Page 65 of Wherever You Are

“Jesus Christ, who left the door open?” Lo’s voice filters outside, and he appears in the doorway. He looks between Willow and me.

“Ryke,” I answer, not caring about throwing him under the bus. He, technically, was the one who left the door open anyway.

Lo leans outside, only in a pair of drawstring pants and a short sleeve T-shirt. “Ryke, close the damn door next time!”

Ryke gives him a middle finger.

Lo is about to retreat indoors. He stays, eyes on us. “Both of you. Your room is right next to Jane’s and Sulli’s. Remember that tonight before you start doing things. Actually, why don’t you two just not do things tonight.”

Wasn’t dreaming.Lo and whoever else have definitely been talking about the fact that Willow and I are having sex. Maybe because of the whole “blow job” slip-up back in August. Who knows?

Willow’s eyes are saucers, skin pale.

“Do things,” I say, almost near laughter. “How old are we?”

“Seven years younger than me,” Lo says swiftly like he has comebacks on speed dial. “And I was censoring myself for my sister. I could definitely be cruder if you’d like. Would you like that?”

Wow, he’s pissy today.

“No,” I snap. “Got it. Loud and clear. All of you can have sex, but we’re celibate.” And I realize my mistake as soon as I say it.

“No, sweetheart, you get to be celibate just like me and Lil,” Lo replies with a half-smile and all. That’s right—Lily and Lo are not allowed to have sex for the six weeks after Luna was born. Since Luna Hale came into this world at the end of November, Lo still has some time left with just his hand.

“Lo,” Willow mutters, “we don’t get to see each other that much.” Translation: we never usually get to have sex.

Lo cringes like Willow said the untranslated version. “Fine,” he concedes sharply.

“We’ll be quiet,” I tell him. But he’s already waving me off with a hand and walking into the house.

Willow and I exchange a look before breaking into laughter. It’s cut short when Ryke ascends the stairs, reaching the deck with Coconut jumping excitedly beside him.

His eyes hit Willow. “Dad was just on the phone. He said he’s been trying to call you.”

The air deadens, and the wind suddenly picks up.

Ryke’s brown eyes carry confusion. “Why is he fucking calling you so much?”

Willow shrugs. “We talk every week about school.”

I guess that’s not a lie. Shit, I hate that she has to lie to them.But I am glad that she’s not alone in this secret. She has me.

Ryke rubs his lips. No gloves on. But he hardly looks cold. “You need to be careful, Willow.”

She nods. “I know.”

His warning stays with me, even after he leaves.

15PRESENT DAY – December

Smoky Mountains

WILLOW HALE

Age 21

Sitting against the frosted windowpane, I read a heftyFundamental Accounting Principlestextbook. The next semester starts in January, and I want to get a head start on the reading material. Last semester was tough enough, and my housing issues only makes studying harder.

I spend most days in the student center “quiet zones” and rarely go home. According to upperclassmen, the business courses only get more difficult from here.