“Well, I stand by it,” Rafe says, settling back into his chair and pretending to turn his attention back to his own homework. “If you want help, Jackson is your man.”The room rings silent for a moment and I keep my eyes on my brother. When Rafe’s own eyes flick back up a moment and he glances betwe
We all give up pretending to study as Jackson comes back from the nook with some paper, some markers, and some tape, and – bizarrely – two different kinds of candy that my mom sent back to school with me, knowing they’re my favorite. Quietly, we all watch as Jacks hastily tapes four pieces of paper
“Well, that’s shit,” Luca murmurs, narrowing his eyes at the map. “A battle schematic where there’s just no chance at winning? I…I hate that.”“Yeah, but that’s war,” Jackson murmurs, nudging the candies back into place with his fingertip. “Sometimes you get to the point where it’s not about winning
Even as everyone returns to their homework, though, my eyes keep darting back to the little pile of chocolate on the side of the map.Delicately, working hard to use my espionage skills, I casually lean forward and slip my hand out –Only for Luca to swat it away. I gasp in shock, mock appalled.“Ha
Ben looks around with interest at Daphne’s room as I plop onto the bed, swinging my legs and grinning, pleased to be alone with the two friends with whom I spend the least amount of time. Ben nods appreciatively. “Nice place you’ve got here, Daph,” he says, putting his hands on his hips as he spies
“What’s going on, Daph?” I ask, frowning, genuinely concerned for her. After all, I want my friend to be happy, especially when we discuss her relationship with Rafe.“To begin,” Daphne says, straightening her shoulders and looking right at me. “Can we pretend, for a little bit, that we’re not talki
My heart sinks a bit for my friend, because I never want her to be embarrassed about something like that. How much money she grew up with – it’s never mattered to me – to any of us.“Yeah, I get that,” I say quietly, turning back to Ben’s point and looking between them. “The fear that…you’d get left
“Ben!” I object, turning to glare at him, kind of not believing that he’s pushing Daphne to face her feelings for Rafe so bluntly.“I mean, it’s true,” Ben says, turning to me.“Daphne is allowed to make her own decisions on her own time!”“Agreed,” Ben says, nodding and looking between us. “Until…w