Flashback ( PDFDrive )

shoulder. “While I’m being honest, I should probably confess to
peeking out the window a few times tonight while you and Fitz were
having your very sweet moment.”
Sophie groaned and covered her face with her hands. “I thought you
said you wouldn’t make this embarrassing.”
“I said I’d try. Plus, there’s nothing embarrassing about the way he
was looking at you, Sophie. That boy is smitten. You know that, right?”
Sophie groaned louder. But after a second, she had to peek through
her fingers and ask, “You really think so?” Which was a mistake,
because the next thing she knew Edaline was plopping down next to
her on the bed, settling in for a long heart-to-heart.
“Oh, stop trying to hide under the covers,” Edaline said, grabbing
Sophie’s blankets before she could pull them over her head. “You
asked the question. And yes, I think he’s smitten. He has been for a
while. And I know he’s always been special to you—don’t even try to
deny it. So . . . I’m glad you guys are finally figuring that out. Just try to
be prepared for the fact that dating changes things, and—”
“We’re not dating,” Sophie interrupted.
Edaline’s eyebrows raised.
“We’re not. We’re . . . waiting. Until it doesn’t feel so scary.”
“See?” Edaline said, leaning in to kiss her cheek “And that is why I
trust you. You’ve always been such a smart girl, Sophie. And you’ve
always been so good at staying true to yourself, despite the
tremendous pressure you’re under. I hope you hold fast to that and
never feel pressured to be anything other than you.” She reached for
Sophie’s healing hand, checking each of her knuckles—which were
slightly swollen from all the strain—as she added, “And I hope you