I lay my head on her lap. “It does feel good to be free of this stuff. To know the truth—even just part of it—and be able to relax again.”
“You deserve it, Val.”
There’d always be the question of Leighton and Aiden’s relationship and how he knew the details of that night. I’m choosing to let it go. They will not control me for another second.
“Val, you in there?”
“Yes,” I called.
Blair came in and got comfy on Sofia’s bed. “We need to talk pledges, La Presidenta. Technically, we don’t choose until after the obstacle course, but we both have our favorites.”
Sofia eased me off her lap. “I’ll leave you guys to it. Pick a couple of winners.”
Blair and I settled against the window. “Well?” she asked.
“If it’s just about who I like,” I began. “It’s Maeve, Blakely, Ellie, Kara, Helena, Victoria, Grace, Lucy, Anna, Autumn, and Chloe. If it’s the pledges who scored high on the test. Who topped the physical activities every week. The ones I like and who get along with all the girls, then it’s Maeve, Blakely, Ellie, Victoria, Helena, and Autumn.”
“I was going to say the same names, Val.” She bumped my shoulder. “It has to be those six girls.”
“Why?” I found myself asking. “We have room in the house for eleven. Anna lags behind on the runs now, but after a few months, she’ll catch up. Chloe scored low on the test and are we surprised? That thing is evil. Why do we pretend these arbitrary challenges are what makes a sister?”
“They’re not what makes a sister,” she replied. “They’re what makes a Sally.”
MAVERICK
“Daddy, when are you coming home?”
“On my way right now.” I plugged my other ear. My crew’s celebration was getting rowdy. “Are you coming with Mommy to pick me up?”
“Yes. Pepper is coming too.”
“Can’t wait to see you guys. I’ve got presents.”
Adam’s cheers rivaled my team’s singing. “We Are The Champions” had been on a constant loop during the three-hour drive. Couldn’t blame them. Singing that song after a win made it twenty times more satisfying.
Fifty crises and we made it through them to deliver Bebop to the robotics competition. Monday Sawyer landed in the hospital. Tuesday the entire team went to visit him, finding him stronger and secure with his parents. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday we replaced the shoddy parts that caused Bebop to break down, put him through the course again, and then set him loose on the competition where he placed highest in every challenge.
“Did you win, Daddy?”
“I did,” I replied. “When we get home, we’re going to celebrate. Are you ready? ’Cause we’re staying up till ten o’clock and eating all the ice cream in the place.”
Adam gasped.
“Eight forty-five,” a dry voice broke in. “And two scoops of ice cream. Big boys need their sleep.”
“Does this mean I’ll be in bed by eight forty-five too?” I laced that with just the right amount of suggestion.
Val giggled. “If you’re lucky. Will the bus be on time?”
I checked my watch. “We’re about twenty minutes behind. I’ll call when we’re a half an hour away.”
“Okay. Love you, babe. Adam and I are so proud of you.”
“I love you both too.”
I hung up and, finally, gave in. “Driver, crank it up.”
“Yes, Ricky! About time.” Cydney threw herself next to me, falling over my lap, and belted out the song in such a gratingly off-key pitch that I laughed until tears ran down my face. “Come on, Calm and Collected. Sing!”
I sang.
Fifty minutes later, our bus rolled onto campus. A line of cars and vans idled in the parking lot. I waved everyone off, thanking them for the hard work they put in.
“Is Valentina here yet?” Cydney asked. We were last to step off the bus.
“She’ll be here soon.”
“Want Rex and me to wait with you?”
“Nah. It’s the weekend. Go home and bask in your glory.” I lit on a familiar face waving for my attention. “Besides, there’s a friend of mine. See you Monday.”
“Bye.”
I crossed the parking lot, rounding a gray van, and matched his smile with my own. I held up a hand to shake as one clamped over my eyes.
“Hey—Argh!”
Cloth covered my nose and mouth, seeping a sickly sweet scent into my body. Through the crack in their fingers, my friend’s smile grew fuzzy, and then disappeared.
VALENTINA
“Daddy says we’re staying up past my bedtime.”
Oh, Daddy Maverick. What am I going to do with you?
“We are, baby,” I said. “Forty-five minutes past your bedtime.”
“Woah.”
Forty-five whole minutes was a lot to a little