Page 152 of Introvert

"Also, he doesn't want to be released."

That seemed to mollify her because Freya let it drop. I, on the other hand, was still reeling over this new knowledge. A guy named Tolliver who Freya was interested in. A whole person Ihardly knew anything about. And yet, all of them seemed to know.

"I'm sorry I didn't keep in touch better," I said, a pang of guilt shooting through me. "I feel like I misseda lot."

Freya shrugged. "It's okay.You were busy."

"Yeah," Scarlett said. "You were out here living the dream we'd all kill for."

I lifted a brow at that. "Are you saying you didn't love your time in Boston?"

Her eyes brightened. "No, Berklee was amazing. I'd kill for that too. Iloved my internship."

"Viola, how was your summer?"

She gave me a look. "Mycollege courses—though non-refundable and soul-crushing—went well. I played sad songs on my cello while thinkingof you on tour."

A laugh burst from my lips. "You passed then?"

"Yeah, got straight A's. Andhonestly,I wouldn't have wanted to be gone that long anyway. I would've missed Hermione too much."

"You spoil that dog," Lottie said with a nod. "I approve of this."

"She deserves it," Viola said. "And so do all the animals at the shelter."

I turned to Lottie and asked, "How was the book conference?"

The smile that lit her face was like sunshine. "Absolutely amazing!Ror, there were so many of my favorite authors. Igot their autographs andbought way too many books. I met other readers, and we talked aboutbooksall day. It was the best time ever."

"But did you like it?" I asked.

She laughed and put her hands on her hips. "Freya's right. You are different."

"Right?" Freya said. "She's not afraid to talk to hot guys anymore. She's playing for sold-out crowds. Totally fearless."

"No, the fear's still there," I said then shrugged. "I just decided not to let it stop me."

Viola, being the smartass she was,started a slow clap; the others joined in; and soon we were all laughing like crazy. Oh, I had missed my girls.Izzy found us just like that, cackling like a bunch of crows on happy pills, when she knocked a minute later. She took one look at us and smiled.

"Just letting you know it's 10 minutes until showtime," she said.

"Thanks, Izzy," I said. "These are my cousins."

"Oh, I know. The Kentcousins. You're really good."

She smiled at us again.

"Is there anything I can get you guys?"

"Nope," Scarlett said, "we're all set."

I shook my head.

"Okay." Izzy looked at me. "I'm going to miss you, Aurora."

"I'll miss you too, Izzy. But behonest," I said, "you're going to miss Ferora the most."

She sighed wistfully then said, "Yeah, you and Felix's fake romance was one of my best PR strategiesto date. No pun intended."

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