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She kept her eyes down. “I used to always spend the Fourth with my grandpa. It was special, and now––” she cleared her throat. “And now he’s gone.”

I glared at her. “You FaceTimed him two days ago.” During our lunch break. “He told you about fishing and the party his cul-de-sac was throwing.”

She covered her mouth, but I caught her smile. “Right, he’s gone from me, in Michigan, and I just really miss him.”

“You’re out of control.” I shook my head and started to turn.

“Victoria, please. This is my favorite holiday, and I’m having so much fun with you. Please don’t abandon me.”

I turned back. “This is your favorite holiday?”

“Yeah,” she lifted a shoulder.

“Not Christmas or Thanksgiving? Halloween?”

“No, it's today.” She was lying again, but I had no way to prove it.

“Well, then, so glad I got to spend the day with you.”

Her eyes went wide. “But there’s still daylight left.”

“Cambrie––”

“I’ll get you another ice cream!”

I closed my eyes, my stomach protesting that idea. “We’ve already had ice cream, soft serve, gelato, and shaved ice.”

I got all kid sizes, and it was too much. I had no idea how she was considering the idea of more.

“I’ll win you a stuffed eagle,” she pointed to the ring toss game a few yards away.

“No thanks.” A shower rinsing away an afternoon of sweat was the only cold treat I wanted.

“Hi, ladies.” A male voice called, and I ignored it because we were surrounded by people, but Cambrie’s gaze lifted past my shoulder.

“Oh my gosh,” she squealed. “It’s really you! Can I have your autograph?”

I stared at her in horror and glanced around us, but fortunately, no one was paying us any attention.

“Of course.”

I turned and nearly jumped when I recognized Josh. “Do you have a pen?”

She lifted her hands, one still holding the flag and the other empty. “Dang.”

He laughed. “Good, because I’m pretty sure I have a cramp that’s going to last a few days.”

“Long day?” she asked.

He let out a long sigh. “Yeah, but it’s been a good time.”

I looked past him. “Did you sneak away? Is someone going to come running through the crowd searching for you?”

“I hope not,” he smiled at me. “We got released a little while ago. I went back to my room to shower and change.”

I shot a look at Cambrie. “Must be nice.”

She ignored me.