Page 77 of Wicked Dreams

He cleans my brush in my cup of water and dips it in the pink. He pulls the brush down, the pink section almost the same size as my little ombré square. He repeats the process for the orange, everything bigger… and suddenly I can see it.

“I was close.” I sigh. So close and yet… not it at all.

“Sometimes it’s hard to see the big picture when you’re so zoomed in.” He glances at me. “A lot can be said about taking a step back.”

“Like impressionism.”

He laughs. “Yeah, like that. Or relationships. How you see people, and how they see you.”

“Do you ever think you and Lenora are too… muddled?”

“Not often. I used to try to only see the good in her, but it doesn’t work like that. You have to accept every part of someone.” He taps my colors again. “Just like this. The colors are nice on their own, but if you only focus on the pretty parts, are they still beautiful?”

“I don’t think someone will accept all of my flaws.” I keep my attention on the paper, not ready to see whatever is going to come across Robert’s face next. They’ve been nice—more than nice, really. It feels like I’ve been welcomed into a complete family.

But maybe I’ve only been paying attention to the good pieces to convince myself that I belong.

“Someone will,” he says firmly. “And not just in a romantic sense. Lenora and I are lucky to have you, too. I’m sure Riley would say the same.”

“Maybe.” God, it’s hot in here.

Does Caleb see only my flaws? Robert’s philosophy of seeing the goodandthe bad could go the other way, too. If we only focus on the negative traits, are they entirely bad?

Robert pats my shoulder. “Let’s go home, kiddo. Are you still going to the hockey game with Riley?”

I wince at the reminder. “Yeah, I guess so.”

Caleb didn’t even bring it up. Is he still going to show up and take me to the game?

The school is a ghost town by the time we leave the classroom. We walk in easy silence back to his car, and I cast one look back toward the field where the teams have started practicing. Including the cheerleaders.

Atop of the pyramid is Amelie, smiling like a conqueror. On the second level, seeming pained with Amelie’s knee in her back, is Savannah.

Interesting.

Only last week, she was the one on top. I give her credit where it’s due: she’s got talent for it. Except, clearly, Amelie is better. Brighter. Hell, she radiates joy even when she’s not trying.

I take a mental step back. Maybe sheistrying, and that’s her secret.

And maybe…

“Margo?”

I stop, and my head snaps forward. I was about an inch from walking right into Robert’s car. “Oops.”

He frowns. “Have you thought about trying out for a sport?”

“I don’t know what I’d go for.” The idea of bonding with a team, involved in a sport where people rely on me… that is too much.

Three and a half more months. That’s how long I have to last here… I’ll figure out the rest later.

“It could give you a sense of community.” Robert watches me over the roof of the vehicle.

“I’ll think about it,” I promise.

And I do. Half-heartedly, I consider how it would feel to let down an entire team. By the time we get home, I’ve made up my mind that I’m not going to do anything. Between painting and Riley, and… I don’t know,Caleb… I’ve got enough going on.

Lenora’s car is already in the driveway. We park beside it and head in. Immediately, the scent of garlic reaches us. My mouth waters.

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