Page 108 of Ice Princess

She’s also been complaining about the Ladies going behind her back and giving Rebel the authority to work with Rodney Howard, a donor that asked to work exclusively with her.

When mom complains about Rebel, I usually turn the phone off or skip past that section of her voice message. At this point, I might discover gold on the moon before I find a way for mom and Rebel to get along.

“I miss April,” Chance says, his voice breaking into my thoughts as we approach the crosswalk.

I miss Rebel.

But I can’t say that out loud.

I don’t evendeserveto feel the way I do.

Does mom know about what our family did to Rebel’s?is a question that runs circles in my mind.Does dad know? Does Uncle Rodney? Does Uncle Kit?How many of the people I love are in on this?

I could come right out and ask, but I don’t want to tip off Uncle Stewart to my investigation. And, honestly, I’m not brave enough to ask my parents—especially my dad—about this yet. It would crush me if the two people I love and look up to the most, had anything to do with hurting Rebel Hart.

“You know,” Chance says casually, “April mentioned that you were dodging Rebel before we left town.”

I keep walking.

“I heard Rebel was pretty upset about it.”

I stop short.

Chance smirks at me. “So that got your attention, huh?”

I lift a finger and point at a shop window.

In the display is a fluffy rug, feather boas, and a comforter set all in the same shade of bubble-gum pink. On the frosted glass, printed in a simple font, is one beautiful word—Pinkies.

Chance’s face crumbles. “Nope. No. No way. I’m not going in there.”

A group of teenagers pass by, giggling as they enter the shop.

I take a step forward.

Chance makes a run for it. “I’ll meet you at the hotel.”

I drag him by the elbow and pull him back. “I’m not going in there alone.”

“It’ll be weirder if we go in there together,” Chance hisses.

“So call Renthrow. The three of us can go in.”

Chance looks at me like I’m crazy. And then he gives it a second thought. “Deal.”

I wait while he makes the call and, faintly, from the cell phone speaker, I hear Renthrow ask, “Think they’ll have anything Hello-Kitty themed in there?”

“Uh…” Chance gives me an inquisitive look.

I nod, which could be considered a lie. But hey, if there’s anywhere that Hello Kitty products would be sold, it would be in a shop calledPinkies.

Chance tells Renthrow confidently. “You bet.”

The single dad grunts. “I’ll be there in ten.”

CHAPTER

THIRTY-THREE

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