Page 3 of Beneath the Stars (Sugarlake 1)

I can be that someone.

Happy with my decision, I dance my way through the front door and into Lily and Chase’s life.

Daddy did always tell me I would dance straight into trouble.

Summer turns into fall, bleeding into winter, and before I know it, the springtime flowers are blooming. Becca, Lily, and I hang out nearly every day. The two of them got along instantly, bonding over their love of fashion, and their heartbreak over NSYNC being on a “temporary hiatus” but never getting back together. It doesn’t hurt that Lily gushed over Becca’s curly red hair and emerald green eyes. I saw Becca’s eyes light up in approval when they first met. She soaks up attention like grass soaks up the morning dew.

It’s Wednesday after school, the only day Becca can’t play with us because her mama makes her go to church. Lily and I lay in the grass eating cherry popsicles, letting the spring sun soak into our skin. If I try hard enough, I can almost pretend it’s summer. A shadow comes over me and I shield my eyes to see who it is.

“Hey Goldi, looking a little pink right… here.” Chase pushes his index finger into my cheek.

I smile back at him, even though he’s still calling me Goldi. I’ve tried for months to get him to open up, but he’s built up a brick wall and nothing but a wrecking ball is gonna get through. Still, whenever he’s near, my body starts to hum and I crave his attention in the worst way.

“Want a popsicle?” I hold out mine to sho

wcase how delicious they look, the ice-cold goodness dripping down the stick and onto my hand.

“Nope, I came to get Lily. Sam and Anna want us to come home, say they have something important to talk about.” He rolls his eyes like he’s annoyed.

“What do you mean?” Lily pushes her bright-pink sunglasses off her face. “Something important? You don’t think they’re going to make us leave, do you? We just got here!” She pouts, gnawing on her lower lip.

“No, Lil, I don’t think it’s anything bad. They seem pretty excited, so it must be good news.” Chase smiles, but to me, he looks a little nervous. Lily dashes inside my house, saying she’ll be ready to go in just a second.

I don’t know much about the homes they’ve been in before, but I don’t like to bring it up. There are not many times Lily shuts up, but you ask about her past and she clams up and looks about as lost as last year’s Easter egg.

Chase lies down beside me, sighing like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders.

“How you feeling today, Goldi?” He says this every time he sees me.

“This popsicle is makin’ my mouth too cold,” I complain, throwing it on the grass.

He smiles at my answer and then gets quiet.

“You know,” I say in a whisper, “if you need someone to talk to, I’m always here.”

He scoffs. “You’re a kid, Goldi. I’m not gonna complain to you about my issues. You just keep being a good friend to my sister. Promise to never leave us, and I’ll take care of you both. How’s that?”

“Hey!” I push his arm. “You can act as grown as you want, but you’re a kid, too. Plus, Daddy always tells me I’m an old soul.” I puff my chest out in pride. “And ‘sides… you two are the best thing to happen around here, other than Becca. Where would I go?” I raise my arms and look around. “I’m your friend, too, not just Lily’s. Don’t forget that.”

“Yeah, okay. I hear you. But I’m good, I promise.”

I lean closer, placing my fingertip to his chest. “You can try to fool the world sad boy, but you can’t fool me. I see you.”

He opens his mouth like he’s about to say something, but before he can Lily comes rushing out with her book bag hanging from one hand and a Coke in the other.

“Okay! I’m ready.” She swipes the hair out of her face, smiling as she looks between the two of us. “See ya later, Lee!” She waves.

Chase hops up, and just like that they both disappear down the street.

Later that night, I’m lying in bed and just about to fall asleep when I hear my window slide open. I had no idea it wasn’t locked, and I’m so terrified someone is breaking into our house that I can’t move. I don’t usually pray when Mama makes me go to church on Sundays, but now I squeeze my eyes tight and pray to God Almighty that whoever is in my room decides to leave.

“Goldi.”

I feel the bed dip next to me, and the comforter pulls back before a warm body slides down next to mine.

“Goldi, you awake?” It’s a whisper but I hear it loud and clear. My whole body relaxes and I turn around, looking at Chase, in shock. I don’t say anything. My heart is still recovering from thinking we were being robbed, so I just continue to stare at him.

He squeezes his eyes shut. “I couldn’t sleep and I needed someone to talk to. Your offer still good?”

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