I think about the times when Kate acts so spoiled. When I bought a birthday gift for her, I was so nervous. What do you buy for someone who has everything? The necklace is still in my bag. I keep putting off the moment when I’m going to give it to her.

“That’s true,” I say.

“Fender doesn’t let many people in. It’s nothing personal. You just need to give him a bit of time.”

“I’ve known him for nine months,” I say.

Lucas laughs. “Okay. A bit more time, then.”

Could Lucas be right? I can hardly imagine that he is.

“You won’t tell Kate, will you?”

Lucas looks at me. “Of course not. Kate thinks we’re all best friends forever.”

“Thank you.”

Lucas nods. “No problem. So are you coming swimming later?”

I push the fear of my stalker into the background.

“Okay. But right now I’m going to pee. All this soda and talk about swimming is having an effect.”

When I head to the bathroom, I see a boy standing at the candy machine. He’s slapping it and cursing.

“Something stuck?” I ask.

The boy turns around, looking sheepish.

“Sorry, I…”

“I’ve been there.” I walk over to him and see a candy bar stuck in one of the rings. “That’s what you’re after, right?”

“Yes.” The boy smiles apologetically. “Sorry, I don’t normally get that mad, but when it comes to food…”

“How about I give it a try?”

Without waiting for his answer, I squeeze my arm into the opening behind the flap.

“That won’t help. I already tried and…”

There’s a dull thud, and I produce the bar.

“How did you do that?” His eyes widen. “I’ve been trying without success for fifteen minutes!”

“That’s my little secret.” I stand up. “Enjoy the candy.”

“Thanks.” The boy unwraps the bar and breaks off half of it. “Want some?”

“Nice.” I take the candy.

Then the thought that he could be my stalker shoots through my head. But it disappears as quickly as it came. There’s nothing scary about him. He’s even a bit average, a real boy next door. He looks kind of casual, with his messy hair, and his eyes are friendly as he looks at me through his round glasses.

“Hi. I’m Linnea.” I hold out my hand. He gives it a firm shake.

“Claus.” He makes a face. “They named me after my grandpa. Terrible, isn’t it?”

I shake my head. “No, it’s a nice name.”

“You just feel sorry for me. I can tell.”

I snort with laughter. “No, no, honestly!”

“Well, here’s to you and your candy-machine skills.” Claus bumps my half of the chocolate bar with his. “Cheers.”

We both take a bite.

“Are you here with your mom and dad too?” Claus makes a bored face. “Mine are here for work.”