Page 21 of A Sky Full Of Stars

“It’s cold out.”

“Your point?” She rolls her eyes and jumps up, grabbing Logan’s hoodie from the back of the stool.

“How about the movies instead?”

“Deal,” she says with a grin. “But you’re paying.”

Yeah, right. I laugh.Sisters.

“Want to grab some food while I get the tickets?” I ask when we arrive at the cinema and see the line.

Summer nods before holding her hand out for some cash, making me realize she wasn’t joking.

“Where’s your cash?” I ask as I hesitate. I’ve never had a part-time job, so any money I have still comes from Mom and Dad, and they don’t hand it out freely. “Let me guess, you’re storing it away so you can ditch this place when you turn eighteen.”

Summer frowns. “What money? I quit my casual job, remember?”

I do remember, but it was another thing she kept coy about. “What about Mom and Dad?”

“WhataboutMom and Dad?”

“Don’t they give you an allowance?”

“What?” Summer’s eyes widen and she bursts out laughing. But it’s one of those laughs that’s tinged with sadness. “I don’t get an allowance. Dad’s not happy I quit because my boss was one of his college buddies.”

“Then why did you quit?”

“It doesn’t matter. I had my reasons and Dad’s not happy.”

I want to push her a little, but I hold back.“They won’t give you money because you pissed off his friend?”

“That’s the excuse they’re usingnow.”Jesus.

“So they’ve never…”

“Nope.”

God, what do I even say to that?“I’m sorry, Summer.” I know Dad’s always treated us differently, but I thought Mom would have ensured things were more even.

“Don’t be sorry. I get by.” She shrugs again like she doesn’t care.

“Cory?” I assume.

“Her parents.”

“God, I love them.” I smile. Cory and her parents really are amazing, and I’m happy Summer has them when she needs to escape.

“Me too,” she says wistfully. “So…the cash?”

“Here.” I reach for my wallet to find my back pocket empty. “Goddammit. I left my wallet in the truck. Hang on. I’ll be back.”

Summer playfully rolls her eyes like it’s just an excuse. “I’ll wait in the line,” she says, “but you better be quick.”

I huff out a laugh as I make a run for it, knowing we only have ten minutes until the movie starts, and I’ve just made it outside when I crash straight into someone walking on the sidewalk. “Jesus. I’m sorry,” I rush out as I grab her arm, stopping her from falling.

“It’s not your fault, dear. I wasn’t paying attention,” the old lady says, a small smile lighting up her face. “You don’t happen to know where the pharmacy is, do you?”

After a nervous chuckle, I can’t stop my responding grin. “Yes, I sure do. You’re almost there. It’s just…” Itrail off when my eyes lock on Lainey’s, a mischievous smile on her face. “Sorry. It’s just down…down the next street, on your left.”

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