I stare at him, eyes wide. Is that it? That’s his only comment?

“Let’s move on,” Ace says, offering me a bottle of water. I take a sip, but I can’t stop looking at Samir. He meets my eyes and offers me an awful wink that does nothing to settle the nerves playing ping-pong in my stomach.

I promised, he mouths.

I stare at him for one more beat, trying to comprehend what that means. Is...is this okay? Is he going to keep all of this to himself? Am I safe?

“I’ll return our bowling shoes,” Samir says, looking away from me and hooking his fingers into his pair. “Be right back.”

I watch him go, breathing a little easier. Maybe this really is okay. I’ve been so paranoid, so certain Samir would slip up, but maybe I underestimated him.

Next to me, Ace asks, “Santos, I heard you hit ten thousand followers on Instagram?”

I tune back in to their conversation and see Daniela smile bashfully. “I did. It’s so weird that people like my photography that much.”

“You should take our prom photos,” Ace says, gesturing to me. I flush, unable to meet anyone’s eyes. “Can I get a brother-in-law discount?”

“No, but Karina can get a sister-in-law discount,” Mia says, slinging an arm around Daniela’s shoulders and smiling broadly at her. “You know, I should get some credit for your new wave of followers. I’m pretty sure half of them are there to see the pictures you take of me. You’re so lucky to have such an inspiring muse.”

Even though Mia is clearly joking, Daniela’s expression softens. “Yeah, I am.”

My heart melts in my chest when Mia leans forward to peck Daniela on the lips before pulling back quickly, her cheeks tinted red.

“You two are so cute,” I say.

Mia shoots me an abashed smile. “Thanks, Karina.”

Ace throws his own arm around my shoulders and, instead of shying away, I lean in. Samir promised. It’s okay.

“We’re cuter than them,” Ace says. “Hashtag Karstair, right?”

“Oh my God,” I say in sudden mortification. “Have you been speaking to Cora?”

Ace kisses my nose instead of answering, and I think I pass away. I’m ninety-nine percent certain my soul just exited my body.

“See?” Ace says, looking back at his sister and her girlfriend. “I told you we’re cuter.”

“What do you guys want for dinner? It’s my and Ace’s treat,” Mia says as we all pile in the car.

“Mexican food,” Samir says. “I know a great halal place.” I try not to sigh. Mexican food is my least favorite. I’m utterly incapable of eating a taco or burrito without spilling out all the contents.

Before I can protest, Mia nods. “I’d be down.”

“I’m always here for Mexican food,” Daniela agrees.