one of this girl kissing that guy I’ll give you two free shakes.”
“I can’t even tell what she looks like.” Ian turned the picture all around as if holding it upside down would give him a better view. “How will I know when I see her around town?”
“Go into my room and look for last year’s yearbook,” I said. “It’s on the top shelf of my bookcase. In the sophomore class, look for Hannah Cohen.”
Ian sucked down more milkshake before asking, “Why are you so interested in who she’s making out with?”
Little brothers could be so annoying. Why couldn’t he do what I told him without asking questions?
“None of your business. If you want the free shakes, do what I’ve asked.”
“Fine,” Ian said. “I don’t know if I’ll ever run into her around town again anyway. It wasn’t like I was looking specifically for her.”
“You found her once, you can find her again,” I said. “I’ll try to figure out where she might be going after school.” Molly would be perfect in that department.
The kitchen door opened and Elliott sauntered out, swinging the broom back and forth in one hand as he whistled. He caught sight of Ian and me and grinned.
“Aw, how cute. A family reunion?”
“Go annoy someone else,” I told him.
Elliott walked around the counter and slung his arm over Ian’s shoulders. “I’m only saying hey to my favorite little neighbor.”
The look in Ian’s eyes when he gazed up at Elliott made me want to pour his chocolate shake over the top of his head. Ian needed a lesson in how to pick better role models to admire. What was with this kid thinking every idiot he crossed paths with was his newest hero?
I reached across the counter and pulled my brother from the snake’s clutches. “Don’t you have work to do?”
Elliott twirled his broom. “I do have a date with some food crumbs.”
“Bye, Elliott,” Ian called as he walked away.
I made a face at him. “Please don’t tell me you’ve fallen for his charms too.”
The tips of Ian’s ears turned pink. “He seems like a pretty cool guy.”
“He’s the biggest jerk in town. Stay away from him.” I reached for a washcloth to wipe down the counter again, but paused when an idea hit me.
“Or better yet,” I said slowly, leaning over the counter and lowering my voice, “follow him too. Find out what he does when no one’s watching.”
“Why would you care what he does if you hate him?” Ian asked, sucking on his milkshake.
“Peace of mind.”
“If I do it, you have to up the payment to four free milkshakes.”
“Three.”
“Deal.”
“Get some good pictures. No more blurry ones.”
If everything worked out, I could take care of two problems at once.
Chapter 21
When Zac’s text arrived at quarter to midnight, I was still wide awake in my bed.
Ready 4 midnite comedy?
For a moment, I considered not answering. I should have stayed in bed, stayed in my nice, normal life where things weren’t so complicated.
Ready, I texted back.
My body rebelled against me. My head said no, but my legs walked me across the room, my hands grabbed my clothes and then my feet carried me outside to where Zac waited in my driveway.
“You’re going to love my routine tonight,” Zac said. “I have something new planned.”
He rattled on but I barely heard him. My fingers drummed along the steering wheel in no discernible rhythm. My heart raced like I’d had too much caffeine.
“Hey, you okay?” Zac asked, tapping my arm.
I jumped and suddenly realized I was about to run a red light. The car squealed to a stop at the empty intersection.
“What?”
“You zoned out there for a minute.”
I breathed heavily. Why couldn’t I stay away from Zac? What had made me come with him tonight?
“Oh, sorry. I was...thinking about Costa Rica.”
Zac nodded. “Are you excited about going?
The light turned green and I pressed the accelerator, kicking up dry dust on the road behind us. “Yes, I really am. As a high school student, I won’t get to do much with the medical work except fetch supplies and observe. But I’m still eager to get there.” I sighed. “If I can get the rest of the money I need.”
Zac leaned his head back against the seat and looked over at me. “Costs a lot?”
“Four thousand dollars,” I said. “Which is why I work at Diggity Dog House.”
Zac whistled. “Saving the world is definitely not cheap.”
“No, it’s not. But it’ll be worth it, once I’m there.”
Zac traced a finger along the seam