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“Haven’t you heard?” Ellie’s smile drove Sadie wild in all the best ways. “Nothing good starts in a getaway car.”

“Bet.”

Taking Ellie’s hand, they headed for the Mustang. They told their parents they’d see them there as Sadie cranked up Sabrina Carpenter and headed for the college. After singing a couple of songs together, Ellie turned down the music.

“So, have you thought anymore about going to the Cape with us?”

There was no way Sadie was going to tell her she’d been thinking about nothing else since Ellie had invited her. She’d asked her parents that night, and they’d agreed it would be okay. Sadie had just been waiting for the perfect moment to tell Ellie.

“Perhaps.”

Ellie dramatically groaned. “How long are you going to make me wait?”

“Am I not worth the wait?”

Sadie had no idea where her boldness was coming from, but she hoped it never went away. As she parked the car at the college, she turned and smirked to Ellie. She was pleasantly surprised to find Ellie smiling back at her.

“You’re worth any wait.”

Leaning in slowly, their lips came together softly. It wasn’t a long kiss like the one behind the garage. But it wasn’t quick either. And when Ellie tensely put her hand on the back of Sadie’s neck, Sadie felt herself never wanting to end the kiss.

But, to her disappointment but not surprise, Ellie pulled away first. She tucked Sadie’s hair behind her ear as she smiled.

“I hope that’s a yes.”

“It is,” Sadie said quickly. “It so totally is.”

Chapter 21

Ellie

All her life, Ellie had been the oldest of the twins. She took her time as being thirteen minutes older than her brother with a not-so-humble stride. They were alwaysEllie and Braydengrowing up and Ellie loved her middle child status in the family. It fit her personality perfectly, and she loved her position in the family.

Which made the factBraydenwould be graduating before her a situation she had dramatically exploited. Brayden loved it, of course. He had been laughing over it since they’d had their rehearsal the day before and found out that they were in alphabetical order. Ellie didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of that before. But as soon as Brayden did, he took his moment to shine.

And was still doing so as they waited along the side of the stage for their names to be called.

His smirk told Ellieexactlywhat he was thinking but she asked him anyway.

“This is how life could have been if you hadn’t pushed me out of the way to get out first.”

Ellie rolled her eyes. “Please. I’m an actress. I wasbornto make my grand appearance first.”

“But look who’s the second Mackenzie to graduate today.”

She playfully punched his shoulder as she laughed. “They should have named me Anna.”

“You’re sonotan Anna.”

“Agree with you there.”

“About time.”

“Oh, hush.” Ellie rolled her eyes at him. They were three people away from being called now. Brayden turned around, running his hand through his hair even though it did nothing but make him look cool. Not that Ellie thought her brother was cool. Ew. She leaned toward his ear as the person in front of him was called. “Just don’t trip.”

Brayden spun around, seemingly panicked. “Why would you say that?”

“I love you.”