Starcrossed (Starcrossed 1)

stopped dead in the hall as she remembered how Hector had made

her take a little swim with it.

?Hector will buy you another phone. A better one,? was all he?d

say as he kissed her forehead. ?I?ll make sure of it.?

?That sounds really bad,? Helen groaned, but the bell rang and

she had to run or suffer Hergie?s wrath.

The rest of the day was as near to perfect as a day spent in high

school can get. Helen felt hugely energetic, Claire was a ninetypound

ray of sunshine, and Ariadne, too, seemed in fantastic spirits

as Matt helped her with her golf swing in the auditorium at

lunch. Matt was the captain of the golf team, and Ariadne was

thinking about joining, although first she had to learn how to play.

?No, you?re still gripping the club too tight,? Matt directed her

gently. ?Think of it as a rapier, not an ax,? he said, unwittingly hitting

the metaphoric nail on the head for her. Her swing instantly

improved.

?Cassie, why don?t you put that book down and come learn how

to golf?? Ariadne called to her cousin.

In response, Cassandra opened another book.

?What are you looking for, anyway?? Matt called.

?Charms or spells in ancient Greek myth that protect against

wounds,? she said as she wiped a hand over her face. The gesture

reminded Helen of Lucas. If Matt found Cassandra?s response

strange, he let it go easily enough and focused on Ariadne and her

?stance? instead.

?How much longer do you think we have before we get caught in

here?? Claire asked.

?Who cares? This is one of the best ideas Lennie?s ever had. We

should enjoy it while we have it and not ruin the moment worrying

about losing it,? Matt answered serenely.