“He wasn’t going that fast.”
“I think he stopped,” I say. “I don’t think he hit me at all.”
“Don’t say that because he’s being nice to you,” Spencer argues. “He knows what he’s doing, trying to get on your good side.”
“I don’t think that’s what he’s doing,” Lyra protests. “I thought you were friends.”
“I like him fine, but you’re my sister, and I won’t forgive him if he does something to hurt you. With a car, or without.”
“He’s not,” I tell him. And I believe that. Whatever might be happening between me and Ashton, it’s not because he has an ulterior motive.
Then again, I could be completely clueless about him.
16
Ashton
I’veneverbeensoconscious of a person before.
When I was with Mera, I watched her because I was jealous, immature, an idiot. I know that now. I know about things like trust and respect, and giving a person the benefit of the doubt.
I do. I really do.
But in the case of Mera and the Met Gala, I was right. Yes, she did appear in Bradley Cooper’s next movie, but that was after they had a torrid, two-week affair.
I have no idea if it was torrid or not. For my own ego, I like to think it needed a lot more than what we had together to make her forget me like that.
Yes, I am comparing myself to Bradley Cooper because while he ishim,I am me.
But watching Sophie is different.
I’m not jealous of the smiles she gives to others. I’m not in a temper about how long she spends trying to settle an always stressed Kate.
I have no idea exactly what Kate does for the royal family, but it’s a lot.
I watch as she gives her friends her full attention, but never claims the spotlight for herself.
Even though they are here to see her, Sophie continually pushes others forward, as if she’s content to stand in the background.
I don’t know if she’s content, or it’s something she just does.
I don’t like it.
Sophie needs to have the spotlight shining on her for once. She needs to take centre stage to show the others her compassion and how considerate she is. The goodness that is inside of her. The glow that surrounds her.
At least I think she glows.
These people have known her longer than I have, so there’s a pretty good chance that they think she glows as well. And they should know how good and kind and sweet she is.
They better.
But Sophie stands back and lets her sister take the attention as she bickers with Gunnar and her brother.
The next person who calls me grumpy, I’m going to show them a picture of Stella Laz.
Sophie only laughs as Lyra and Gunnar and Fenella each jockey to take centre stage. They each have big personalities—everyone around Sophie has a big personality, so it’s no wonder she’s relegated to a supporting role.
But Sophie should be the star.
