Relief floods me, and I exhale as my manicurist shows me my rainbow-colored nails—ten little computer-chip beacons that will broadcast my whereabouts to anyone who cares to find me. They are heavy on my fingertips, and I can’t wait to rip them off.

“You’re going to love having chips,” Nicki says. “I can’t believe you’ve gone this long without them.”

“Between the chips and the kidney, you’ve changed my world,” I say. “How can I ever thank you?”

She reaches out and squeezes my forearm. “No thanks needed. Just be my friend.”

Sickness rises in my throat as I deliver the lie. “Friends.”

When our manicures are finished, a Bubble Car arrives and takes us to Fisherman’s Wharf for the start of the Ring Around the Rosie performance. Eric/Nash and I sit facing Garrett and Nicki. His leg presses against mine, and I’m highly aware of his smoldering presence at my side.

“When we get out to participate in the show, remember to stick together,” Eric says as the car weaves its way through the streets. “I wouldn’t want anyone getting lost.” His eyes remain on my face as he says it, and I wonder if he suspects something.

“I won’t be letting this one out of my sight,” Garrett says, taking Nicki’s hand in his and covering the ring with his fingers.

“Anywhere she goes, I go,” Eric says. His voice is ice.

“This is a great way to see the city,” I say, cutting the tension. “I’m glad we’re getting a little tour before we have to leave.” I shoot Garrett a look, reminding him we need to plant our exit story, but he’s busy whispering something to Nicki that makes her laugh. My foot jerks forward, and I want to kick him, but I pull it back before it connects with his shin.

“You’re leaving?” Nicki straightens. “When?”

“I didn’t want to tell you until later because I didn’t want it to ruin tonight,” Garrett says with a micro-glare at me. “But Stanford asked me to come early to work on a top-secret project, and I have to go. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We leave tomorrow.”

“Oh no,” she moans. “We have to make tonight last, then. Will you come to my dad’s party with me?”

His lips stretch into a smile. “I wouldn’t miss it. Ouch!” His eyes assault me as my foot hits the target it was craving earlier.

“Sorry,” I say, keeping my voice innocent. “It’s a little cramped in here. I needed to stretch.”

“You should come to the party, too, Betsy,” Nicki says.

“You can be my date.” Nash slips his arm around my waist, and I curl into him, pretending I’m into him for Garrett’s benefit, but mostly I’m still disgusted that I fell for his lies and want to push him away.