“No. She’ll probably pick up my message today.”
“And how are you feeling… about everything?”
“Okay, I guess.” Smoothing things over with Nix had helped. But it had also brought to light a bunch of other issues. My father’s betrayal mainly.
She narrowed her eyes at me and I went on the defensive. “What?” I groaned.
“Nothing. Nothing at all.”
“Celeste, I’m okay. Things got a little intense, but I feel more grounded now.”
“Because of Nix?”
“It isn’t like that.”
“Listen, I get it. He’s your person. But don’t let your feelings for him mask—”
“I know, I know.” I glanced away, pressing my lips together, uncomfortable with the way she saw through me so easily.
I’d called Dr. Katy, and that was huge for me. But despite the pressure in my chest, I did feel calmer, and I knew it had to do with Nix being back in my life.
And mine.
He’s mine.
It still felt like a dream, a wild fantasy where I was the shining star. Except, I wasn’t a star. I was the moon. Radiant during the night, but only a wispy reflection in the day.
I sent Nix a quick text back, and paid for my lunch, following Celeste to an empty table. The second I sat down, a reply came through.
Hot Tub Guy: So my old man and Jessa are going out of town on the weekend…
“What?” Celeste asked. “You just went as red as a beet.”
“I… his stepmom and dad are out of town on the weekend.” Heat trickled through me.
“Ooh, you can have a romantic night at his place.”
“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”
“It’s a great idea. You can sneak in under the cover of darkness and play house.” Her brows waggled suggestively.
“I’m sorry, are you pro-Nix or anti-Nix? I can’t keep up”.
“Ha ha.” She poked her tongue out at me. “I’m pro-whatever-makes-you-happy.”
“And where would I tell Michael and Sabrina I’m staying?” Because I couldn’t deny the idea of a night alone with Nix was appealing.
“Maybe I can stay at Miles’s and we can cover for you? We’ll figure something out.”
Another lie to add to the web of lies I was already caught in. But why should I care? Michael had lied—lies that had changed everything.
That had changed me.
“What are you two talking about?” Max slid in beside Celeste and we both gawked at him.
“What the hell are you doing?” she hissed.
“Saying hello to my two favorite sisters. Problem with that?”