Page 116 of Sweetheart

"Everyone should have dreams," Aurora agreed.

"The ones about flying are the best," Freya put in. "Bonus points if there are dragons. Also love the ones where I'mrolling around in a pile of puppies—or a vat of chocolate."

"I'm down with the puppies," Viola said on a laugh, "but the chocolate sounds disgusting."

"See? This is why I want this to last forever." I smiled sadly. "I haven't even graduated yet, and I miss you guys already."

"Where is all this coming from?" my sister asked.

I shrugged. "I've just beenthinking. Why does everythinggood have to end?"

We were silent a moment, then Aurora said, "I don't think it does. The best things in life like love and friendship never really end. They might feel farther away, but they're never gone. Love is always there even if you can't see it."

"Wow," Freya said. "Youare so sappy."

"Whatever."

"No really, you should write Hallmark cards or something."

Her joke broke the tension. I didn't know if it was that or hearing their laughter, butmy moodbrightened considerably.With a sigh, though, my sister met my gaze and tilted her head.

"Scarlett, be honest," she said. "Is this about Sam?"

You could've heard a pin drop as the others waited for my answer.

"No." I scoffed then added, "Well, maybe a little."

"Are you scared ofthings ending with him? Because you two looked super close at thegame the other day."

"Yeah," Freya said, "honestly, you and Sam are couple goals."

That's the whole idea.

We're supposed to look in love.

It's part of our fake arrangement.

"I don't think you have anything to worry about," Aurora said. "You're obviously head-over-heels for him, and Sam istotally into you."

"You think so?"

She nodded, and Viola chuckled.

"What?" I asked.

Eyes bright, Viola said, "The guy literally smiled the whole time he was getting his butt kicked on the field—by two members of our family, I might add. And Bo's dad.Anyway, I think it's safe to say he likes you, Scarlett."

Yeah, but is it enough?

Because I like Sam.

More than like him.

I adore him so much, too much, more than enough times infinity.

"Wait, or is this about skinny-dipping?" Charlotte asked, successfully breaking me out of my thoughts. "Because it's your list,Scar. You canmake changes any time you want."

I shook my head. "It's not that, and I'm not changing anything."

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