Page 243 of Notes of Attraction

He pulls away from the pickup lane without checking the signs once. He must know this airport well. Joshua Tree was his family’s vacation place when he was younger, which means he’s probably made this drive dozens of times.

For the first four minutes, the truck is peaceful apart from the sound of everyone opening chips.

Then Sydney leans forward between the seats.

“So, who’s already at the house?”

“The guys,” Cal says. “They got in yesterday.”

“Luca.” Sydney frowns.

“Luca Castellano, yes. My bassist.”

“Right.” She huffs. “Great. Good. That’s fine.”

I look very deliberately out of the passenger window. I still have no idea what went down between them two, but it’s clearly pissed Sydney off because she never usually has negative opinions about, well, anyone really.

In the back, through my peripheral vision, I see Gianna look at Sydney. Gianna presses her lips together and Sydney looks away.

“Sydney,” Cal says, eyes on the road. “Is there something⁠—”

“Nope,” Sydney says. “All good. Totally fine. What’s the WiFi password at the house?”

In the front seat, I look at Cal. Cal looks at me. A whole conversation passes between us in about half a second.

“I’ll text it to you,” Cal says.

“Great. Perfect. This is going to be such a good week.” She pops a chip in her mouth. “Gianna, tell them your plan.”

“I don’t have a plan,” Gianna says, her cheeks heating up instantly.

“You have a vibe.”

“A vibe isn’t a plan.”

“What’s the vibe?” I say, turning around.

Gianna looks out of her window. She’s trying not to smile. “I’m just saying. I’m single. It’s summer. We’re going to be in Joshua Tree for a week with”—she waves a hand—”struggling artists.”