“Jameson!” Sean’s voice boomed from the other room.
She took the out. “We’ll still be friends, okay?”
He looked like he wanted to argue, but instead gave a stiff nod. Before he could say more, she bolted up the stairs, her heart hurting even as her head told her it was the right thing.
Chapter Six
Daisy, Age 15
FALL SLIPPED QUIETLY INTO WINTER, Daisy’s favorite season. The holidays often left her brimming with inspiration, her art always sharper. Even her usually cynical brother seemed lighter this time of year.
Sean had finally relented to the fact that Daisy was growing closer to every member of The Kings Court. Lenny and Kyler, in particular, were starting to feel more like brothers. They welcomed her into their little clique after realizing her taste in music put Sean’s to shame. They liked busting Sean’s chops almost as much as Daisy did and they never hesitated to take her side, if only because it annoyed him.
Jameson, to her surprise, seemed content with the strange limbo they were in. Their friendship was steady, comfortable, and if she let herself admit it, refreshing. She still carried massive feelings for him, but for now, the undefined closenesswas enough. They were circling each other, waiting for someone to make the first move.
The band, meanwhile, was thriving. Their once-a-month gigs at Bullets had turned into a weekly staple. Crowds swelled, Frankie kept giving them more stage time, and soon The Kings Court, or TKC as everyone started referring to them as, became a local fixture. Word spread quickly of the teenage rock band with swagger, talent, and a lead singer who could make a room stop breathing.
Daisy didn’t disagree with the description, especially the part about Jameson.
When school started again, Daisy began to emerge from the cocoon she’d once hidden inside. She didn’t dread socializing the way she used to. She was part of something bigger now, folded into a group that felt like family. She was, for all intents and purposes, an honorary member of The Kings Court.
“Let’s have a pool party,” Sean announced one afternoon on their drive home from school.
“A pool party? For what?”
“Our birthdays. Together, like when we were kids.”
Her heart melted a little. For once, her perpetually jerkish brother was being sweet. She’d assumed the more time she spent with “his” friends, the less he’d want her around, especially for his birthday.
“You’d share your birthday with me? I’d love that,” she nearly sang.
He rolled his eyes. “Don’t get all mushy. You’re cool with my friends now, so… might as well.”
“Fine, but don’t you think it’s too cold for a pool party?”
“It’ll be warmer by the end of March. The pool’s heated. We’ll be fine.”
“Then a pool party it is.”
Their parents went all-out for the joint party. A tiki bar stood in the corner of the yard with bartenders slinging mocktails. A buffet of appetizers, salads, and stacks of pizza filled another table.
While Daisy’s guest list was modest, Sean invited practically the entire sophomore class. The backyard swarmed with girls in bikinis and boys in swim trunks. Volleyball games broke out in the shallow end while the Jacuzzi overflowed with gossip and laughter.
Daisy stood watching in disbelief. Kids who had barely acknowledged her before now lounged in her yard.
“Whatcha doing?” Anna’s voice suddenly rang in her ear, making Daisy jump.
“Gosh, Anna, you scared the crap out of me.”
“I was hoping to scare you out of that dress,” Anna teased, tugging at her straps. “It’s a pool party, remember?”
“I’ll swim. Eventually.”
Anna’s eyes flicked past her, lips curving into a smirk. “Jameson!” she called, waving him over.
“What are you doing?”
Anna ignored her.
