“I mean…I don’t know. But what you just said about Minami, it sounds like you’re talking about a glass figurine.” I yawn. “Something to put on a pedestal, or in a glass case. Not a person.”

I fall asleep before he replies.

Chapter 26

Present day

Taormina, Italy

Maya: This is going to be odd, and you are well within your rights to block me, but…Hi, Scarlett. This is Maya. Your boyfriend and I met last night after the pasta class. I hope it’s okay that I’m writing you?

Scarlett: Oh my god. HI.

Maya: Oh my god back! I was wondering if he’d given me a real number!

Scarlett: I’ve been DYING for an update on you and Older Guy! Are you getting married? Should I save the date?

Maya: Unfortunately, no wedding registry yet.

Scarlett: Boo.

Maya: But I’m not out of ideas yet.

Scarlett: Lukas and I are rooting for you.

Maya: Is Lukas your bf’s name!?

Scarlett: Yes!

Maya: Well, he’s Hans in my phone.

Scarlett: Lol why

Maya: For the diabolical plan I’m masterminding I needed to save your contact under a male name. Hans was the first German name I could think of.

Scarlett: But Lukas is Swedish?

Maya: Oopsie.

Scarlett: He says that there are plenty of Hanses in Sweden, too, so it’s a solid choice. And wants me to wish you luck in your games. Is there anything we can do to help you on your honorable quest?

Footsteps.

They crunch against the gravel. Soften on the grass lawn that surrounds the pool. Come to a stop on the wooden deck. Someone stands between one of the few remaining lanterns and the sun lounger where I sit, cross-legged. A shadow, stretching over me like a caress. Before glancing up, I quickly type at Scarlett-Hans: Honestly, you’re doing it. Ttys!

“It’s nearly midnight, Trouble. And you’re out here all alone.”

There is a softness to Conor’s tone that must come from the darkness, from excellent wine, from a long day on the baking sand. The other guys have returned, too, and are singing “Bohemian Rhapsody” as they head inside the villa.

What a night to find out that my brother has no idea how to pronounce Scaramouche.

“You’re out here, too.” I grin up at him. Right above his head, Antares gleams its pretty, moribund light. “And considerably less wasted than the others.”

“Maya,” Eli yells from across the pool. “Where’s my future wife?”

“Sleeping in Tisha’s room. To protect each other from, I quote, ‘ye olde trilegged monster.’ ”

Eli cannot possibly understand, but he nods. “What did you guys do all night?”

“Stayed in. Got high.”

“That’s so dumb,” Axel slurs before staggering inside the villa.

“New low, unlocked.” I shift my weight back to my palms. “Just got called dumb by Axel Hockeydude.”

Conor’s mouth twitches. “Must cut deep.”

“My self-esteem is bleeding on the floor.”

In the dark, my phone lights up with a text from Scarlett. My heart quickens, but I don’t look at it. All that matters, right now, is that Conor will.