9781250209153

“Still. I’m sorry I didn’t take it seriously when you told me how toxic it
was between you.”
“It’s fine, Scottie,” she says, brushing my apology away. The way she
says my name is comfortable and worn. “I’m not the only one dealing with
a toxic fallout.”
My heart pangs, remembering Tally at the party tonight. “Yeah. I guess.”
I want to talk more, but Danielle and Honey-Belle barge in with their
tray of nachos. Irene sits up and forces enthusiasm, and I remember what
she said leaving Charlotte’s tonight. I’m tired of thinking. I’m tired of
acting.
For once, I don’t call her on it. We kick back in the hot tub and feast
until we’re wrinkled as prunes.
When it’s time for bed, Honey-Belle surprises us by offering her bedroom.
“Oh no—” Irene and I say together.
“Really, I want you to have it!” Honey-Belle insists, grasping our hands.
“Danielle and I can sleep in the bunk bed room.”
Behind her, Danielle struggles to hold a straight face. I can see the laugh
fighting to burst out of her.
“Honey-Belle, don’t be a martyr,” Irene says urgently. “You love your
bed.”
“And I also love you,” Honey-Belle says, tugging on a loose tendril of
Irene’s hair. “And your girlfriend.”
Irene looks pointedly at me, but I’m at a loss for how to get out of this
one.
“Sounds cozy,” Danielle pipes up. “You guys can snuggle up and
whisper sweet nothings while you fall asleep. What could be better?”
I shoot her the most intense death glare I can muster, but she just grins.
“So it’s settled, then,” Honey-Belle says brightly. “Let me get you some
cozy pj’s to make the snuggling even better.”