“When I was a kid, I got trapped in the storeroom at a surf shop. I was checking out some old boards, and they didn’t know I was in there—they locked me in all night. It was terrifying. So now I always have an exit strategy. I think that’s why I like the water so much—there’s always somewhere to swim.”

“Unless you get trapped under the water.” I cringed.

“You can always go up,” he replied.

We arrived at the pool, which was thankfully empty. Keeping his fingers wound with mine, he pulled me down onto an orange double-wide chaise longue. Leaning back, we sipped our coconuts. The frozen concoction was alternatingly sweet and tart and went down way too easily.

“The sky is so big,” he said, gesturing at the mass of glittering stars overhead. They weren’t real, but they were mesmerizing. The hotel grounds were encased in a climate-controlled augmented glass dome, so AMPs weren’t required. “It makes you feel small, doesn’t it? Makes you wonder what we’re here for?”

“I wonder what the point of all this made-up Influence is all the time,” I said. “We’re here to…pretend? Sometimes I think we’re in a simulation. Maybe we’re all pawns in someone’s twisted game and we’ll be forced to fight to the death.” I closed my mouth. The coconut concoction was talking.

“That’s dark, Ella.” He laughed. “Do you know what I think?”

“No.”

“Even if it’s all a game, you’re never trapped. You just need an exit strategy.” The corner of his mouth curved up in a half smile, and he nudged me with his elbow.

“I hope you’re not planning to exit yet,” I said. “We just got here.”

“Oh no. I’m not going anywhere.” His smile widened. “What I’m trying to say is, you’re in control.”

I glanced at him, unable to squelch the glimmer of hope that shined through me. “I wish.”

“It’s true.”

I turned to face him in full. “How do you know?”

“I’m here with you, aren’t I?” He searched my face. “We’ve found a secret way to connect even with everyone watching.”

Genuine happiness jolted through me, and I couldn’t contain my smile. “Thank you for the notes. They’re the only thing in my life I look forward to.”

“I think they’re fun, too. And your riddles keep me on my toes. I never would have guessed that behind this pretty face you were so brainy.” He ran his thumb over my cheek. “You’re deceptive. I like it.”

Staring into his depths, I felt possibility pulse in my chest. “I like sharing a secret with you.”