Page 8

“Okay, I’ll look for you out there when I find Fiona.”

I weaved my way around bodies as I headed toward the front door. Fiona had dyed her hair blue a couple weeks ago so she was easy to find.

“This is crazy,” she said, turning when I grabbed ahold of her shoulder. “Mrs. O’Leary should’ve just invited one representative from each household.”

“Or just told us all the rules in the flyer.”

“You know she likes to be dramatic about everything.”

I smiled, took hold of Fiona’s hand, spun around—and ran straight into someone.

“Sorry,” I said. When I looked up, I met the eyes of Ryan Moreno. I wanted to take my sorry back, but instead I just froze.

He smiled, but it wasn’t genuine. It was a fake, smug smile as his eyes took in my coat from last year and my boots from the year before that. He looked fresh out of a prep school with his creased plaid topcoat over a deep-green hoodie.

“My neighbor,” he said.

His neighbor? Did he not even know my name? It wouldn’t surprise me if he didn’t.

“You’ve been released from your child labor stint?” he asked.

Fiona squeaked beside me.

“Do you even know what labor is?” I finally said, finding my voice after the initial shock.

“I’ll be in my room around ten o’clock tonight.”

“What?”

“Thought you’d appreciate a time so you don’t have to wait at your window all day.”

My mouth dropped open, and my cheeks immediately flamed red. I tightened my hold on Fiona’s hand and led her away before Ryan could say another word.

“What was that about?” Fiona asked.

I did not want to admit how he’d caught me spying on him out my window. Not after I told Fiona I’d never do that. “Nothing,” I said.

“What is he doing here anyway? Being all hot!” she asked.

“Shhh,” I said as I dragged her away. “No need to give him a bigger head. And what do you mean What’s he doing here? This is for the whole town.”

“But he’s never come before.”

“Maybe we always missed each other.”

“That seems like your theme with him lately—missed connections.”

I made a face. “Ew, we don’t have a theme. Or a connection.”

Out the back door, I could see my moms, Marcus, and Harris in the yard. They’d found seats, and it looked like they’d saved two for me and Fiona.

“I have to pee,” I said to Fiona. “I’ll meet you out there.”

“Hurry,” she said. “I won’t remember all the details I know you’ll want.”

Chapter 4

The main guest bathroom had a line of people waiting, so I found the second, smaller one that was past the kitchen. I did my business, washed my hands, and was heading back the way I’d come when I noticed a faint glow from inside the open kitchen pantry. Weird.