“He’s usually wearing these suits and looking all angry and yelling at people.” My mind moves to the white tee he was wearing, the way it hugged his chest, the way those jeans fit just a littletoowell.His hair is always combed back nearly, but it was clear he hadn’t put the same effort into combing it back like he does when he’s on the job, and the whole look was very, very appealing. “Which, like, hot, I guess, but I’ve never seen him likethat, you know? He’s never dressed down.”
I never thought I had a type, but the way my heart and other places responded, I might after all.
“Do you mind if I ask…have you two ever…” Nat asks, her voice trailing off before a blush burns deep on her cheeks. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I just said that, I’m so sorry. I’ve been around Hallie far too much and?—”
I let out a laugh and shake my head.
“That was one of the most politely asked personal questions I’ve been asked over the years. Tabloids and interviewersloveto try to corner me and ask the strangest questions.”
Nat scrunches her nose in disgust, and I shrug.
“Okay, but that wasn’t a no…?” Hallie says, voice trailing off with a bit of irritation. I let out a laugh and shake my head.
“No, no. Leo and I have never and will never. The man can barely tolerate me.” They look at each other, a knowing smile I can’t decode shared between them.
“Wren thought the same thing about Adam, you know,” Hallie says eventually.
“What?” I ask with a laugh. “Adam, who basically kisses the ground she walks on?” Hallie smiles wide and nods.
“Yup, couldn’t stand her when he got here. And Jesse was a total grump when he and Hallie were forced together,” Nat says
“Seems to be a trend,” Hallie says, a playful smile on her lips, giving me a knowing look, and I finally understand what they’re implying.
“Well, I love that for you guys, but I wouldn’t hold your breath. Leo can’t stand me. It’s purely business between us.”
There’s another beat of silence before Nat speaks. “Should we tell her?”
“Tell me what?” I ask, confused, staring between them. Nat opens her mouth, but Hallie slaps her hand over her mouth and shakes her head.
“No, no, it’s more fun this way, if she thinks he really hates her.”
“Should I get the popcorn now or…?” Nat asks, and Hallie laughs.
“Why does everyone in this town talk in riddles?” I ask, fully confused.
Hallie shrugs. “Part of our small-town charm. But you know what I think? I think you should tell Leo to go fuck himself.”
“What?”
“I think this would be a great time to get into trouble.”
“Get into trouble? That’s exactly what I was toldnotto do.”
“Exactly. I mean, do you always do what Leo tells you to do?”
I bite my lip nervously. “NotLeo,” I say.
Nat’s brow furrows.
“But you let other people tell you to do?”
I sigh, unsure of why I’m even entertaining this.
“It’s complicated. I don't exactly live a normal life.” There’s hesitation, and I hope she doesn't dig any deeper, since I’m coming to terms with a lot these days, and one more thing mightsend me over the edge. I’m relieved when she nods, clearly deciding not to press it.
“Okay, well, we're gonna be living a normal life for the next three months. And that’s going to start with getting into some trouble.”
Hallie sits up and moves to the edge of her seat, a light sparking in her eyes, and I can see an idea forming in her mind. Part of me knows to be nervous of it—that look in her eyes—but I can’t seem to. Instead, excitement brews in my veins. “How? As fun as it sounds, I can’t be getting arrested or anything.” Hallie rolls her eyes.
