Casper:don’t get defensive.It happens to all of us.We grow up.We move on.We live through tragedy and it scars us and we heal and try again tomorrow.It’s ridiculous to believe none of that alters you.
I mean, look at me and Paula.We both went through a lot of bad relationships before we found each other.Now we can learn and grow together.You have to find the people who roll with you when you change, who will love you even when you’re not likable.You find a love like that, Dante.One that builds you into a better person.
Or a future electric minivan owner.
Dante:When did you get so smart?
Casper:It’s the extra twenty minutes
Dante:*eye roll emoji*
Casper:Now, about that autograph for Paula…
* * *
Two daysago
One and Only Ellery:Areyou there?
…
Dante Baker (rock god): El?What’s wrong?
One and Only Ellery:Where are you?
Dante Baker (rock god): Southampton.What’s going on?
…
Dante Baker (rock god): El?Where are you?What’s going on?Please talk to me
…
Dante Baker (rock god): El?
Dante Baker (rock god):El?
Dante Baker (rock god):I’m coming.Don’t lose hope.I’m coming to you.
CHAPTER36
Now—Ellery
The blackness would becomplete if not for people in the audience raising the flashlights on their phones.A thousand tiny beacons create just enough glow to make out the lines of Dante’s hands in hers.
They fit.That’s what hits Ellery, but she’s not sure why she’s surprised.They’ve always fit together.
“We lost power?”Her voice is a whisper, no longer amplified by the mic.
“I think Logan turned it off.”His voice is in her ear, his breath riffling the sweaty tangles of her hair.A thrill trickles through her, chiming along her muscles and spine like bells.
“Fuck Logan.”
He chuckles, a sound deep in his chest.“Fuck Logan.”
“How long will you stay?”
“As long as you want me.”
