I pull my legs in closer and wrap my arms around them. “I’m not going to pretend I don’t miss New York, and I’m definitely stressed about how this might affect things with Columbia and my internship. But, I don’t know…” I shrug. “Being here isn’t the worst thing in the world.”
Something about saying these words aloud uncoils some of the tension that’s been sitting in my shoulders ever since my parents sat me down to tell me they were separating.
Fern smiles softly at me. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but Bramble Falls kind of looks good on you. Maybe you needed a little sabbatical.” Her face turns stern. “But you obviously belong with me in Manhattan, so don’t get too attached to this place. I don’t want to have to find another roommate for next year.” She faux shudders, and I laugh.
“There’s no danger in that, don’t worry. The plan is still Columbia. We’ll be selling all your stuff to make room for mine in just a few short months,” I joke.
Fern shrugs. “Your clothes are cuter than mine, anyway. Sounds like just the excuse I need to take them over.”
A while later, Cooper exits the shop, and my eyes snap to him.
“God, he’s hot,” Fern mumbles as we watch him approach. He’s in a rust-colored sweater, dark jeans, and brown boots.
“Yup.”
“Wish I had more time here. The things I could do with your little family friend…”
“Fern!”
She laughs. “What? You’re thinking it too.”
“Thinking of the things you could do with him? I’m definitely not.”
“You know that’s not what I mean.”
“Well?” Cooper says as he gets closer. “Anyone come to complain to you about the riddles?”
“Not yet, but it’s still early,” I say. Fern scoots over, making space between us on the bench.
Cooper ambles over and sits in the open spot.
“So, are you just visiting Ellis, or are you here on official business?” Cooper asks Fern.
“I’m just here for our gorgeous girl,” she says, grinning at Cooper. He glances at me for a split second, then nods at Fern. I know what he thinks of me doesn’t matter, but my traitorous brain wonders if he’s agreeing that I’m gorgeous. If he’s as enamored with me as I am with him.
But seeing as his eyes are glued to my best friend, probably not.
I clear my throat and push the thought away. “Fern is actually stopping by on her way to meet with Spider Spices.”
Cooper’s eyebrows lift. “No way. That’s awesome.”
I lean back and sigh. I’m only making her sound cooler.
“Ellis!” A tiny body suddenly jumps on my back, and sticky fingers poking out of black gauntlet-covered sleeves wrap around my neck.
There’s only one little guy this could be.
I stand up, and he hangs on. “Oh my gosh, everyone!” I exclaim. “Is thatBatmanon my back?”
“Oh man. I think so,” Cooper says, going with the shtick. “I didn’t realize Batman lived around here.”
The little body unravels himself from me and drops to the ground. He lifts his mask. “It’s just me!”
“Harley,” Dorothy says, coming up behind him. “I’ve told you a hundred times you have to stop jumping on people. Sorry about that, Ellis.”
“No worries,” I say, ruffling Harley’s hair.
She shakes the sheet of paper in her hand at me. “By the way, this scavenger hunt isn’t for the faint of heart. Some of these are much too hard.”
