I don’t remember much about the rest of the performances, but the number India danced in? I remember that clear as day. It involved animal masks and—unfortunately for India—animaltailsthat were too easily stepped on, attached to animal costumes that were too easily ripped.

“Well, that’s mortifying,” she says now with an uncomfortable laugh. “But—how did you know it was me?”

“Ah,” I say, taking the phone off speaker and lifting it to my ear. “You have your brother to thank for that.”

She mutters unintelligibly under her breath, and I laugh.

“Don’t worry. Nothing about your little…” I trail off. “Should we call it a mishap?”

“We could,” she says miserably.

“Nothing about that made it into the paper.” I pause. “So back to my question. What do you say? Want to hit up Crow Point with me tomorrow?”

India lets out a long, dramatic sigh. “I suppose,” she says, “if you insist.”

“Excellent. I’ll pick you up around seven.”

“Bring snacks,” she says, and then, despite her promise to develop better phone etiquette, she hangs up.

“Little hooligan,” I mutter—but I’m smiling.

Poppy

Hey! How are things going with India?

You’re doing the article stuff with her, right?

Me

Yeah, I am.

It’s good!

Poppy

It’s good?

What does that mean?

Me

I don’t know? It means what it means. It’s good.

She’s cool. We’re having fun!

Poppy

And you’re not making her fall in love with you and then breaking her heart?

Me

You can’t hear me, but I just snorted.

If anyone in the world is immune to my admittedly EXTENSIVE charms, it’s Sunshine.

And maybe Aurora, but I’m too scared to test that one

Poppy