Page 96 of Meet Me In The Dark

I raise a brow. “Must I?”

She nods. “Aunt Celeste let you into her apartment. She never lets men in. Ever.”

“Sasha, you’ve got to stop listening to me and your mom when we talk adult talk,” Celeste scolds.

Sasha shrugs. “Mom always sends me out of the room when she talks to Aunt Celeste and Aunt Madi, but I eavesdrop. I’m really good at it, too.”

I bite back another laugh.

Smart kid.

“Since you’re a boy, what should I do?”

How the hell did I end up giving relationship advice to a ten-year-old?

I look at Celeste for help, but she just smiles sweetly and leans back with her glass raised, as if to say, “You’re on your own, buddy.”

“Let’s clarify,” I sigh. “I’m not one of those boys. I would never hold someone else’s hand at recess.”

Jesus Christ, Julian.

Sasha gives me an approving nod, satisfied with my answer. “Good. So, what do I do?”

“Alright,” I say, channeling my inner negotiator. “Option one: Move on. He’s clearly not worth your attention. Find someone better.”

Sasha wrinkles her nose. “Next.”

“Option two: Make him jealous. Act like he never mattered. Maybe start talking to another kid who’s got better snacks. Two Lunchables, something impressive.”

She perks up. “Ryan always has two Lunchables.”

“Then Ryan is your guy…. Or,” I lean in because I’m invested now, “option three: Revenge.”

Her entire face lights up.

“No!” Celeste protests, eyes wide. “Julian, stop—”

“Hear me out,” I insist. “Harmless revenge. Nothing serious. Maybe start a little rumor. Like he still sleeps with a nightlight.”

“He does,” Sasha whispers.

“Perfect. Problem solved.”

Celeste groans louder, burying her face in her hands. “You’re encouraging playground warfare.”

Sasha beams at me. “Thank you, Julian. This was super helpful.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Okay. You helped me. How can I help you?”

“What were you thinking?”

“What do you want to know? About Aunt Celeste, I mean.”

“Sasha,” Celeste hisses. “Girl code.”

“What? He looks at you all googly-eyed.” Sasha rolls her eyes around for effect.