Page 20 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“Spit it out.”

“Mom put one of my hoodies into your pile yesterday and I wanted it back. You know the oversized one that I stole from Logan.”

Yes, I know it. It always ends up in my room. No big deal other than the fact it’s annoying. I don’t know why that makes her look at me like the cat that got the cream. “I took the ‘no girls allowed’ sign down years ago, Sum. I don’t care that you were in my room.”

“Not even if I saw your new book?”

Goddammit.I internally grimace. “It wasn’t for me.”

“I gathered that.” She grins from ear to ear. “Who is she?”

“She’s no one.”

“I call bullshit. You’ve never bought a present for a girl. Ever. Like ever, ever. Not once. I can’t even remember the last time you gotmeanything.”

“Fuck off. I gave you new headphones last Christmas.”

Summer’s brow furrows as she pauses. “Okay, no need to curse. And you’re right. I love those. Back to mystery girl.”

“There isnomystery girl.” I try to protest, but she’s not buying it. Instead she stares at me, waiting me out. “Fine. Her name is L… Len-o-ra.”

“Len-o-ra?” she repeats, saying the name slowly like I did. “Nice name. Did you meet her at college?”

“Yyyes.”God, why am I acting like I’ve done something wrong?

Summer’s eyes narrow. “You’re being weird, and Iwillget to the bottom of it.”

“Have fun with that,” I say with confidence, snapping out of my "weirdness" before jumping up to make myself something to eat.

Summer giggles and the sound of it makes me smile. She doesn’t laugh nearly enough. Not these days anyway. “I’m happy to have made you happy,” I say honestly, giving her a smile in return.

“Oh, Thomas. You made my year.”

She doesn’t ask any more questions, and I thank my lucky stars. I’m not a bad liar, and I’ve been known to come up with great excuses on the fly. But I hate lying to Summer. Always have. Even though I’m certain she’s lying to me. Or at least, keeping secrets.

“I have no plans today. Want to hang out?” I ask when we’re almost finished eating,beforeshe’s had a chance to run off.

“You mean you don’t have plans withLen-o-ra?”

“I do not.” I smirk.

“What about your college or high school friends?” she asks, pushing the last of her eggs around the plate.

“Are you trying to get rid of me?”

Summer’s eyes flash to mine. “No, I’m…” she trails off and I get it.

“Shit. I’m sorry.” I really have been an ass to her lately. When I first started at Heartwood U, she’d stop by my room often to ask if I was free. But I’ve made so many excuses, she doesn’t bother asking anymore.

“It’s fine. I’m your little sister. I get it.” She smiles, but it’snotfine.

“That’s right. Youaremy sister. I’m going to make an effort. I promise. Starting today.”

“I’m busy.” She shrugs, and…what the hell?She guilt-tripped me for nothing.

“You’re busy?”

“I’m kidding. I’d love to hang out. Ice cream?”

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