I told myself it was good to skip a night. Good that we have some distance. But I’ve been checking my phone like a teenager all evening.
Still awake?
I smile to myself and text back.
What do you think? Game just finished.
She answers almost immediately.
Up for a surprise?
I stare at the text, confused. It’s past nine. What kind of surprise could she have at this hour?
Depends on your definition of surprise.
The dots appear showing she’s typing, then disappear as if she’s changed her mind. I’m about to clarify and tell her she can tell me whatever it is.
But then a knock at my door makes me freeze.
Nobody knocks on my door uninvited, especially not after dark. It could be club business, but they’d text or call first. It could be trouble, but trouble doesn’t usually knock; it comes barging in.
I approach the door, hand instinctively reaching for the piece I keep in the side table drawer.
I open the door and my brain short circuits.
Solana’s standing on my doorstep, bathed in porch light, looking small and uncertain but trying to play it off with a nervous smile.
“Surprise,” she says.
14
SOLANA
My heart poundsas I stand at Silver’s door.
This is insane. What am I doing here at nine o’ clock at night? But the house was so empty, so quiet with Unc and Moses gone, and tomorrow Kel comes back to campus, and I can’t stop shaking at the thought.
I need to not be alone. I need to be near someone who makes me feelsafe.
The door opens and Silver’s there in sweatpants and a ribbed tank, clearly winding down for the night. His eyes widen in shock.
“Surprise,” I chirp, forcing a nervous smile.
He stares at me, this long, uncertain moment stretching between us. I can see him trying to process why I’m here and what this means. His brows furrow and mouth opens then closes, no words coming out.
My stomach plummets. This was stupid. So, so stupid!
I’m behaving like the clingy, needy girlfriends Moses always complains about. Not that I’m Silver’s girlfriend.
We’re just friends.
Even if he’s obviously a very attractive older man who makes my pulse race and gives me flutters in my stomach. Even if speaking to him has quickly become the highlight of my day.
“Sorry, this was stupid, I shouldn’t have—” I start turning away but his hand shoots out, catching my arm.
“Wait,” he says. “Don’t go. It’s fine. You just surprised me, that’s all. It’s not every night you turn up like this. Or ever, actually.”
“I wanted to talk to you,” I say as he guides me inside, the warmth of his house wrapping around me. The door clicks shut, and suddenly we’re alone together in his private space.
