“Is it because of Charlotte?”
I look at her in surprise. I haven’t spared a thought for Charlotte since the last lesson, if only because I’ve suppressed anything that comes up. We’ve hardly spoken to each other since the first day she showed up, and I should be worried because she’s definitely planning something. But I have more than enough problems. It’s amazing that Charlotte, of all people, is the least of them.
“Or is it Jase? Because the two of you are giving off some weird vibes.”
The corners of my mouth lift in a barely perceptible smile. “Weird vibes?”
“Yeah. You know.” She makes a gesture that’s supposed to mean something to me, and eventually I figure it out.
“We’ve known each other for a while,” I say, finally, with a sigh. “He was my brother’s best friend.”
“Oh, my God.” Mae’s eyes go wide, with an enthusiastic glitter in them. “Were you a thing? Oh, please tell me you were. Your brother’s best friend. That’s so hot.”
A mirthless laugh escapes from my lips, and a familiar feeling of tension starts building behind my eyes. “No, it wasn’t like that. Well, sort of, but not... really. A lot went wrong.”
“Oh man, I’m really sorry. That was stupid of me! I didn’t want to... we don’t have to talk about it,” Mae says, backpedaling.
I don’t say anything because I can’t.
“Okay, what if we do something fun tonight? If we stop talking about Charlotte and Jase, do you want to go out? That is, if you want to spend any more time with an insensitive bitch.”
I have to smile. “You’re not insensitive, and you’re definitely nota bitch. Actually, I’m meeting my brother. But if you want, you can come with me. I’m sure he’d love to meet you.”
Mae gives me a mischievous grin. “Is he cute?”
“I can’t answer that because he’s my brother. But you’re not his type anyway.”
* * *
I sit in the lounger with my legs up, watching Mae argue with Tristan, Nick, and my brother about which of theStar Warstrilogies is the best. I can’t contribute much to the discussion because I’ve never seen the movies. Science fiction just isn’t my thing. Still, there’s something comforting about listening to them talk, seeing Mae laugh, and watching the boys banter with her like she’s been here a thousand times.
But someone is missing, and I don’t mean Reed, whose absence doesn’t particularly affect me. It’s Jase who’s missing. I always miss him when we’re all together, and I wonder if I’m the only one who notices his absence.
I get up and sneak out of the spacious living room without the others noticing. They’re too caught up in their conversation. I open the door to the roof terrace and step outside. It’s chilly and windy, and I briefly consider going back inside to get my jacket but decide against it. Someone would probably notice me going out, and I need a moment alone.
I lean against the glass railing that surrounds the terrace while the wind tousles my hair. Boston’s skyline stretches out in front of me. From up here, you can see as far as the Charles River, and on good days when the wind is blowing in the right direction, youcan smell the sea. The light of the setting sun refracts off the glass facades of the skyscrapers. Boston’s West End is beautiful. It’s different from Back Bay and Beacon Hill, much more elegant and modern but no less stunning.
“What are you doing out here?” I turn to look when I hear Caleb. He comes over carrying one of his jackets, which he puts around my shoulders. I give him a grateful look.
“Just thinking.”
“Are you okay?” He stands next to me, gently bumping his shoulder against mine.
I breathe a sigh of relief as my pulse remains steady. No tingling, no panic.Thank goodness.
“Charlotte is back.”
“What?” Caleb sounds so horrified that I almost laugh.
“She’s here. We have a few classes together.”
“I thought she was in Paris.”
“That’s what I thought too.” I clutch the railing so tightly that my knuckles turn white.
“Is it bad?”
“It’s Charlotte,” I reply, and that’s enough to answer his question. “But she’s been leaving me alone. For now, at least. Who knows when that will change.”
