a's

and made the sidewalk feel like it could burn through your sneakers. But

a, and

trio of trouble. We always did. But anyone

mouth, loud energy. Serena? Calm like wate

verything

people s

d it all, but truthfully? I wa

ox braids bouncing as she walked. "Damn, D

yes. I'm just giving th

ow if I had your body, I'd b

said dryly, not even gl

"Rude! Why is the quiet

t laughter - light, warm, like so

d spun on her heel with a suspicious smile.

her eyes. "Don

my head.

mond-encrusted invitation. "My cousin just

inity? Like the

pool and gold doors?" Se

"And guess what? He'

pped. "You

rows. "Do I look

at's not funny, Tara. That

" I said, my heart

e've been dying for a nig

ut Deja... your mom. Doesn't she already think w

e thinks you two are

th us," Tara teased.

gain. "So how are you

imple. "I'll tell her I'

hem groan

Serena said

y boy who tried to give our teacher

like a walking 'parent-safe zone.

na admitted.

ing about my life is risky.

. The heat from the kitchen mixed with loud voices and the

-year-old brother - yelling at his game co

IDIOT! LEFT!

. "You're gonna

ear me. Or

probably with some guy she'd forget about next week. Mom's voice

closet like I was raiding treasure. It wasn't much - mostly a

and a tight pair of jeans that hug

o

o Infinity, I need

body shimmer, a short black dress, and my favorite lip gloss that s

or dinner," Griffin announc

lowly. "Do yo

proudly. "What

skipped.

ing little devil. "I

. exactly wh

rtable

ended him. My mom kept looking at my older brother l

ly, voice low but sharp. "You think I d

ing under his breath. I di

the floor. "You wanna act like a man in my h

was gone - footsteps he

ent, then sighed. "I don't kn

y throat. "

t me, alread

se tonight. We're finish

a pause.

boy?" she

ded.

her

tomorrow. I don't want

weetly. "O

ped Griffin a $5 bill wh

me. It's my turn an

thout hesitation. "M

push yo

up, my sister appe

headed all

le'

know what Kyle you talkin' about, but

eyes. "Just

ttle smirk. "Don

called over my shou

ould already feel the ene

talked on the phone, and Serena was sitting cross-

skin-tight dress at

t it. "You

in at Infinity

when I stepped out

whispered. "You

slow circle. "I swear, you don't even

butt playfully,

r phone

de's ou

d at eac

he air behind us. And for a few perfect seconds, we were

ere

, the city