Something flares in my chest—pulse quickening, intrigue blooming.
And then I think:What would Aunt Misty do?
I grin. “No. We came this far. Let’s go in.”
April whoops. “That’s the spirit! Wait—what’s your club name?”
“Mywhat?”
“Your alter ego,” Maya says, perking up. “We used fake names at the club in Chicago. I’m Kitten. Grant’s Shaman.”
“I’m Sasha,” Alex adds with a wink.
I laugh despite myself. “Okay, okay…” I tilt my head back, searching for inspiration. My eyes land on the full moon above us.
“I’ve got it. Luna.”
“Love it.” April nods. “Okay, rules: no asking personal details. Sometimes people here are famous. Don’t pry. Keep your mask on. Keep convo light. And?—”
Her eyes flick to my hand.
“What?” I ask, bracing.
“Are you gonna keep that on?”
I glance down at my engagement ring. “Take it off?” I hesitate. “I mean, I didn’t even think about that.”
My chest tightens.
“Faith,” Maya says gently, “you’re on a break. He’s off doingwho-knows-whatin D.C. and not even responding to your texts.”
Maya, Alex, April—all of them nod.
They’re right. I know they’re right.
But I still feel like I’m crossing a bridge I can’t uncross.
“I’ll take it off. But I’m keeping it on at home—I don’t feel like explaining all this to my dad.”
Everyone looks at me like I’ve just grown horns.
“Wearegetting married,” I continue, trying to sound confident. “This is just a break. I know it is.”
Still, their faces don’t budge.
Also, someone could easily recognize the ring—God forbid at church tomorrow.I slide it off and tuck it deep into the inner pouch of my purse, zipping it shut with a finality that sends a little tremor through my chest.
I take a deep breath and say it out loud.
“We’re on a break.”
I try to mean it.
In the window of a nearby car, I catch my reflection: black Keds, cut-off jean shorts, and a striped long-sleeve tee. I look more like I’m going to a barn dance than, well,this.
“That’s the spirit,” April says with a wink. “Luna.”
“This whole ‘taking a break’ thing is just anew concept, that’s all.”
