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“I don’t know … that we want to see each other … out in the open.” I realized I wanted that more than anything.

“What does that mean? He wants you to be his girlfriend?”

“I don’t know. I hope so. He asked me if we could tell our parents that we talk. That’s as far as we got.”

“And you said yes?”

“I did.” Of course I did.

“That’s kind of sweet,” she said.

“Is it?” The butterflies in my stomach agreed with her.

“Yes! He doesn’t want you to be some secret. You two are willing to risk some very unhappy parents for each other.”

I drew in some air. The phrase unhappy parents brought up an image in my head of just how badly that whole exchange was going to go.

“Is he a good kisser?” she asked.

That brought up a different image, a much better one. “So good.”

She tugged on my arm. “I’m happy for you.”

I was happy too, but very worried. “That my super-secret, forbidden relationship may or may not end in disaster?”

“Yes, that,” she said with a smirk as we approached my mom in line for hot cocoa.

“Just in time,” Mom said. “Hello, Fiona.”

“Hey, Mrs. Costa.”

A high-pitched ringing pierced the air, followed by Mrs. O’Leary laughing. “Sorry about that,” she said into the microphone. “Welcome, everyone. I’m so happy to see so many people out for our annual movie night. Our movie tonight, in case you didn’t already know, is How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

I narrowed my eyes at Mrs. O’Leary. It was hard to see her expression from this far away. Did she choose that movie on purpose? Did she know about the impending lawsuit? Was she trying to send a message? That whoever was doing this was like a Grinch?

She continued, “We’re going to be lowering the lights in five minutes in order to see the screen better. So, everyone get settled, please, and enjoy!”

A smattering of applause started toward the front and then spread through the square. Mom clapped as well as we approached the trailer window.

“It’s my favorite family,” Will said, his eyes darting to each of us. “What can I get for you?”

“Fiona, do you want a hot chocolate?” Mom asked.

“I do. Mint, please.”

“Normal for me,” I said.

“With a candy cane?” Will asked.

Mom smiled at me, and I knew what she was thinking: He remembered my order. I didn’t want her to think that so I said, “No, I’ll take some whipped cream and sprinkles.”

Will tilted his head but said, “Okay, cool. And you, Ris?” He was calling my brother Ris? How often did he talk to my family when I wasn’t around?

“I want sprinkles too!” Harris said. “And whipped cream.”

“Does Marcus want one?” Will asked.

“Yes, he’ll have one with a candy cane,” Mom said. “And I’ll have a mint one as well.”