Page 99 of No More Secrets

“Yeah. I think so.” In the past, he would have denied it. But he’s been smiling a lot more lately.

A wide headband holds back her mass of tight curls, making the freckles stand out on her nose. Studs and hoops march up her ear shell. From his count, not that he’s counted before, she’s added another piercing. She looks down at her sundress and combat boots.

“I don’t usually wear dresses.” Her hand smooths down the front. “Skirts get in the way of hunting.”

They share a smile. So, she’s still pursuing bounties. “You look nice.”

“It’s really yellow.”

“Reminds me of the mustard fields in Napa Valley. Have you been?”

She shakes her head. He hasn’t either, not for a long time. An unexpected desire to take her this summer rises. They’ll bring Shiloh and make a weekend of it.

Her eyes meet his. “Ready for us to move in?”

“We’re ready.” He just finished updating the kitchen and bath in the apartment Sophie’s renting. Ivy even furnished it.

“Shi just wrapped up school. I have to close up my place in Redondo Beach for the summer, but we should be there by Tuesday.”

“I’m sure Ivy will make sure there’s plenty of lasagna.”

“And you? Would you want to share a sunset and soda with me?”

He feels a lightness in his chest. “I look forward to it.”

Speakers crackle before a woman’s voice announces the movie will begin shortly. She invites guests to take their seats. The people surrounding Lily disperse. She says something to Kavan. He kisses her and disappears into the darkness of the theater. She grabs Josh, and they make their way to Lucas.

Shiloh gasps. She grabs Lucas’s arm. “She’s coming.” She stares, gobsmacked.

Lily smiles at them. Shiloh stares back, mute. Lucas snickers, and she tosses him a dirty look.

Lily’s attention stops at Sophie. He almost forgot they’re friends. Or were before Sophie betrayed his sister.

“I hope you don’t mind I came,” Sophie says.

“I’m glad you did.”

“I’m sorry—”

“Stop.” Lily grabs her hand. “You could have handled it better. We all could have. But it worked out in the end.”

Sophie looks relieved. “Thank you.” They hug, and Shiloh clears her throat, finding her voice.

“Hi,” she squeaks.

“Lily, this is Shiloh. Shiloh, Lily,” Lucas introduces.

“Hi, Shiloh. Nice to officially meet you.” Lily shakes her hand. “I’ve heard so much about you.”

“You have? That’s... wow. Sick.” She wipes her palms on her jeans.

“Lucas told me you draw.”

“He did?” She looks at him, worried. “Cool. I mean, what did he say?”

“Only good things. I understand you want to be an animator.”

She nods vigorously. “I’ve watched all your videos.”