Cissy and Zeke exchange a sympathetic look. Then, with a series of loud squeaks, Cissy scooches her seat closer to mine, while Zeke moves his farther away. “Is that maybe…Better?” She gives me a tentative grin.
Hells bells, they both think I’m still acting weird because of my supposed mega-crush on Zeke. I pause, taking a long sip from my can of diet soda. Actually, if it stops all the cuddling and pet names, they can think whatever they want. I give her shoulder a little pat. “That is better.” I sniffle, loudly. “Thanks so much.”
Zeke runs his palms over his blonde head. “By the way, I heard you talked to Aunt Cecily at the party.”
Lifting my fork, I spear a new bite of salad. “Aunt who?”
“Cecily. You know: old lady, gray hair, peacock tail?”
“Oh yeah, she was–” I search for the right words “–a good listener.”
Zeke kicks his legs onto a nearby chair. “She said you were asking about diplomatic stuff.”
I drop my fork again. “Yes, I was.” I wanted any information on who my father could be, not that I’m telling Zekie that.
“My house has all the old diplomatic archives from quasi rule. It’s in the main library.” He taps his plate with one finger, looking at me expectantly. “You could check it out.”
Cissy nods, setting her golden curls bobbing. “What a great idea! Doing some research would give you something else to think about besides…”
My lost love for Zeke. Riiiiiight. I swallow down some frustration with another bite of salad.
Zeke puts on his Mr. Smirky grin. “There’s more to do than the library, though.”
“Oh, yes.” Cissy blinks her tawny eyes madly. “The mansion has a hedgerow maze, a fountain, and a huge greenhouse with botanical gardens inside.”
Wait a second. I’ve known Cissy long enough to recognize her eye-blinking routine when I see it.
“This is a great offer and all, but I’m wondering one thing.” I fold my hands neatly on the tabletop. “Is there is something in particular you want from me in all this?”
Leaning forward in her chair, Cissy speaks in a hushed tone. “Since you mention it, if you’re at the house and all, I should probably be there too.”
My eyes narrow. “I see. You’ll be at the Ryder mansion to keep me company, not just to hang out with Zeke.”
Cissy smiles so hard, I’m shocked her face doesn’t crack. “Yes, that’s absolutely right!”
I smack my lips once. Okay, I can see where this is going.
Cissy gazes at the ceiling, her mouth screwing to one side of her face. “And if my parents ask what happens at Zeke’s house, you could say we’re together all the time. The three of us.”
I exhale a long breath. “But the two of you will really be doing what exactly?”
Zeke holds up his hands in the universal sign of surrender. “Just watching television and hanging out, I swear. My parents will be around too.”
My forehead creases with confusion. “So, what’s the problem?”
“My parents heard these awful lies about Zeke.” Cissy shivers. “Now I’m supposed to have an official chaperone with me at all times and, well, I know how much Mom and Dad trust you.”
“They think I’m a weird-tailed Arena fighter.”
“But they know you’d kill anyone who tried to hurt me.”
I pop another bite of salad into my mouth. She has a point.
Cissy starts blinking again. “Pleeeeeeeeease, Myla?”
I let out a low groan. The rumors about Zeke aren’t wrong, but I’ve known Mr. Smarmy McSlutster since kindergarten. He’s never let a girl meet his friends, let alone his family. I honestly think he’s okay around Cissy. Plus, if I can get access to diplomatic records, I may find something out about my father.
“Fine. I’ll do it.”
***
The rest of the day is a blur of boringness, including the long drive home in Betsy. I step through my front door to a very happy mother.
“Welcome home, Myla!”
“Hey, Mom.” I give her a kiss on the cheek.
Mom plunks down onto the living room sofa and pats the empty spot next to her. “Guess what, sweetie? I was able to snap a few pictures of you and Cissy in your gowns before you got into the car. I wanted it to be a surprise.”
I sit down beside her. She presses the images into my hand. I look and wince. Even with all the flounces cut off the dress, it was still mighty puffy, like a neon pumpkin.
“Cissy looks beautiful.” I sigh. “And I look very orange.”
“You’re both lovely. Be sure to show these to Cissy.”
I set the photos into the pocket of my hoodie. “I will.” In another lifetime.
Mom smiles and pats my hand. She’s in a good mood. That means now’s the perfect time to get the Maternal Inquisitor to approve regular afterschool trips to the Ryder mansion.
“So, Cissy’s started dating this guy named Zeke Ryder.”
“Oh, I know the Ryder family from before the war.”
Wow, another random fact from Mom’s mystery past.