My lips find his, and the sweet tension I missed so much rolls through me. I lean back to catch my breath. “I sort of have some news, too.”
He tilts his head to the side. “Give it up.”
“I decided to apply to American University in DC. They have lots of creative writing and journalism classes.”
“You’ll kick ass wherever you go.” He starts the car and drives out of the complex.
My admissions essay is almost done. After some prodding from Mrs. Hellstrom—who isn’t as crazy as I thought—I’m basing it on my journal.
It turns out that it isn’t just Noah’s story.
It’s mine, too.
When we reach our destination, Marco hands me the black mesh bag from the backseat.
“Ready?” he asks.
“I think so. Are you sure this isn’t a crazy idea?” I ask as we get out.
Marco takes my hand and we walk toward the building. “I never said it wasn’t crazy, but Sofia couldn’t talk Miss Lorraine into taking Cyclops.”
Miss Lorraine is applying to foster Sofia, and Child Protective Services granted her temporary guardianship. Marco is old enough to live on his own, but Chief insisted that Marco move in with him. Chief claims he’s going to teach Marco how to race for real, as he calls it. Marco said he’s going to teach Chief how to dress cooler.
I take a deep breath and open the glass door. The nurse looks up from the counter and smiles at me. “Someone has been waiting for you.”
Doubtful.
Marco squeezes my hand and I give her the bag. I’m starting to wish Dad hadn’t said yes.
The nurse returns with the one-eyed cat in the carrier. “He’s a little grouchy today, but he’ll let you hold him if you give him tuna and scratch behind his ears.”
I study Cyclops—the cat who never should’ve survived that first night at the animal hospital.
“Thanks.” I take the carrier, hoping he won’t claw me through the mesh. Cyclops watches me with his good eye and purrs when he sees Marco.
“He likes you better than me.”
Marco grins. “I’m pretty irresistible, and I feed him.”
“I guess.”
“Are you sure about this?” he asks. “I think Chief will take Cyclops if it’s either his place or the shelter.”
“I want to keep him, but Dad says we’ll have to see if he and Cujo get along.” I peer through the zippered panel. The cat is a fighter, like me. “And I saved Cyclops, so that makes me responsible for him.”
“Does that mean I can move in with you?” Marco takes my elbow and steers me toward him. “You saved me, too.”
I push up onto my toes and press my lips against his. The kiss burns through me, like it’s the first time.
A few months ago, I thought remembering was the hardest thing in the world. I was wrong. Forgetting is harder than remembering, but forgiving is the hardest. I’m working on that with Dad.
I was wrong about something else, too.
Before I crashed the stolen car, I thought saving Marco was the most important thing I would ever have to do.
One thing was even more important.…
Saving myself.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This book would not exist without the support and hard work of these Lovely people.
Jodi Reamer, my amazing agent—for listening to my crazy ideas and encouraging me to see where they lead, and shepherding my books into the world as if they were your own. Your insight, passion, and faith in this story allowed me to take a risk and tackle a new genre. I’m so lucky you took a chance on me.
Erin Stein, my publisher and editor at Imprint—for your creativity, insight, and never-ending patience. Writing this book was a challenge, but you never doubted the story or my ability to tell it, even when I did. Collaborating with you has made me a better writer.
The “Lovely” Team at Imprint and Macmillan: Natalie Sousa, creative director at Imprint, for her work on the breathtaking cover; John Nora, senior production manager, and Christine Ma, senior production editor, for their attention to detail and diligence; Allison Verost, vice president, marketing and publicity, and Brittany Pearlman, associate publicist, for your excitement about The Lovely Reckless and for creating PR opportunities to spread that excitement; Lucy Del Priore, director school and library marketing, Kathryn Little, associate director marketing, Ashley Woodfolk, marketing manager, and Mariel Dawson, director of advertising and promotion, for thinking outside the box and telling the world about The Lovely Reckless; Caitlin Sweeny, digital marketing manager, for the gorgeous digital content; Jennifer Gonzalez and her incredible sales team, for convincing booksellers and retailers to take a chance on the book; and Nicole Otto, editorial assistant, for all her help.
Angus Killick, vice president and associate publisher at Macmillan—for your enthusiasm for The Lovely Reckless and your innovative ideas. Thank you for making me feel welcome at my new publishing house. I’ll hang out with you at Comic-Con anytime.
Jon Yaged, president of Macmillan—for inviting me to join Imprint/Macmillan, assembling and leading such a gifted group of people, and for sharing your creative vision.