thing to happen to me, and I blew it.”

“No, you didn’t. Listen, I was speaking to Kiera. She invited me to visit her this coming weekend, to take advantage of our Tuesday off. She suggested I ask you to meet us.”

“Really? Where?”

“Not her dorm or college. She’s renting a two-bed room at a motel she goes to with her English boyfriend. He had to return to England because of a serious family illness, so she asked me to visit, and then when she found out what happened with you, she suggested you come along, too.”

“Will the Sheriff of Nottingham let you go?”

“Yes, but he thinks . . .”

“You’re getting away from me?”

“Something like that.”

“Hmm . . . that guy doesn’t strike me as the naive type, Sasha.”

“It’s complicated. In an ironic way, he thinks I need advice from Kiera on how to conduct my romantic relationships.”

“So we’re in a romantic relationship?”

“I’m doing a calligraphy of love to give you. You’ll figure it out after a while, say ten years.”

He laughed. “When are you going?”

“I’m leaving early from school tomorrow.”

“Just the three of us, then?”

“Yes.” I paused. “I don’t know what I’m saying or doing. You could get into more trouble. I could get into more trouble.”

“But you still would like me to do it?”

“I just think this is all so unfair.”

He was quiet. I was afraid I was pushing him into something he instinctively knew was bad, even dangerous.

“Don’t do it, Ryder. Forget I even mentioned it. We’ll only be sorrier.”

“Not possible to be any sorrier than I am. I’m supposed to be grounded for a month, but I’ve ignored that before,” he said. “You just tell me where and when. I’ll be there.”

“Are you sure?”

“Never more sure,” he replied. “You don’t want me just pouting at home like my sister, do you?”

“No, but what’s going to happen when they realize you’re gone?”

“They won’t make a big scene. That would bring the entertainment press to the doorstep. They’ll tell the school I’m home sick or something and wait for me to return. As you know, I’ve run away before. Celebrities always lie about their real-life problems. It’s practically expected. Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay.”

“Then it’s settled. I’ll see you in school tomorrow after they cut off one of my fingers, and you can

give me the details.”

“Stop it,” I said.