Page 300 of Lodestar

Pulling out a Werther’s Original from the pocket I never used, I popped it into my mouth.

I wasn’t sure whether it was the toffee or his cuteness that eased the heartburn in my chest, but it definitely had me smiling.

10

CONOR

With a tired yawn,I checked my cell phone and grunted when I saw one of the crew I barely used anymore, Craig, had delivered Katina safe and sound to Lily Lancaster’s home in West Orange.

Not that I needed the notification.

Two minutes later, I had a text from her.

Katina: Conor, if I’m REALLY good, do you think Star will let me have a cat?

Me: I’ve heard about kids like you.

Katina: Whaa. Kids like me? What did I do?

Me: Kids that go behind their mom’s backs to get what they want.

Me: ^^ I did that too! Welcome to the club.

Katina: Eeeeeeeeeeeep. I’m so happy to join!

Me: Thought you might BUT I’m not an idiot, Kat. You think I’m going to say yes to you getting a cat when Star would literally take my computers away from me if we didn’t consult her first?

Me: Sorry, little dudette, you’re on your own in that fight.

Katina: No fair! But you like cats.

Me: How do you know that?

Katina: I’ve seen your sparkly one.

Me: Yeah, sparkly one, Kat. It isn’t alive. I can’t keep things alive.

Katina: Luckily for you, Star can! Me too. I’d be soooooo careful with them.

Me: Wait, THEM? You said one.

Katina: See, it’s Amara’s fault. You know her, right? She’s kinda nuts but her Old Man (he isn’t old, but the Sinners call themselves ‘old’ everything. I’ve learned just not to ask. They get offended when I ask how old they

I snickered out loud at that.

Me: They, what?

Katina: Sorry, hit send before I finished.

Katina: Anyways, Quin, Amara’s Old Man (who is totally younger than her and Hawk. Did Star tell you that Amara has two boyfriends? I don’t know how she does it. Boys are so needy, aren’t they? Not Shay, though. Shay’s different. Do you think Shay likes me?)

When she didn’t send a follow-up text, I studied the many questions she’d asked me.

Was I supposed to answer all of them?

Katina: Conor?

Okay, so shewaswaiting for an answer.

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