Page 97 of Meet Me In The Dark

“He does not,” Celeste exclaims at the same time I say, “You’re right, Sasha. I’m all googly-eyed for Aunt Celeste.”

“Mom says you like Julian. Even I like Julian, and I hate boys today.”

“Yeah, well, I’ll be having a chat with your mom.”

“I’ll hear that one too,” Sasha says before turningback to me. “Go on?”

Oh, this is good.

“What do you want to know, Julian? Her favorite color? Favorite food? If she snores?”

“I do not snore,” Celeste protests.

“Uh-huh,” Sasha counters. “Mom says she does.”

“Your mom is banned from wine night.”

I consider Sasha’s offer. “Actually, I’ve always wondered—does Aunt Celeste sing in the shower?”

“Yep. Loudly. She thinks she’s Beyoncé.”

Celeste presses a palm to her forehead with a strangled noise.

“Interesting,” I say. “And dance moves?”

“The worst. Like, awkward chicken arms.”

“Chicken arms?”

“Like this.” Sasha demonstrates, flapping her elbows wildly at the table.

Levi laughs and immediately copies her.

Celeste drops her head to the table with a gentle thunk. “Kill me now.”

But Sasha is on a roll. “Want to know the best part?”

“There’s more?” I ask, delighted.

“Oh yeah. Sometimes she talks to herself in the mirror when she’s getting ready. Like, ‘You’ve got this, Celeste,’ or ‘You’re a confident, capable woman.’ Stuff like that.”

Celeste’s mouth falls open. “You are a tiny traitor.” She turns her glare on me. “Why did I think inviting you inside was a good idea?”

“You like him,” Sasha pipes in. “And he’s cute.”

“Sasha!”

“That’s what Mom said, andthen you agreed and—”

“Okay!” Celeste yells quickly, cheeks blazing. “Who wants ice cream?”

“Me!” Levi shouts, throwing both sticky hands into the air.

Sasha smiles, clearly aware she’s hit the jackpot.

Once they’re gone, Sasha holds out a palm.

“Nice teamwork,” she whispers.