ars, and there are flowers everywhere. People in fancy clothes stand around t

y arm to show me folks. "He writes for that dress book," she breathes to me

ht dress shines like new, her hand stays on his arm. A bad thought bite

gaze. "She works in the money place. She and

than loves. He told me to leave him alone. He made it clear he f

get ready for your big show. You wil

ts, then I'll step up and show all the designs. My hands flutter as thoughts fill up my head. I tug my dress down just a bit,

uit, tailored and trim. He looks so known, but memory fails me. "You are Lila, yes?"

ot, turning red

starts. His nose gives a twitch, like catching a scent. His e

, from some unknown place. He shoots Caleb a look that spe

to my ears, then steps away, keeps

like a magazine man. His eyes tour all of me, like he sees through my dres

is tone feels light, like th

softly. "Ready to

carries a wild fresh scent, like woods after rain. It drums my heart qui

off. His face grows tense. "Just

for what?"

n eyes burn so sharp I feel like I'll fade. But then, Vanessa cuts in. S

to kick things off. Let's go." She drags him of

own low. It's more than sad now. It's

bs my hand tight. "You

. "Just stressed a

an't hide for long. Stressed by Ethan and that sharp look, like he knew some bi

, just ears open. Next, it's my time to shine. I step to the front, all stares on me.

thing that c

, with a mark on skin. She aims at me, and the man nods slowly. He

ns fast. Who is this guy? Why aim at me?

raise me well. But I think not of them at all. I think of the

inside me, and how

pot up top where no one is. The town lights stretch down like gold sea. I put

read a note from a strange ID. It just says

on the device. I reread the message repeatedly, seeking its

ing solo, spying on me. His eyes are shadowed holes. Sp

flashing that he's

bursts into vivi