Except Grey is texting this for me while I drive. So that’s confusing.
And we’re def macadamia nuts. To call us cashews would be the greatest insult.
Almonds. Still palatable in large quantities.
Mav
I think that’s a compliment.
You get to the top of the staircase and see a hot air balloon and a rocket ship. Also a ninja starts up the stairs after you. What do you do?
A staircase doesn’t seem like a safe place for a rocket to take flight. I’ll step into the hot air balloon. And I invite the ninja to join me for a pleasant journey.
Grey
You achieved the impossible. Mav is speechless.
*Picture of flummoxed Mav at the wheel*
He says he needs to provide multiple choice next time so you don’t go rogue with the kindness.
Dad
That’s my girl. Bravely inviting ninjas to hang with no fear. Sounds like Jesus.
*Jesus GIF*
Mom
So proud. See, Kit? You’re the bravest of allof us.
That afternoon I spot Levi headed to his car—Grey would correct me that an SUV isn’t a car but a vehicle—and I wave as I pass by. I just finished dropping off a research book for my Bible paper at the library. I don’t usually see him at this time.
With a cajoling tilt of the head and a sad smile, he calls, “Can I tempt you away from the studious afternoon ahead?” His pace continues, like he has no hope I’ll agree.
But something in me clicks into place—or maybe out of place. I dash toward his parking spot, ignoring the screams of my better judgment. I have to get in the car before I change my mind. This is my chance to be who I want to be—to be Brave Kit. I’m doing it.
CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT
I irreverently revelin the shock on his face as he opens the passenger door and I bound in. This is happening. Bewildered, he makes his way around to the driver seat and eyes me as he presses the button to start the car.
Guess that was a yes to the brave prayer? No idea what I’m doing. You’re right here with me, right?
I’m still thrown off by the extravagance of a Range Rover. I ride in it whenever our group goes off campus, but I’ve certainly never been in the front—my rules don’t allow this under any circumstances. The navigation system is huge and flashy, and opulent wood accents and leather line every surface. I turn to him, remembering that time in his room two weeks ago. I don’t belong in this car, but somehow I know I belong here with him.
“I was going to trade it in for something more earth-friendly and … economical,” he says, “but it’s one of the only things I still have from home.”
Inside, he’s just a kid far from home like the rest of us. This ostentatious tank makes so much more sense now.
“I get that.”
His shoulders relax. What an honor that he cares what I think.
I kick off my flats—his seats are spotless, and I won’t be the one to dirty them—tuck my left leg beneath me, and angle toward him. Today I’m adventurous. Free. I may as well be in a convertible with the wind in my hair. “Where are we going?” I ask.
“I have a treat to … procure,” he says, struggling to keep a straight face. “Just north of the center.”
Still buying me gifts after our last conversation? I push the thought away. No overthinking. “How’d you get into swimming?” I ask, pointing at the indoor lap pool as we leave campus.
