Inner Circle (Private 5)

For some reason, the way she said those words, I knew that she knew about Cheyenne. And I didn't even care that she was being callous about it. All that mattered was that she was here. Miraculously, perfectly, here. I threw my arms around her and hugged her tight. "It's so good to see you!" I said. She hugged me back. "You too." I looked her over as I leaned away. She looked amazing, of course. Her long brown hair shone and she'd cut long bangs that fell perfectly over her brown eyes. She wore a low-cut black wrap dress and a simple but gorgeous diamond pendant. Her colorful strappy heels were so high, she towered over me, and her bronzed legs looked toned to soccer-finals perfection. "Where have you been?" I demanded, noting the perfect tan.

"Here and there," she said casually. "As of this week, I'm a free woman. My f

ather's genius lawyers finally broke down La Beastesse-- that's what I call the judge who was presiding over my case," she added in a conspiratorial whisper. "So my probation has officially been lifted. Whatever that means." "What does that mean?" I asked. "Basically that now I can go out of the country," she said, lifting my water glass off the table and taking a sip. "Which is so overdue. I could not be any more sick of the Hamptons." "So you're . . . going out of the country?" I asked, feeling inexplicably crestfallen. It wasn't as if she was going to go back to Easton with me. Wasn't as if I could count on her living down the hall from me again. Being there for me. Protecting me.

Noelle looked me up and down. "Actually, I'm not so sure. There have been certain developments that might entice me to stay stateside." I swallowed hard. "You don't mean ... I mean . .. you heard about Cheyenne." "Yes." She pursed her lips. Placed the glass down on the table. "Shame. But you know what they say, Reed." I looked into her eyes. Those familiar, sparkling, mischievous eyes. I almost couldn't believe she was there. Couldn't believe how much I'd missed her. How much I'd missed feeling like this. Like anything could happen. "What?" I asked. "What do they say?" Noelle smiled knowingly. "Everything happens for a reason."