Page 274 of The Blairville Legacies

She looked worried, which was interesting because her expression was often blank.

“Bayla has these strange seizures all the time,” I explained to Julie.

She wanted to say something else, but was interrupted by Bayla.

“You don't have to tell everyone about it.”

“Unlikeyou, my dear, I'm an open book,” I said to Bay with a grin and looked at Julie again, hoping that she didn't feel uncomfortable with us.

I found quiet people always radiated a lot of resilience, even if Julie's shyness made it harder to see how she was feeling. She was very secretive, and until now, I knew little about her.

“Tell me, have you guys come up with a plan for Friday?” I asked, looking at both girls in front of me and grinning mischievously.

I was still wondering how I had managed to persuade them to go to this party.

Julie's cheeks reddened, and it was clear that she hadn't thought about anything else since her Loverboy had suggested the meeting.

“Not really...” she stammered and began to play with her fingers until she made them disappear under the table.

“So, if I've understood correctly, you want to find a way to meet himwithout him finding out who you are...” I thought aloud.

“Masks...” Bayla whispered playfully.

“Masks?” Julie looked confused.

“You put on a mask, and he won't recognize you.”

“Good idea,” I said, convinced, directed at Bay and looked at Julie, who didn't seem to like it.

“Isn't that a bit flashy and extravagant?” she asked, but all I could hear from her words was an excuse.

“Do you know how many people might come to this party wearing masks? It's aHalloween party, sweetheart.” I smiled and looked across the diner, over to the Copelands.

The guys seemed to be joking around, having fun. Then I saw the guy again who had been watching me so strangely earlier.

I lowered my voice. “Who isthatagain?”

“That's Noah, one of Nash's newer friends,” Julie replied quietly, as if no one was supposed to hear us.

“Has Nash ever had any other friends?” I asked curiously.

“Julian,” she said.

“Julian?Bay's neighbor?” I asked and looked surprised at Julie.

“Julian is your neighbor?”

Grace came over to our table in the corner by the window and took off her orange apron.

“Yes,” I answered for Bayla and made room for Grace.

Grace looked with a questioning expression at Bay, who seemed to avoid her gaze.

“Yes, Julian was his best friend. The four of them had been inseparable,” Julie continued, lost in thought.

“Thefourof them?” I asked.

“Julian, Nash, Kieran, and Emely,” Grace answered me.

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