Starlee's Turn (The Wayward Sons 2)

“Hi!” I say, unable to hold back my smile. I rush toward her and we meet in the middle of the small room. She squeezes me so tight. It feels so good.

“Dexter!” she shouts and he appears in the kitchen doorway, tying his apron around his waist. “Did you forget to tell me something?”

He smiles, eyes twinkling just like after he kissed me. “Oh, Starlee’s back.”

She grabs a rag off the counter and throws it at him. He easily catches it mid-air. “And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“I told him to let me surprise you,” I say. “And I surprised them. Like totally. In the middle of lunch today at school.”

“You’re enrolled at Sierra Academy?”

“Yep. Started today. Got here last night.”

She glances back at Dexter, eyes narrowed. “You really didn’t know?”

“Nope.”

“Promise,” I say. “Ask Leelee. I showed up on her doorstep like a stray cat.”

“Wow, okay, let me try to process all of this.” She looks me up and down. “How does your mother feel about that?”

“She’s not thrilled, but I’m eighteen. She’s not in charge of my life anymore.”

Although she’s smiling, there’s a flicker of something in her eyes. “Well, I’m glad you’re back—mostly so these guys will stop moping around all the time. It was like Sam being in the devil’s box around here.” She shakes her head. “Totally depressing.”

“I’m really excited to be back—and you know, going to school and all that.”

“How was your first day?”

“Overwhelming,” I admit. “And I think the time change is about to kick in.”

“I bet.” She heads back around the counter. “You want a mocha? Anything else?”

“Mocha please. And Leelee wants a Bobby’s Ball or whatever that is.” I feel my cheeks heat saying it.

“Oh, they’re these amazing little cream puffs Dex started making. Here, try one.”

She hands me one from the bakery case and it melts in my mouth like sugary air. “Oh wow, okay yeah, I can see why she’s addicted.”

She wraps up a few and makes my drink. The first sip is perfect—exactly what I’ve been craving. “I’ll put it all on Leelee’s tab.”

“Thank you.” I gather up the treats. “I guess I’ll see you soon.”

“Yep.” She smiles at me. “I’m really glad you’re back, Starlee. It wasn’t just the boys that missed you. Your grandmother and I did, too.”

“I missed all of you, too.”

I left the warmth of the shop for the cooling afternoon air, sipping my mocha and feeling a little more settled than I had in a long time. I told Sierra I’d see her soon.

I just didn’t know how soon and why.

13

Starlee

I don’t have a ton of homework but each teacher gave me a syllabus and links to their websites. After dinner, I change into yoga pants and a sweatshirt before diving into all the new information. I’m a good student but I’ve never had to really worry about all the outside influences at a public school. I’m determined to get off on a good start.

“Starlee, can you come out here for a minute?” I hear my grandmother call once I’ve gone through all my lists. I’m exhausted and the caffeine from the mocha has worn off.