I turn around, looking for Cora, and come to an abrupt stop when I see her next to someone equally familiar.

“Is that your brother?” I ask incredulously.

“What?” Ace turns around, following my gaze. “What?”

“You read too much into everything,” Xander says to Cora dismissively. There’s a horde of students behind them, some I know, some I don’t. It must be the student council.

Now that I think back on it, Cora did send a Snapchat streak this morning that said: dealing with the white devil today,,, but I hadn’t given it much thought. It makes sense now.

“It’s classist to insist every member of student council has to pay an entry fee for a mandated trip during spring break,” Cora says darkly. “I know you’re a trust fund baby that’s never worked a day in his life, but some people aren’t that privileged.”

I glance at Ace for his reaction, but in the face of Cora’s bluntness about his socioeconomic status, he looks amazed. “I think Cora is my new best friend.”

I snort. “Get in line, buddy.”

Cora looks up at the sound of my voice and a smile breaks across her face, wiping away any lingering irritation. “Karina!”

She runs toward me and I open my arms, accepting her hug. She squeezes me tightly before pulling back, glancing at Ace. “Your brother is the worst.”

“I know,” Ace says, grinning.

Cora blinks in shock. “Are you...smiling at me?”

I steady her, trying not to laugh at her dismay. “It’s a rare sight, I know.”

Seconds later, Xander comes to stand beside Cora, his eyes flicking between me and his brother. Ace’s smile has vanished, replaced by an indifferent expression.

“Karina,” Xander says, nodding at me.

I wave awkwardly. “Xander.”

To Ace, Xander says, “I thought you had a piano lesson today, Alistair.”

“It was canceled,” Ace says, his gaze cool.

Xander clicks his tongue. “I highly doubt that. Does Dad know you’re at the aquarium instead of your lesson?”

Ace smiles thinly. “I’m sure he will soon.”

“You’re even a dickhead with your family,” Cora says, startling both of them.

I giggle and attempt to cover it with a cough. Xander is too busy staring at Cora with an appalled expression to notice.

“I think Ace and I are going to take that as our cue to leave,” I say, pushing Ace back with one hand and squeezing Cora’s hand apologetically with the other. “It was nice seeing you...both.”

Without another word, I slip my hand into Ace’s and pull us toward the jellyfish exhibit, almost running in my haste to get away.