9781250209153

Honey-Belle shrugs. “That’s up to him, not me. I always say when I like
things so the universe will hear me clearly. Actually, that’s how Irene and I
became friends! I told her I liked her aura. It’s shimmery and bold, as I’m
sure y’all have noticed.” She shakes Danielle’s forearm. “Why, do you like
someone?”
“No, no, definitely not.” Danielle clears her throat. “I was just asking
hypothetically.”
“That’s too bad, because there’s probably lots of guys who like you.
You’re a natural leader and you’re super brainy and, to top it all off, you
have Cleopatra eyes. You could rule a whole kingdom with a scepter and a
necklace of rubies.”
Danielle blinks rapidly. “Er … thank you.”
“Anytime.” Honey-Belle beams. “Your turn: How’s your heart?”
“Um.” Danielle shifts to spread her arms wider. “My heart feels anxious.
It’s like I’m always on the edge of something. The next test, the next big
game, the next college acceptance letter. I have a hard time being happy
where I am.”
I’ve never heard Danielle speak like this. A surge of affection shoots up
through my chest. I want to reach across the hot tub and hug her.
“That sounds mega stressful,” Honey-Belle coos. “Thank you for
sharing and helping to cement our bond of vulnerability. Okay, Ireenie,
you’re next.”
Irene, who has been taking all this in as quietly as I have, shakes her
head. “Not tonight, Honey-Belle.”
“Oh come on. We can tell you’re upset about the party.”
“I’m fine.”
“Your aura has gone dark and spiky,” Honey-Belle says pointedly.
Irene dips her head back so she’s looking at the ceiling. “Fine. My heart
feels betrayed.” She pauses. “I’m also hungry.”
Honey-Belle smiles. “I was waiting for that. Nachos?”
“God, yes, please.”
“Coming right up. Danielle, will you help me?”
“What?” Danielle says. “But it’s so warm in here—”