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“Trevor Mariano asked me to prom.”

“Oh, really,” Delaney gasped, looking across the table at Charlie as she raised her eyebrows. “That’s great. Who’s Trevor?”

“He’s on the baseball team.”

“And the hockey team,” Charlie added. “And the football team.”

“Oh. Wow.”

Her mother didn’t have to say it for Sadie to know she was also surprised it was a guy Sadie was going to prom with. But sexualitywasfluid, and Sadie never wanted to put herself into a box. She had traditionally liked girls, sure, but she did find some boys attractive. And Trevor was one of them. Whyshouldn’tshe go to prom with him?

It wasn’t like he’d asked her to marry him. Hell, he hasn’t even asked her on a date or to be his girlfriend. For all Sadie knew, he just needed someone to go to prom with so he didn’t have to go alone. Sadie understood that even if she doubted it was true. That was just the only reason that didn’t make her overthink him asking her to prom.

“I’m going to go wash my hands.”

Sadie abruptly stood and hurried to the restroom. She planted her hands on the counter and took in a deep breath. Her mind was so jumbled with thoughts of Ellie and Trevor that she couldn’t think straight.

Part of her wanted to message Trevor and tell him never mind. She’d been caught off guard and didn’t have time to fully register what he’d asked when she had said yes. It wasn’t like he could make her last few months at the Moonflower Cove High School any worse than they already would be. Sadie could deal with whatever aftermath came from turning Trevor Mariano down.

“No,” she stated firmly to herself in the mirror. “Don’t do this. Trevor asked you because he likes you. You’re a catch. If Ellie wanted to ask you to prom, she would have. And she didn’t, so,” Sadie shrugged, “that’s that.”

Nodding firmly, Sadie felt confident in her decision to go to prom with Trevor. If anything, maybe it would help put the thoughts of Ellie out of her mind.

Chapter 5

Ellie

Carlson’s Cafe was the second most frequented dining establishment for the Mackenzie family. The family-owned business belonged to Maggie and Amy Carlson, who were friends of her parents. They served breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with coffee and pastries throughout the day. Ellie loved breakfast the most, which was how it became a sort of tradition for her and Mason to meet up there one Saturday a month. The sisters would eat, chat about life, and run errands or shop the rest of the day.

Ellie loved it. In fact, she looked forward to it more than anything else in the month. It wasn’t as if she didn’t get to see Mason regularly—she did. But it was rare the two were able to have one-on-one time, which Ellie desperately craved. Mason was her favorite sibling, not that she’d ever tell the others that. There was just a bond and understanding between Ellie and Mason that didn’t exist with Blake, Brayden, or Everleigh.

“So, what are you thinking?” Mason didn’t look up from the menu she was intensely studying. Her long brown hair was past her shoulders, and Ellie couldn’t remember a time it was so long. It looked good on her. “I’m thinking French toast, bacon, and a latte.”

“All the sugar.”

“Oh, hush,Mom,” Mason teased as she set her menu down. “What about you?”

Ellie set her menu on top of Mason’s and folded her arms on the table. “Replace the latte with a mocha and I’m in.”

“You’re so my little sister.”

“No way to deny it,” she laughed.

And there wasn’t. They had the same thick, dark brown hair and the same brown eyes. Even their smile and laugh were the same. They were Isla Mackenzie’s daughters through and through.

After they’d placed their orders, Mason asked, “So, how’s play rehearsals going?”

“Good.” Ellie nodded, sipping on the ice water she’d ordered. “Really good actually. I know all my lines.”

“Obviously.”

“And I’m learning all the dance moves.”

“They’ll come easily. You’re like Mom that way. You’re both way too talented.”

Ellie blushed under the praise of her sister. She had always idolized Mason, in a way. Mason was more than her big sister; she was her third mom, her best friend. Not that she’d ever tell anyone that. It felt weird to say her sister was her best friend. Especially when few of her friends even liked their older siblings.

“Thanks.”