Page 45 of My Masked Shadow

“But what if I end up completely losing myself to him?”

She grins. “Then he’ll have to lose himself a little, too.”

I groan. “Why are you good at advice today? You’re supposed to be the chaos friend.”

Basia blinks innocently. “I can multitask.”

We loop back toward the park entrance, just as a rare ray of sunshine pierces through the clouds.

Basia’s phone buzzes—Caleb, undoubtedly.

She sighs dreamily and rolls her eyes at herself. “I should go before he breaks into Central Park and tranquilizes a duck by accident.”

“Tell him hi from me,” I tease.

“Absolutely not,” she says. “He’ll get ideas.”

We stop at the curb, and she pulls me into a hug.

“Barbara. Whatever you decide,” she murmurs, “don’t be afraid of wanting things that make you happy.”

My throat tightens. “Thanks, Bas.”

She gives me one last encouraging smile before typing something on her phone and heading off.

I watch her go. Then I pull out my phone. There’s a text waiting.

Ethan:

Dinner. 7 p.m. Don’t flake.

My heart does a very stupid, very dramatic somersault. I text back before I can overthink it.

Me:

Fine.

His reply hits instantly.

Ethan:

Wear something I’ll want to rip off.

I stare at the screen for a solid ten seconds. Then I reply.

Me:

You’re paying for the dress. And underwear.

Ethan:

With pleasure, little bee.

I close my eyes. And smile up at the sun.

ETHAN