"Hey, you," Helene chirps. She drops down to sit by the water, her bare leg brushing against my shoulder. I’ve got my arms folded on the edge of the pool, chin on top of my elbows, staring at the club’s entrance. The water feels cool compared to the hot afternoon air, and the place’s not too busy for a Friday. Tourists still haven’t figured out there’s a cozy pool lounge with cheap booze right in the city. It’s mostly off...

I’m on my feet before my alarm even has time to reach its second chime. My bare soles slap against the cold hardwood floor as I pad across the hallway, half-running, half-tiptoeing. The guest bedroom’s door is still ajar, like I left it last night. I hold my breath, heart pounding in my throat, then peek in, risking a glance. Leo is there, this was not a dream. He sleeps soundly, which feels a little unfair considering I...

“Thanks for staying behind and helping out.” I look up from the sticky coffee table to find Willow holding a trash bag. She’s smiling at me. Which makes me feel a bit sad for her? “No big deal.” I shrug. “Yeah, well I still appreciate it.” She disappears out the front door, hair bouncing as she goes. She’s been growing it out and it reaches her shoulders now. Suits her much better than the buzz cut she used to rock. Not a...