That’s so sweet, thank you.
I’m really sorry.
Dread and humiliation coil in my chest and cling to my ribs. I brace myself for the inevitable questions.
No need to apologize, Kit. I’m glad you’re okay.
What? I stare, reading the words until they blur. This gentle, understanding response bonds me to him more than any date could have. I shake my head, overwhelmed.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
I brushdirt off my jeans and knot my hair as I glance at the deepening blue sky. Ayumi’s snack table is a work of art, bright treats popping even in the fading light. Levi and Haymitch finish speaker setup. I check my phone—no news from Mia is good news—and kick a tuft of grass. Crunchy, but dry at least.
Austin holds straightened hands toward the focused projector as if telling it to stay put. “I’m gonna get a sofa over here for the birthday girl.”
“A sofa, huh?” Lucky Sophie. Adventures all day, and now a royal seat?
“Where do you want it?” he asks.
“She’ll love that. Front and center is good. The sooner the better, though, before people start setting up their blankets where they won’t be able to see around her throne.”
“Cool.”
“Haymitch, want me to take over?” I ask. “It’s getting dark out here.”
“I can still see a lil’ some’n. And I got my cane if I need it.” He points to his backpack.
“Okay. Thank you both. I appreciate your help so much.”
My heart flutters at Levi’s charming smile. I roll my shoulders. Back to work.
A breeze blows wisps of hair back to my face and ripples across the patchwork of bedsheets hanging down the side of the building.
Ding. It’s Mia.
We’re back
I wring my hands. Every time I think Sophie and I are good, she throws me with another reaction I can’t interpret. I just want her to know I’m in her corner.
I pocket my phone and head for the parking lot, toward the slams of Sophie’s Jeep doors.
“Birthday girl,” I call. “We have a surprise for you.”
“She’s a real one.” Mia points at me. “Planned all of this to the smallest detail. I’m gonna round everyone up.”
“Thanks, Mia!” I say.
“You got it, boss.” Mia blows us a kiss and strides toward Griffin Hall.
Sophie hooks an arm around mine while we walk. “Spill. This is so exciting!”
I allow myself a grin. “Almost there.”
At the field, Sophie gapes at the sheets ahead, at the projector behind. Levi calls to Haymitch and they wave.
“No. Way. Kit!” Sophie jumps and claps and squeals.
“Lots of people made this happen.” I gesture to Ayumi straightening her snacks, to Austin on his way across the field with Ethanand a sofa in tow.
