“There are, Mad, but they may be hard to come by in college. Think of a hundred kids raised like us—no dating, nine-thirty curfew—all set free for the first time ever. Of course they’re going to be all over everything they possibly can get their hands on. They’re rebelling, and experiencing, and living life the way they haven’t been allowed to. But that doesn’t make them bad people.”
“Just horny people,” Maddy said with a laugh. “God, I’ve been talking this whole time. I’m sorry. I’m just so sick of it all, and the girls are just as bad, but I won’t go there.” Her eyes rolled over Lizzie like she could see the discomfort prickling her skin. “What’s up with you lately? How’s the shop?”
“The shop is great, but I do need to talk to you about something.”
“If it’s about my books, I got a job at the bookstore next semester. I’ll get a discount, and I hope to earn enough to pay for them myself.” Pride radiated from her sister’s hazel eyes. “See? You taught me well. I’m trying to pay my own way so Mom and Dad don’t have to stress about it and so you don’t have to keep shoveling your hard-earned money my way.”
“That’s kind of what I need to talk to you about. You know I don’t mind paying, right? And that Mom and Dad would if they could.”
Maddy grabbed another Twizzler from her purse and waved a dismissive hand, then pointed the long red candy at Lizzie. “I know you don’t mind, but I still feel bad.”
“Well, don’t.” Lizzie pulled off the highway at the exit for Brewster and drove toward their parents’ house. “Mad, I haven’t exactly been honest with you about where the money for your college is coming from.”
Maddy offered a Twizzler to Lizzie.
“No, thanks. Mom’s making dinner,” Lizzie said.
Maddy pulled a Snickers from her purse and waved it in front of Lizzie. “You know you want it.” She tore open the wrapper and handed the delicious chocolate to Lizzie.
“God, I love you.” Lizzie bit off a hunk while Maddy nibbled at her licorice.
“Did you hear what I said, Mad? I lied to you.”
“Uh-huh. But you never lie. You’re even more straitlaced than me.”
“Not really. It just seems that way.” She pulled over in the parking lot of their old elementary school and parked the car so she could give Maddy her full attention.
“Oh no, what are you going to tell me?” Maddy’s hands fell to her lap, a look of worry riddling her beautiful young face.
“It’s not that bad. Well, it is, maybe, but…here goes. When I was in college and Dad got sick, I had to pay my own way, too, and I ended up with loads of school loans. I saw myself working for minimum wage for the rest of my life and never realizing my dreams because of it, and so I found a way out. And that way out paid for my school loans, my flower shop, and now for your school, too.”
“Just tell me what it is, Lizzie. You sound like Mom when she’s dancing around something she doesn’t want to talk about.”
“I do a video webcast called the Naked Baker—but I’m not naked; I wear an apron—and it’s all monetized. I earn money from it to pay for your school.”
Maddy’s lips pressed into a firm line, and then she burst into laughter. She laughed so hard her head tipped back. “Oh my gosh, you had me there for a second. You? The Naked Baker? More like the Proper Baker.”
Her laughter was contagious, but it also irked Lizzie to know that everyone saw her as such a good girl. “Madison, I’m telling you the truth.”
Maddy whipped her head in Lizzie’s direction. “No, you’re definitely messing with me.”
Lizzie leveled her most serious big-sister stare at her.
Maddie gasped. “For real? Why? I thought you made enough money with the flower shop to help.”
Lizzie shook her head, shame burning her cheeks. She told Maddy the whole sordid story, and when she was done, they sat in silence for so long Lizzie felt sick to her stomach.
“Do you hate me?” she finally asked.
“Hate you? No. I just can’t believe you would do that. Not that there’s something wrong with it, but there kinda is.” Maddy’s gaze softened apologetically. “Do Mom and Dad know?”
Lizzie shook her head.
“Please don’t tell them. They can’t take this, Lizzie. I guess I’ve always known that you would do anything for me, and now that the initial shock has worn off, I get it. But they won’t be okay with this. God, I can’t even picture you doing something like this. Mom and Dad will have a stroke.”
“Hey, I make a great blonde, and my legs aren’t bad.”
Maddy rolled her eyes. “You’re gorgeous all over, but...” She reached for Lizzie’s hand. “Thank you for doing all that, but maybe you shouldn’t do it anymore. I feel responsible. I am responsible. Oh no. I’m going straight to hell. I’ve turned my sister into an online ho!”
“Wow, Mad, don’t soften the blow or anything.” Lizzie looked out the window, caught between laughter and dismay.
“I didn’t mean that. I just…Lizzie, now that I know what you’re doing, I can’t keep taking your money.”
“You can and you will.” Lizzie started the car. “And I have to tell Mom and Dad. I can’t keep lying to everyone.”