s what's written on it. I didn't even realize I handed her my dad's mug. She runs her fingers over the letters and smiles. "I'll be fine," she says, standing up to leave. "I think I've got

on would go away. It's weird. In all my life, I've never felt so consumed by a thought about someone. This is the last thing I need right now, but it's also the only thing I want." Caulder bursts into the house, laughing. He takes off his shoes and crosses the living room, shaking his head. "The Darth Vader girl asked me how to get to the grocery store," he says. "I don't know how to drive. She's so stupid." - He walks over to the fridge and opens it. I stand up. - Is she still out there? I run to the front door and see the Jeep parked on the street. I quickly put on my shoes and fly out of the house before she leaves. I'm relieved to see her fiddling with the GPS. That gives me a little more time. Would she mind if I walked with her to the store? Of course she would. It would be awkward. - This is not a good idea - I say as I approach the car, then lean in through the window. She looks at me, hiding a smile at the corner of her mouth. - What's not a good idea? - She starts to fit the GPS into the mount. Shit. What's not a good idea? I haven't thought this through. I'm going to tell the first lie that comes to mind. - There's a lot of construction going on. You're going to get lost in this. Just as she opens her mouth to answer, a car pulls up next to the Jeep. A woman leans over the seat and talks to Layken through the window. It must be her mother, because they look practically identical. Same accent and everything. I keep leaning in the window, taking advantage of her distraction to watch her. Her hair is dark brown, but not as dark as her mother's. Her nail polish is chipping. Apparently, she keeps picking at her finger, which makes me like her even more. Vaughn only leaves the house if her hair and nails are perfect. Kel jumps out of the other car and invites Caulder, who is now next to me, to her house. Caulder asks me if he can go, so I grab the door handle of Layken's car without worrying about the possible consequences. Screw everything. "Sure," I say. "I'll be back in a bit, Caulder. I'll go with Layken to the store." I open the car door and get in wi