how’s Indigo doing? I meant to ask you last time, but I could hear her voice nearby. Do you think she’s going to survive this college thing?”
“Yeah.” My answer’s simple but honest. “Why are you asking that? Did you not think she would?”
“Well, she’s been a pampered girl her whole life. Stepping out on her own two feet like this is huge, and I know she didn’t want to stand out. I think her father only said yes to this because he thought she’d come home within weeks, unable to handle the stress of looking after herself.”
I frown, hating how little faith her father has in her.
“She’s doing great. I’m teaching her everything I can to make sure she’ll thrive here… even after I’m gone.” I hate saying that, but it’s a real possibility that I have to keep alive.
I didn’t mean to start loving this job so much, but she makes it kind of hard not to.
“Don’t let her father hear you say that,” Azim clips. “Although he talks to Indy most weeks, he’s asked me to get a report from you. I need to word things in a way that won’t offend him.”
“How about telling him the truth? Indigo is an amazing, intelligent person who, finally free from her cage, is proving that she’s capable of pretty much anything.” My voice is getting terse and snappy, but I can’t stop myself.
“Careful, Brody.” Azim’s tone goes low with warning. “Don’t get too close now. She’s a job. Nothing more.”
I clench my teeth and nod, my voice smaller than I mean it to be. “I know.”
“I’ll think of something to say. Don’t worry, he won’t be hauling her home anytime soon. But remember your place in this. Your duty above all else is to protect Indigo Shaw and make sure nothing bad ever happens to her.”
20
What’s Your Type?
I hug Tabby goodbye and wave as she loops her arm around Wren’s waist and nestles against him. OMG, they are so adorbs. Their romance has been like a whirlwind. From shimmying next to each other on the dance floor, to making out at the party, and now they’re full-on dating. Like, Tabby confessed to me just yesterday that she thinks she’s in love and ready to take things to the next level with Wren. I think they’re doing it tonight, and I bet I’ll hear all about it soon enough.
I bite my bottom lip, fighting a smile and wondering what that must feel like. That crazy-in-love sensation.
After only one month, it seems stupid fast, but maybe when you know, you know.
I hope it goes well for them.
We’ve been hanging out a lot together, as like this group, and I do get why she likes Wren so much. He’s sweet and kind. A good listener, you know? Like when you’re talking, he totally looks at you as if he’s absorbing every word out of your mouth, unlike Percy, who struggles to look me in the eye, and the J-twins, who kind of live in a world of their own. Sometimes I wonder why they even hang out with us when they’re never mentally present, but anyway.
“See ya, Indy,” they say in unison, then wave in unison.
A chill runs through me as images from The Shining scour my brain.
I turn to find Brody, but instead am facing a different tall guy with floppy dark hair. His dark brown eyes study my face like he thinks there’s words on it or something.
Shifting to the side, I’m about to walk past him when he stops me.
“Hey.” He grins.
I immediately look for Brody. He’s just in front of me, hovering by the tree and talking on the phone.
He looks a little annoyed, but I can only see the side of his face, so I’m not sure.
“I’m Parker. Like Peter Parker. You know, Spiderman? I mean, my name’s not Peter. It’s Parker, but you spell it the same.”
“Right.” I nod, giving him a polite smile.
“What’s your name?”
“Indy,” I murmur.
“Oh really? Is that like short for anything? Like a nickname?”
I bite my lips together and start praying Brody will hurry up and get off the phone.
“‘Cause I love nicknames, you know? My brother sometimes calls me Spidey, because my name’s like Peter Parker, but probably also because my arms and legs are kind of long and skinny like a spider’s. You’re really pretty.” He swallows, and I jerk my head to look up at him.
“Uh… thank you?”
“You look kind of familiar too. Like, at first I thought I recognized