Page 131 of Introvert

"Right?" Scarlett said.

"To be totally fair," Lottie said, "it sounds like Ror wavered a bit too."

My eyes widened when the others didn't dispute her claim. "Excuse me? How did I do that exactly?"

"Well, you didn't say I love you."

"Which is so weird for you," Viola said.

"Yeah, you always say it to us," Scarlett put in.

"You're my cousins," I said. "It's easier to say it to you. Wemight as well be sisters."

Lottie smiled. "Sisters can be a lot sometimes. Right, Scar?"

"So true," her older sister said back, "but we're getting off topic.Ror, do you want to finish the tour or not?"

I nodded.

"Then you should."

"You make it sound so easy," I said.

Freya shrugged. "That's because it is. You want to go back, so do it.Say hi to your sometimes-fake-sometimes-real boyfriend while you're there."

"At least go finish the tour," Lottie added. "We're coming to see you at the final show. You'll only have to get through this oneperformance alone."

"Then you'll have reinforcements," Viola said with a smile.

"And if Felix gives you any grief," Scarlett said, "we'll be there to run interference."

"That does sound good," I said then shook my head. "But you guys, the show is tonight. How am I supposed to get there?"

Silence.

"I can't let my parents drive me. Dad just got released from the hospital, and Mom should be herewith him. Even if I could get a plane ticket at this point, I can't afford it." I glanced around, searching for an answer that wasn't there. "Hayden's grandma rocks, but I don't feel comfortable asking him or her for another favor. I'll never be able to paythem back for the first."

No one spoke for a moment until…

"What about Felix?" Scarlett said out of the blue.

My eyes locked on her. "What about him?"

"Has he contacted you? Called or texted?"

"No." I released a humorless laugh. "He's probably glad I left."

"Wouldn't bet on that," Viola said with a small smile.

"Now, he doesn't have to deal with me or my awkwardness."

"Something tells me he likes your awkward," Lottie said.

My brow furrowed as I scanned their faces.There was a small chance my laptop screen was playing tricks. I'd brought it with me outside specifically because I could see my cousinsbigger and more clearly than on the phone.And they could see me too.But maybe the light wasaffectingmy eyes. I couldn't think of a reason for thechange in their expressions.A second ago, they were all doom and gloom like me. But now…

The four of them looked downright delighted.

"Why are you smiling like that?" I said.

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