She let out a breath of relief. “I figured you’d be fine but I just wanted to make sure. You think you could stay at Amelia’s for the weekend? That would make me feel better.”

“Sure. That sounds like fun.” I actually wasn’t sure. Her aunt was still in town, extending her stay like aunts sometimes do. But a weekend alone sounded nice. If my parents weren’t here, I didn’t have to think about our issues.

My computer dinged and I felt guilty that I hadn’t responded better.

My mom glanced at the computer. “Well, thank you. Be safe this weekend. No wild parties or anything.”

I laughed. “Okay.”

She tousled my hair, then left the room.

I turned my attention back to the computer, where the new message awaited.

I thought you’d already figured it out on your own.

Was he referring to the conversation about his dog we had out by the pool? He thought I’d figured it out and that’s why he told me? I felt sick. How was I supposed to tell him that all my flirting online wasn’t directed at him? How could I tell him that when I’d been flirting in real life too? I couldn’t tell him over the computer. Even though that’s how we’d been communicating half the time, it seemed so impersonal.

I’m not disappointed. Just overwhelmed. We’ll talk tomorrow, yes?

So you’re coming tomorrow night?

To the vague event with the address?

Yes.

I’ll be there.

Twenty-Six

I dreaded getting in the car the next morning with Amelia. I had no idea what to say. A conversation with her could wait until after I’d had one with DJ. There was nothing wrong with that. When I got into her car, I immediately felt bad.

And of course, the first thing she asked was, “So did Heath Hall slip up at all last night?” She eased out of my driveway.

“No. I’m still not sure who he is.” That was sort of true. I was maybe 10 percent not sure.

She smiled. “Well, I spent an hour talking to Robert yesterday after school.”

“After school you drove me home.”

“I came back and met him after track practice.”

“Oh yeah? What did he say?”

“He was like a vault, but I think he knows something. He got this sly smile when I mentioned that truth quote you said about the sun and the moon.”

“He did? So you think it’s him?” As much as I hadn’t wanted it to be him the day before, now anyone other than DJ would be welcome news.

“I think it could be him. Did you talk to Jackson?”

“No, I didn’t get a chance.”