“She was sort of nerdy when we first met, always carrying books around with her. She went through an awkward stage that I thought would stick. It would have been easier if it had. Once she turned seventeen, I had to throw down some ground rules with my friends. For her, I told her she wasn’t allowed to date any of my crew. Most aren’t doing any better than I am now. Lark was meant for bigger things than Beacon. Amanda, too, if she could stay focused.”

“Lark’s at the library right now.”

He cracks up. “Good for her.” There’s something so genuine about the look in his eyes when Lark’s or Amanda’s names are brought up—a sincerity that I bet he doesn’t reveal to many people.

Tossing the cigarette before he finishes it, he puffs his breath, then holds his hands behind his head. “I was keeping her away from guys like you and Lucas.”

“You remember me like I was there with him those past few years. I wasn’t. He sold his life for a quick fix. You never saw me doing any of that.”

Dane stares at me. I can see he’s not convinced by how his eyes are narrowed and he crosses his arms over his chest. “Maybe I threw you in the mix, not really paying attention. If I judged you wrong, I’m a big enough guy to apologize. Sorry.”

It’s not elaborate, but I’ll accept it. “I need to clear my name because I don’t want Lark paying for mistakes, especially if I didn’t make them.”

“You and your cousin look a lot alike.”

“I can see that.” I stretch out my hand. He looks between it and my eyes a few times and then takes it. We shake. “I appreciate the apology.”

“I don’t want to lose Lark’s friendship. I need your help.”

We step back again as a new line is drawn in the sand. “You know what to do.” Although I appreciate having my name cleared, that’s not why I was looking for him. “That’s why I’m here.”

Sighing and shaking his head, he starts pacing. “I can’t take it from her, man. I wish I could.”

“You have a long history with Lark. You said it yourself that you don’t want to lose her friendship, but you won’t give her something that’s rightfully hers to own. I bet you she’s been there for you over the years like you have for her. I bet if you called her at any hour and needed something, she’d be there. Am I right?”

“You’re right, but it doesn’t change this situation.”

“What will?” I’m not going to volley with him all night. I just wish he’d do the right thing to start with. “You know Lark. You know what it means to her. She deserves to have it back.”

He pulls another cigarette from his pocket. It’s bent as if he bummed it off someone. But he doesn’t light it. He holds it between two fingers like the act itself is enough to settle his nerves.