“Where in California?”
“In a hospital.”
“Smart girl.”
“I’ve always thought so.” She eased back out of his grip.
“With a smart mouth.”
“I do not have a smart mouth, especially when compared with the people in this crazy town.”
“There’s some truth in that, actually. So where in California?”
“What does it matter where I was born?”
“It’s called interest, Lani. Sharing information about each other is how we get to know a person better.”
“Yeah, well, count me out.” She made herself look away from his dark, knowing gaze and around the town.
So much color and happiness. People were laughing and smiling, except for Ms. Lawrence. She was scowling and pointing to the sidewalk. The two boys with her had their shoulders hunched.
“I know you have secrets, Lani, but then so do we all.”
“My secrets are dark and dangerous,” she said before she could stop herself. “So leave it alone, Noah, it’s better for everyone that way.”
“Maybe if you share them they won’t be so dark and dangerous?”
“That only happens in fairy tales.”
“Lani.” He turned her body to face him again. “If you need help, I’m here for you, as are others in this town.”
Lani forced a smile onto her face and the tears back down inside her. “Thanks, but I’m a loner. It’s better for everyone if I stay that way.”
Someone with a microphone chose that moment to start talking, much to her relief.
“Mr. Hope taught me English in school, but his real passion is music. He’s kind of the unofficial master of ceremonies in Lake Howling.”
“He can certainly project his voice.”
“Lani—”
“Please leave it alone, Noah.” Lani hated the begging tone in her voice.
“Okay, but what I said stands. You need me, just call.”
“Sure. Thanks.” She felt a hand slip into the pocket of her costume.
“What are you doing?”
“Putting my number into your cellphone.”
“I could have done it.”
“And now I have.” He handed it back to her with a smile.
“Like I’ve said previously, you people are in-your-face and have no respect for privacy.”
“The finish line is at the end of the street,” Mr. Hope said. “First there with their potato still on the spoon will win the prize of dinner for two at the Howler, courtesy of the Harris twins.”
