I nodded, though I think we both knew I really had it now. But Alex would be sure to insist on the same thing I sighed, suddenly wanting him here so badly. No, actually, wanting both of us to be somewhere else. Up at the cabin, maybe, going for a walk in the mountains – knowing that we had all the time in the world together.

As if brought on by my thoughts, my cellphone beeped. I pulled it from my jeans pocket and found a text from Alex: Home in a while. We’re OK. I love you.

I smiled and texted a quick response, then put the phone away. “They’ll be here later.”

As I glanced back at Seb I saw how he was looking at me – the depth of feeling in his eyes. The wave of emotion from him felt suddenly cut off, as if he’d quickly tried to stifle it, but it still made me catch my breath. I looked away, pretending I hadn’t noticed, even though all at once my heart was banging in my chest.

“So, um...we’ve got time for me to keep practising for a while,” I said. My throat felt too small to get words through.

“Yes, all right,” said Seb. He sat up, not looking at me as he reached for another cookie. “We’ll see how fast you can change it.”

I swallowed, taking in the slight flush that had appeared in his cheeks. “Actually...actually, I’ll be right back,” I said, jumping up. “Do you want a Coke or anything?”

Without waiting for Seb to answer, I went out to the kitchen, where I opened the fridge door and let its chill waft over my face for a few minutes. Finally I took out a pair of Cokes, bumping the fridge door closed with my hip. Then for some reason I found myself putting them on the counter and sending another text to Alex, telling him that I loved him.

When I went back into the TV room, the awkward moment had thankfully passed, and I could tell myself that Seb was just my brother again.

Chapter Nineteen

“OKAY,” SAID KARA ONCE THE AKs were settled in a cafe; the view was of Aztec ruins, with the cathedral rising up behind. She blew on her coffee. “That gang of angels back in the offices appeared a couple of days ago.” She glanced apologetically at Alex. “I wanted to get more information before I said anything, with how tense everything’s been lately.”

He nodded, not really able to fault her for it, though he’d have preferred to know earlier. “And?”