Wow. This was really happening. Kira slumped back in her seat. She wasn’t evenconsideringthe last part, of course—starting a career outside of Cobble Creek; she’d never want a life without Anthony. The mere thought of him caused the ache and upset to collide anew. “I might consider the forty-five days,” she said softly. “But that’s it. I really love it here.” She shot Monty a look. “And that studio is the best gift anyone’s givenme.”
Monty took a deep drag, then blew a cloud of smoke toward her face. “You better make up your mind quick, Kira. Our departure time isn’t going tobudge.”
Finny reached into a flat, glitter-covered bag, pulled out a manila folder, and handed it to Kira. “Choose wisely, Ms. Moretti.” She reached for her drink, her long delicate fingers gracefully curling around the glass, and turned her face toward the band onstage.
The action saidyou’re dismissedlike she’d spoken italoud.
Marissa scooted out of the booth and came to a stand. Kira did the same, the folder in her hand growing heavier with each breath. As they shuffled toward the exit, Finny’s offer hung heavy in the air, thicker than the light-trapping haze. She wanted to talk to Marissa now that things were finally on the table; figure out why she’d agreed to help set this up. More than that, shehadto talk to Anthony. That thought alone had Kira hashing over the dilemma all the way to thecar.
“So are we going to discuss this?” Marissa asked as Kira steered the compact car out of thelot.
“In a minute,” she said, needing to gather her thoughts first. She glanced at the speed limit sign as they passed, wanting very badly to go twice the speed. She resisted. Only gripped the wheel and wondered why this had to come up in her life right then.Why,when she clearly couldn’t accept it, did something as wonderful as that offer have to be thrown in herface?
“You’re being pretty quiet over there,” Marissasaid.
“I know. I’m sorry.” Kira peered at the lane markings as she approached a sharp curve up ahead. Watched as it shifted from a single yellow dash to two solid lines. Lines that showed where she should andshouldn’tgo. “I just … can’t imagine saying yes to that.” She sniffed. “But I can’t imagine saying noeither.”
“Youshouldn’tsay no, Kira. You’d be crazyto.”
Kira shook her head as more frustrated tears welled in her eyes. “You don’tunderstand.”
“Then tell me why you can’t go.You’rethe brave one,remember?”
More curves lay up ahead, those solid double lines in sharp focus beneath the beam’s glow. “Because I’m not like everyone else. I do stupid stuff and mess things up. I’ll probably ruin my shot with Anthony. If I leave, he’ll …” She paused there, the panicky ache sinking deeper into her chest. “Anthony’s been through a lot in his life. Enough that even mentioning the offer might set him into atailspin.”
“Mom and Dad will be disappointed if you don’t takeit.”
Kira shot her a look. “They alreadyknowaboutit?”
“Everyonedoes. Aunt Leonna, Aunt Tullie,Aunt—”
“You know,” Kira blurted, shaking her head, “I’m sick of trying to predict what will impress everyone. I don’t care anymore.” A fresh wave of guilt swept in, reminding Kira that her sister had apologized mere moments ago. That was all well and good, but it didn’t make her decision anyeasier.
“If Anthony loves you, he’ll understand,” Marissasaid.
Quiet crept into the car. A suffocating blackness that made her want to scream aloud just to prove that she could. Instead, she reached over and gave the radio knob a push with her fist. A loud, angst-filled song blasted from the speakers, satisfying the part of Kira that felt like a trappedanimal.
She fixed her eyes on the dark road. Her side of the lane. Her side of the lane. She needed to just stay on her side of the lane. Forget about clearing the family’s name. For once, Kira needed to do the safe thing. Even if shewouldregret letting the opportunitypass.
