"Tell us about your date last night," Grandpa requests from the driver's seat as we cruise down the familiar city roads.

"Yes, please do!" Gram exclaims, clapping her hands together like a giddy toddler.

"Maybe later," I reply, trying not to smile. Of course, an incoming text from Rem makes me grin like an idiot.

Rem <3: Missing you already. Any chance I can see you later?

"Ooh, our girl has a crush." Gram shoots me a wink before nudging Grandpa's shoulder.

"Stop," I groan, my cheeks hot with embarrassment.

"Don't worry, Calista. If she won't tell us, she'll give Gemma all the details today," Grandpa says matter-of-factly. I wish I could deny it, but I already texted my aunt and told her I had big news to share.

We're on our way to my little cousin's birthday party. Wyatt is turning seven today. His sister, Aurora, is only three. It's weird having cousins that are so much younger than me. By the time they're in high school, I'll be done with college.

Grandpa stops the car in front of the blue bungalow. A red race car balloon is tied to the mailbox, swaying back and forth with the autumn wind. I gather the presents—yes, there are multiple gifts—and carry them inside, where half a dozen second graders are running around.

"Vange, you're here!" Clementine, my ten-year-old half-sister, rushes toward me and crushes my ribcage in a bear hug.

"Hey, girly." I place a kiss on the top of her head before ruffling her mane of orange curls.

In a barely audible undertone, she says, "I can't believe you punched someone. That was so cool."

My jaw hits the floor. "Wh-what? How did you find out about that?"

"It was all over Snapchat. Duh."

And this, right here, is why fifth graders do not need cell phones.

"Relax, I didn't tell anyone," she adds. "You're my big sister. I'd never snitch on you."

"I love you, kid." I pull her in for one more hug before allowing my grandparents to say hello to their other granddaughter.

I seek out Wyatt; after all, it is his birthday. I find him with his dad, my Uncle Bowie, and congratulate him on another year of life. He gives me a quick one-armed hug and then sprints after his friends, probably too embarrassed to be seen with his older cousin.

"You didn't get him a phone for his birthday, did you?" I ask my uncle, whose eyes widen at the inquiry.

"Uh, no. Zayna wants to wait until he's in high school," he replies with a chuckle.

"That's a good decision. You should listen to her," I say, offering his wife, my Auntie Z, a quick wave.

Hopefully by then, the video of me punching Fiona will be long gone.

"Vange, over here!" Aunt Gemma's voice catches my attention. I rotate my head and spot her in the living room, as far away from the children as humanly possible.

I join her on the sofa. She holds up her wine glass, presenting me with the delicious red liquid. I eagerly accept. No one else in the family, not even Uncle Bowie, lets me drink.

"Spill the tea," my aunt says. She's not a beat-around-the-bush kind of woman.

"Okay, so don't tell Gram and Grandpa, but"—I look around to ensure no one is eavesdropping on us—"there is a boy."

"You didn't get back together with Nash, did you? Because I never liked him," she comments.

"Eww, no. His name is Remington. He's the one I told you about who sang in the second grade talent show, remember?"

"Last name?"

"Why? So you can Facebook stalk him?"

"Duh."

I roll my eyes. "Williams. Remington Williams."

"Wait, Williams?" Something flashes through her brown eyes. "Is his dad a cop?"

"Actually, yeah! Do you know him? Because when I met him last night, he seemed so familiar," I explain to her, hoping she can provide some clarity.

"No," she says quickly with a shake of her head, "I've never officially met him. Just seen him around town, you know?"

"Oh." I steal another sip of her wine, no longer concerned if anyone is watching us. "Okay."

My whole life, my aunt has never lied to me. Why is she starting today?

<>*<>*<>*<>*<>

The party is just about over. All the seven-year-olds have left, the single exception being Wyatt, who is upstairs with all of his new toys. Aurora is already in bed, and a half-asleep Clementine snuggles into my side, finally sugar-crashed after her massive piece of cake and double scoop of Neapolitan. She and I share a love of the frozen dessert. Ever since I was a kid, I've been a sucker for ice cream, especially cotton candy.

The grown-ups are in the kitchen, ending the night the same way they always do—with copious amounts of wine. I wouldn't be shocked if Grandpa asked me to drive home tonight. I have my learner's permit, except every time I get behind the wheel, I panic. I can appreciate a beautiful car, but actually driving one terrifies me.

I feel my phone buzz inside my pocket. Without disturbing the snoring ten-year-old, I manage to retrieve the device. A text from Rem leaves me smiling like a lovestruck fool.

Rem <3: I can't stop thinking about you.

I can't stop thinking about him, either.

I snag a pillow and move it under Clementine's head so I can make my escape. I sneak past the boisterous, obviously drunk adults and head outside to text him back.

Me: Still want to see me tonight?

Rem <3: Ummm... do you even have to ask? ;)

Grinning from ear to ear, I send him Uncle Bowie and Auntie Z's address, along with a four-word request: Pick me up ASAP.

"Vange? What are you doing out here?"

From behind, Aunt Gemma approaches me, her car keys in her hand. I force a smile, although my irritation from earlier has not yet faded. I know my aunt better than she thinks I do. I can sense when she's being dishonest. If she's met Mr. Williams before, why won't she tell me?

"I'm heading out. Do you need a ride home?" she asks.

I shoot her a look of disbelief. "You're good to drive?"

"Yeah, I haven't had anything to drink since you finished off my glass of wine," she says with a wink.

"How gone is everyone else?" I inquire.

"Shamus and Alyx are plastered," she tells me, rolling her brown eyes, "Zayna and Bowie are kind of tipsy, and Mom and Dad are fine. Why do you ask?"

"My friend is on his way to pick me up. Am I allowed to tell Gram and Grandpa that I hitched a ride with you? You did offer, after all," I remind her.

She exhales a heavy sigh. "Fine," she agrees, although I hear the reluctance in her voice, "but you better not do anything stupid, alright?"

"I won't," I promise. I give her a quick hug before she gets in her Nissan and drives off.

As soon as she's gone, another pair of headlights appear. I'd recognize Rem's forest green Mustang anywhere. My heart races with excitement as I walk toward the car, toward him.

"Evangeline." A megawatt smile pulls at his lips as soon as he lays eyes on me. "You look beautiful."

"Yeah, right," I brush him off. Still, I can't help the blush that creeps into my cheeks. "I can't stay out too long. Where do you want to go?"

He weaves his fingers through mine. "I have the perfect place," he declares, putting his foot on the gas pedal and cruising toward our mysterious destination.

Some of you might have met Evangeline's extended family before. If not, I hope you enjoy them as much as I do 😉

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