“Well then, I believe you now,” Vadika said. Lips pouting, she gave a little nod of disappointment.
“Nice to know it isn’t just on my word,” I mumbled, tilting my chin down in case anyone was still staring in our direction.
“Is that hurt I hear in your voice, Luella Pierce?”
“Of course not.”
“Uh-huh. I can only imagine what the Gertie crew will think about all this.”
“Oh, they had their thoughts,” I agreed. Many, many thoughts.
The wide-eyed expression I gave her must’ve said enough.
Vadika laughed. “Of course they knew before me.”
I shrugged. It was the way of things.
“Essie also found her soul mate this weekend,” I said, changing the subject once more.
“Again?”
I laughed.
“Seriously, how can a thirteen-year-old have more soul mates in her life than I ever will? I don’t understand.”
“She’s almost sixteen.”
“Still,” Vadika insisted. “Life isn’t some sort of sweet young adult novel. At least, not that I am aware.”
“Now, it’s your turn.”
“My turn?” Vadika’s eyes flew up to mine.
“The wedding,” I said. “How did it go? Did you end up finding an amazing boy your grandmother set you up with?”
“Oh, please. Spare me.”
My eyes widened. “That wasn’t a no.”
The door leading outside opened again. Cool air skittered across my exposed ankles. I couldn’t help myself but turn around to look back at it. I hated the small part of my mind that wondered if it was Ryan and his friend coming back inside.
Vadika noticed the movement. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”
“Is there something you’re not telling me about a likely suave mystery man you met at your cousin’s wedding?”
Vadika sighed and looked away, as if that didn’t just give us both our answers. Brow furrowing, I watched as Vadika turned back to her open computer. She typed a few more notes in the corner of her screen, evading the conversation she’d started. We both seemed to have enough we didn’t want to talk about.
“There is definitely something you’re not telling me.”
I remembered the way Ryan’s lips had angled over mine in the darkness of the library, subdued lamps lighting the space. For some reason, I wasn’t ready to admit that to Vadika or anyone just yet. It wasn’t a long kiss or a spectacular kiss, yet it almost felt unreal, and it was only for me right now.
Even if Ryan didn’t remember it or care. He had gotten what he wanted, so maybe after that, he forgot altogether, just like he had with me before.
* * *
“Don’t stare too hard.”
I narrowed my eyes at someone I clearly had never met before. I stood up from my seat. Vadika had left a bit ago, leaving me with sending off the last section of a group project before packing up and throwing away the trash she left behind on the table. “Excuse me?”
