“If you’re not ready to confide in us, it’s fine.” Zeke hides his smile under one hand. “We get it.”

Cissy and Zeke exchange a sympathetic look. Then, with a series of loud squeaks, Cissy scooches her seat closer to mine, while Zeke moves his farther away. “Is that maybe…Better?” She gives me a tentative grin.

Hells bells, they both think I’m still acting weird because of my supposed mega-crush on Zeke. I pause, taking a long sip from my can of diet soda. Actually, if it stops all the cuddling and pet names, they can think whatever they want. I give her shoulder a little pat. “That is better.” I sniffle, loudly. “Thanks so much.”

Zeke runs his palms over his blonde head. “By the way, I heard you talked to Aunt Cecily at the party.”

Lifting my fork, I spear a new bite of salad. “Aunt who?”

“Cecily. You know: old lady, gray hair, peacock tail?”

“Oh yeah, she was–” I search for the right words “–a good listener.”

Zeke kicks his legs onto a nearby chair. “She said you were asking about diplomatic stuff.”

I drop my fork again. “Yes, I was.” I wanted any information on who my father could be, not that I’m telling Zekie that.

“My house has all the old diplomatic archives from quasi rule. It’s in the main library.” He taps his plate with one finger, looking at me expectantly. “You could check it out.”

Cissy nods, setting her golden curls bobbing. “What a great idea! Doing some research would give you something else to think about besides…”

My lost love for Zeke. Riiiiiight. I swallow down some frustration with another bite of salad.

Zeke puts on his Mr. Smirky grin. “There’s more to do than the library, though.”

“Oh, yes.” Cissy blinks her tawny eyes madly. “The mansion has a hedgerow maze, a fountain, and a huge greenhouse with botanical gardens inside.”

Wait a second. I’ve known Cissy long enough to recognize her eye-blinking routine when I see it.

“This is a great offer and all, but I’m wondering one thing.” I fold my hands neatly on the tabletop. “Is there is something in particular you want from me in all this?”

Leaning forward in her chair, Cissy speaks in a hushed tone. “Since you mention it, if you’re at the house and all, I should probably be there too.”

My eyes narrow. “I see. You’ll be at the Ryder mansion to keep me company, not just to hang out with Zeke.”

Cissy smiles so hard, I’m shocked her face doesn’t crack. “Yes, that’s absolutely right!”

I smack my lips once. Okay, I can see where this is going.

Cissy gazes at the ceiling, her mouth screwing to one side of her face. “And if my parents ask what happens at Zeke’s house, you could say we’re together all the time. The three of us.”