“What do you mean?” I ask.
“If the problem is that you’re not a local, then we make you a local.”
“How?”
“We make Stillwater fall in love with you,” Sage says. “Levi, you’re a genius. Why didn’t I think of that before?”
I’m confused, and I know it shows because Sage chuckles. “It starts with the classes. Everyone wants them, and we can’t have them without you. Maybe we can talk to the local school and see if you can go and do a talk about art and how it’s important for kids to have a creative outlet.”
“I…that’s actually a great idea,” I admit.
“Before they know it, you’ll be in everyone’s mind. Then we hit them with a campaign. Arlo, could you make small versions of your bug wings?” Levi asks.
“Yes.” I think about it for a moment. “We could give them to people with a card with a link to my website where they can look at my other stuff.”
They both nod.
“Still doesn’t resolve the fact that I’ve been forbidden to apply again.”
“Discouraged,” Levi says. “Not forbidden. She can’t stop you from applying. Not officially. So you apply, and by the time the next meeting comes around, you’ll have the town behind you. How can she argue that you’re not a local when the community stands with you?”
“I don’t know,” I say. Most people in town are friendly, but it’s one thing to walk past you and smile and another to stand up with you against the most powerful woman in Stillwater. I’d bet all my art supplies that even the mayor is scared of her.
“I’ve got to go,” Levi says. “Trust us? We’re the locals, after all.”
He gives me a wink that makes me weak in the knees. How can I argue with that?
“Fine.” I laugh. “Don’t be late tomorrow.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” he says.
I smile at his wings moving as he walks out.
A little cough takes my gaze from the door. Sage is staring at me with his permanent smugness and a raised brow.
“You can stop whatever thoughts you’re having,” I say. There was no way I could have him acknowledge my attraction for Levi aloud.
“I have the perfect gift—”
“No more dicks.”
“Spoilsport.”
13
LEVI
Sage’s revelationabout Jayden stays with me for the rest of the week.
No matter how much I try, I can’t seem to shake it off.
Jayden left and never returned. Like me. He just had the privilege of staying here longer. But was it a privilege or a prison sentence?
I missed my parents and Liv, but living with my aunt had been the second-best thing. I made friends in my new school, and without the distractions I had at home, I was able to go to college on a partial scholarship.
Jayden no doubt had everything paid for him. No need to worry about how to pay the college fees. That was part of being a Martin. The money, the arrogance.
Except Asher isn’t like that. Despite my initial apprehension about his relationship with Penny, I can’t deny he truly looks like he’s in love with my friend.
