Taylor shakes her head like the lie doesn’t even come as a surprise. “Maybe someday my brother won’t suck, but until then you deserve so much better than him.”

Willa is silent for a beat, then rests her head on her knees. “I am such a hypocrite.” When she looks up, there are fresh tears in her eyes. “I’ve been pissed at my mom for believing Steve will break up with his girlfriend for her, but I’ve been the same way with Campbell. I really thought I was different. That I’d be special enough to change him.”

“Maybe your mom feels the same way about Steve,” Taylor says. “Or maybe she knows and doesn’t care. I know you love her, but it’s kinda not your business.”

“She said the same thing.” Willa sighs. “I have to apologize to her.”

“You can use my phone whenever you’re ready.”

“Thanks,” Willa says. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

Willa shifts to sit cross-legged on the cockpit bench, and Pumpkin creeps up from the cabin to curl in her lap. Willa leans in, like she’s about to dish gossip at a sleepover. “Why didn’t you tell me about the girl in New York?”

Taylor blinks. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t already been planning to tell Willa about Vanessa, but she’s a little thrown that Willa already knows—and slightly worried that her sexuality might never have been a secret. What if Finley knew too? “How did you find out?”

“I saw you kissing in the bathroom at the Donut Shop,” Willa says, her dimples popping as she smiles. “And I’ve been trying not to pry, but oh my God, Taylor, I need whatever details you’re willing to share. Or, you can tell me to mind my own business.”

“No. It’s cool. Her name is Vanessa.” It feels good to finally share her feelings, and Taylor is relieved that Willa isn’t being judgmental. Not that Taylor expected her to be, but it’s nice to have support. “I met her at the party in Oswego. We bonded over Sister Kismet while hiding from the cops.”

“Total meet-cute,” Willa says, nodding.

Taylor’s skin warms, and she can’t stop herself from smiling. “I know, right?”

“Are you going to see her again?”

“I don’t know,” she says. “There’s the whole long-distance thing and we’re both going to be in college. And it feels a little . . . I don’t know . . . soon.”

“I totally get that, but don’t forget that Finley would want you to be happy. And if Vanessa does that for you—” Willa stops abruptly. “Did Finley know you like girls?”

Taylor shakes her head. “I wasn’t even sure myself because the only girl I ever liked was her.”

“Wait. Are you saying you had feelings for her?”

“Basically for as long as I knew her.”