“We haven’t, not really, but it’s been ages since we’ve hung out,” she said. “I think the last time was right after graduation, and that was weeks ago.”

“So … you’re asking to hang out?” Alex asked.

“Yes.” She nodded once. “I am.”

“Like right now?”

“If you’re not busy.”

“I’m not.” He stepped back. “Did you want to come in or something?”

“Actually, do you wanna take a walk? I could really use the fresh air.”

“Uh, sure. Yeah.” He glanced around, as if he thought he was forgetting something, then he stepped outside and shut the door behind him. “Let’s go.”

They walked almost two full blocks before either of them said anything. Harper tried a few times, but she only managed to make sounds and squinted up at the sun. She’d thought a walk would be easier because there would be movement to distract them.

In reality, she didn’t understand why things were so awkward between them. She blamed it partially on Alex, since he was uneasy in normal situations. But a big part of it was her, too. She felt nervous around him.

“So,” Harper said finally. “How is your summer going?”

“Good, I guess.” He shook his head. “I mean, other than what happened to Luke.”

“Oh, yeah.” She grimaced and looked over at him, trying to get a read on how much it upset him, but he just stared down at the sidewalk. “I heard about that. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t need to be sorry. It’s not your fault.” He kicked a rock with his shoe. “I just feel so horrible for his family and everything.”

“Yeah, I bet. That has to be really rough.”

“His mom called me crying on Tuesday, asking me if I knew anything about it, and then the cops questioned me the next day.” Alex didn’t say anything for a minute, so Harper reached out and touched his shoulder gently. “I didn’t know what to tell them. I don’t know where he is.”

As he walked with Harper, his dark hair cascading across his forehead, he looked the same as when he’d been twelve and his beloved dog had gotten hit by a car. Underneath his new foxy exterior, he was the same sweet Alex.

A twinge of guilt gripped her heart. As soon she found out Luke had gone missing, Harper should’ve talked to Alex to find out how he was doing. Instead she’d been too wrapped up in her own drama, and she’d ignored her oldest friend.

“I’m really sorry,” Harper said again, but this time she was apologizing for not being there for him.

“It’s okay. I’m sure he’ll turn up.” Alex took a deep breath. Then he glanced over at Harper, forcing a smile. “So what about you? How’s your summer going?”