Page 116 of Introvert

I nodded. "Booksare the bestescape. I'm all for that."

"True."

"And I l-like your brother."

"Why?"

"I don't know," I said then blushed when I caught Felix staring at me. Hopefully he hadn't caught my almost-slip from a moment ago."He's kind, funny, thoughtful.Pretty too.It's everything, I guess."

Zoescoffed."Please, Felix is annoying, sarcastic, and emotionally unavailable."

"You're 13," Ryker said. "Where do you hear these things?"

Sheshrugged. "Places. Anyway, if Aurora doesn'twant him for his looks, what else is there?"

"Well," Felix drawled, "I've been told I'm excellent at tickling."

Zoe's eyes went wide as she backed away. "Felix, I'm too old forthis."

"Should've thought of that before."

"I was joking."

"I'm not."

And then they were off, Zoe running while Felix tried to catch her.

"Why are my children so crazy?" Elise asked.

"Must be their mother," Ryker said which earned him an elbow to the ribs.

"London, it's nice seeing you again."She gave her a nod."Don't be a stranger. You know you're alwayswelcome at our house."

"Thanks, Elise," London said.

"That goes for you as well, Aurora." My eyes snapped up to hers. Her face had fully bloomed into a smile now, and it was beautiful. "I'd like to get to know you better. See why my usually reclusive son fell so hard, so fast."

"That sounds nice," I said when in reality it was mildly terrifying.

What if she didn't like me?

"Do you go to college with London?" she asked.

"Actually, I'm still in high school," I said. "I'll be a senior next year."

Her smile didn't waver, but the look in her eyes grew slightly concerned. "So,what happens after the tour?"

"What do you mean?"

"With you and Felix. I'm sure you guys have discussed it, but you'll still be in school. He'lllikelybe pursuing his music career.Long distance can be difficult. I was just wondering, what happenswhen the tour ends?"

Good question, I thought.

I wish I knew the answer.

CHAPTER 18

That night I found myself wide awake. Thesonorous snoring—mostly Taylor's—that I'd become accustomed to filled every corner of the bus.Myeyes weretired, yet my mind refused to turn off. The main reasons for thatwere:

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