“There’s a party at Kaylie’s next Saturday. You should come.” “Kaylie and I don’t really hang out.” It’s true, since I’ve spoken maybe twelve words to Kaylie in my life, and some have been things like “Excuse me” and “That’s my pencil.” “Everyone can come. The whole senior class.” “I’ll wait for my invitation,” I say, and she bonks her purse into me. “This is your invitation.” She’s smiling, but then it drops from her face. “Can I ask you something?” Not-about-Oliver-not-about-Oliver. “Sure.” “It’s about Oliver.” Natch. “How’s he doing?” “I honestly have no idea.” “You just listen to music when you drive to school?” I nod. “You might want to ask Theo.” Ainsley’s arched eyebrows jut together in the middle. “Theo?” “From what I can tell, that’s the only person who Oliver’s hanging out with.” Ainsley shakes her head. “That’s not good.” “Tell me about it.” • • • It’s spring, which means it’s sunny and lovely but not yet too hot.
