by Jen Calonita
The more Mira thought about her cousin, the worse she felt for judging her before she ever got to know her. Izzie was more decent than half the people in that room, including herself. She knew her life needed a major reboot, and maybe she was finally doing just that. She stared at one of the large canvases she and Kellen had painted for the party. It was a picture of a scenic countryside, and in the middle, a girl was lying serenely in a lavender patch, studying the clouds. Mira wasn’t as laid-back as the girl in the picture yet, but she would keep trying until she got there.
Mira heard Kellen’s voice. “I wouldn’t believe cattle lived here if I didn’t hear them mooing out back.” Mira grinned. “This barn smells like pumpkin pie and apples.”
“You came,” she said, and saw Kellen standing behind her near a huge cornucopia.
“You called it the party of the season. How could I miss that?” Kellen asked. “Especially when I got a free ticket for my superb artwork.”
“Our superb artwork,” Mira reminded him. She had the sudden urge to brush a string off his suit jacket. Instead she stood close and breathed in his cologne. “I’m glad you’re here,” she said softly. “It’s nice to see a friendly face.”
“You’re in short supply of those these days, huh?” Kellen moved out of the way for the mayor. “I wouldn’t worry. Queen Bees never keep from the hive for that long.” He thought for a moment. “Or is it they never leave the hive to begin with? Biology isn’t my strong suit.”
She laughed. “Well, in my case, I was never queen, and I don’t think I’ll ever be invited back to the hive.” Mira heard DJ Backslide’s next track. It was something soft, and the twinkling lights above them dimmed. “Do you want to repeat our dance moves from the other night?” she asked hopefully and touched his hand. “You’re the best partner I’ve had in a long time.”
He looked at the dance floor pensively. “I think I’m going to sit tonight out. I don’t want everyone at EP to be jealous of my incredible dancing skills. Then they’ll all want lessons,” he said, and grinned. “Can I take a rain check?”
“Okay.” Mira tried not to sound disappointed. Kellen had acted like her knight in shining armor the other evening and she had thought that meant he liked her. She played with the Butterfly costume ring she was wearing. She wore it for all the Butterfly events. “I’m going to hold you to that.”
“I should probably say hi to the Ingrams,” Kellen told her. “We’ll catch up later, okay?”
Mira watched him disappear into the crowd, and she wondered what he was thinking. Taylor and Millie were in the middle of the dance floor, their arms intertwined as they danced slowly, looking like they’d been a couple forever. She wished it were her and Kellen out there. Maybe then the sting of falling so far from popular grace wouldn’t be so bad.
No use standing there staring at them. Her parents would be arriving any minute. She headed to the front of the barn and passed the long line of people still trying to get in. Izzie was wearing a deep-blue cocktail dress that had several sheer layers, and her hair was pulled off her neck in a small updo. She rubbed her bare arms even though it was still seventy degrees. Mira thought she looked anxious.
“Hey.” Mira walked up to her. “You should be really happy about now. You’re the belle of the ball,” she said, thinking of the irony. “Everyone is talking about how amazing the event is.”
Mira’s compliment didn’t seem to faze her. “Your parents haven’t arrived yet,” Izzie said. “What if they don’t like it or they think the affair is too casual for him to speak at?” She was freaking out. Mira had never seen her like this. “What if Lucas hates it?”
What did Lucas have to do with anything? Before she could ask, the carriage carrying her parents, brothers, and Lucas arrived. Connor was sitting up front with the driver, and he hopped down first.
“This is so cool,” he gushed. “We rode half a mile in the dark by the light of pumpkins!”
“I know,” Mira said wearily. “We were the ones who carved almost five dozen of them.”
“No one said the Butterflies didn’t have a strong work ethic.” Hayden walked around the carriage. “I have to hand it to you guys. If the actual event is anywhere near as fun as getting to the party, you guys will have this thing nailed. Way to go, Izzie.” He hugged her.
“Hey, Pea,” Mira’s dad said, and kissed Mira on the cheek. He was in a sports coat and tie, just like Hayden, while Lucas was in a dark suit. Lucas barely grunted hello before disappearing to talk to a local news crew. Reporters from the town paper and the North Carolina Gazette were there, too.
“Isabelle, I hear you had a lot to do with this party getting off the ground and everything to do with tonight’s cause.” Izzie looked at her strappy shoes. “Mrs. Fitz can’t say enough about how inventive you are. Mira was lucky to have your help on this one.”
“She ran the show, Dad,” Mira insisted, gazing at Izzie proudly, but her cousin wasn’t paying attention. She had her eyes on Lucas. What was that about?
“Well, we’re very proud of you both,” Mira’s dad said, and squeezed Izzie’s hand. “I only wish your grandmother were here to see how well you’ve settled in.”
“Me, too,” Izzie said quietly. They had thought about bringing Grams, but the home felt it would be too overwhelming for her. Mira knew Izzie was disappointed.
“Bill, will you look at that!” Mira’s mom marveled, peeking over her head. She looked stunning in a cream floor-length dress. “They have real hay on the floor, and those pumpkin carvings are adorable. Girls, this is darling! I’ve been getting texts from friends who are here already and they all say the party is spectacular.” She squeezed Izzie’s shoulder. “I’m so glad you decided to join the Butterflies. Look at all you’ve accomplished already. I knew you could do it.” Izzie blushed as her aunt smiled at them both. “You two are going to make a great team.”
Izzie and Mira glanced at each other. They had been a great team the past two weeks or so, but she wasn’t sure either was ready to commit to more than that.
Lucas interrupted the warm and fuzzy moment. “Bill, News 55 is here, and they want to do an interview about the check you’re donating tonight.”
“Absolutely,” Mira’s dad said, and adjusted his tie.
Lucas glanced at Mira and Izzie. In the flickering light of the pumpkins, Mira thought his face looked sinister. “Don’t any of you go too far,” he said. Mira noticed he looked specifically at Izzie. “We want to get that family photo done this evening while you all look your best.”
“Don’t we always look good?” Hayden asked, and winked at Izzie. Mira noticed Izzie squirm.
Lucas turned his attention back to Mira’s dad. “Bill, remember your talking points. You’re happy to give back to a community in need; this promotes strong family values; you’re so impressed with your daughter and your niece, who is from Harborside, for putting together such a unique opportunity to remind others to give back. We want to rally this group to vote for you! Your nomination is coming any day now.” He lowered his voice. “No mention of the coastal revitalization deal tonight, okay?”
“Bill?” Mrs. Ingram strode toward them with Mr. Ingram, arm in arm. If she knew Mira and her daughter weren’t speaking, she didn’t let on.
“Hello, all,” Mr. Ingram said, and Mrs. Ingram smiled.
“Hello, Parker,” Mira’s mom said, giving him a kiss on the cheek.
“Could I have a word before you speak with the media?” Mr. Ingram asked Mira’s dad. “I know you’re making a donation. I just wanted to make sure that wouldn’t jeopardize our other agreement.”
Mira’s dad looked at Lucas. “Absolutely. Let’s discuss the matter in private.” He steered Savannah’s dad away. “Lucas, tell News 55 I’ll be there in five minutes. The rest of you, I’ll see you inside.”
“I should probably make sure everything is going all right in the catering tent,” Izzie told Mira, glancing back at Lucas to see what he was doing.
Izzie wasn�
��t scared of anyone, but if Mira didn’t know any better, she was nervous around Lucas. “I’ll go with you,” she suggested.
They took the path around the back of the barn. DJ Backslide’s jams vibrated through the walls, but the music was soft enough that they could still hear the crickets and cows. Bessie and her buddies had been moved to a fenced area outside for the weekend. Several troughs of water and hay lined the fence near their path, along with barn equipment that had been moved to accommodate all the tables inside.
“I thought I saw you two come back here.” Savannah’s voice caused both girls to turn around. “I couldn’t have planned this better if I tried,” she added as she walked toward them. Savannah’s strapless pink sheath dress was illuminated in the moonlight.
“Are you sure you want to take digs at us right now?” Mira asked, looking around. “You don’t exactly have an audience.”
Savannah ignored her. “I wanted to congratulate you, Izzie. Look at you! You’re wearing the dress, you’ve got the hair, and you have learned how to play the game. I guess you fit in at EP better than I thought.”
“I don’t play games. That’s your territory,” Izzie said, sidestepping Savannah. “If you’ll excuse us, we have to check with catering and get back to my uncle. He’s about to make a huge donation, and I don’t want to miss it.” Izzie grabbed Mira’s arm and started to walk away.
“Yes, to your community center.” Savannah emphasized the words. “Funny how Senator Monroe is willing to go onstage and tell everyone in EC how much he cares about his darling niece’s home away from home when he just agreed to back my dad’s bill to have it torn down.” Mira felt her knuckles go white.
“Excuse me?” Izzie said.
“Oh, do you need me to repeat it?” Savannah asked. “My daddy is a huge commercial contractor, and he’s about to start work on the coastal revitalization project that your uncle is backing. The bill allows rundown areas like your boardwalk and community center to be knocked down so big, shiny condos and businesses can be built in their place.” She grinned slyly. “But that won’t become public knowledge till next week. Tonight your uncle gets to look like a hero to your friends in Harborside. Next week, they’ll probably want to roast him instead.”
“Moo,” one of the cows said in agreement. It had moved to the trough directly behind them.
“You’re lying,” Izzie stuttered. “Why would he write a check if the center is being shut down?”
“Ask Mira.” Savannah stared at her former friend. “She’s known about it for weeks. Didn’t she tell you?”
Izzie looked at her cousin. Mira’s face was pained. “Is this true?”
“Yes… I mean, no, I… We can change his mind,” Mira started to say.
“I can’t believe I trusted you.” Izzie’s voice was quiet but angry.
“You can trust me.” Mira tried to grab Izzie’s hand, but Izzie pulled away and Mira stumbled.
“Aww, Mira, look what you’ve done! You’ve really hurt her feelings!” Savannah mocked. “Look how upset Izzie is to lose her precious hicksville hangout.”
Izzie locked eyes on Savannah. “You want to see a hick?” Izzie moved toward her.
Savannah backed away, tripping over a garden hoe and losing one of her heels. “Don’t touch me!” she said. She was so freaked out, she left her shoe right where it was in the mud. Izzie kept coming.
“You want to see a hick?” Izzie repeated. “I’ll show you a hick.” She shoved Savannah as hard as she could. A cow thankfully backed out of the way, so Savannah fell into the trough of cold water. Savannah screamed so loud Mira thought it would pop her eardrums.
Izzie didn’t stick around for the postshow. Mira ran after her, but she couldn’t keep up once they reached the crowded barn. By the time she got to her, Izzie was already approaching Mira’s parents.
“Isabelle? What’s wrong?” Mira’s mom asked when she saw her face. They were standing by DJ Backslide’s booth with Mrs. Fitz and Headmaster Heller. Hayden, Connor, and Lucas stopped talking when they saw her.
“What’s with Iz?” Brayden appeared at Mira’s side. “She just blew past me and she looked really upset.”
“Is Izzie okay?” Violet and Nicole asked. For a moment, Mira forgot what had happened and thought about the people surrounding her. Izzie had made a great support system in a short amount of time.
“Is it true?” Izzie asked Mira’s dad, ignoring everyone around them. “Are you backing a bill to knock down the center?”
“Isabelle.” Lucas stepped forward. “This is not the time or the place to discuss this.”
Izzie moved out of his way and looked at her uncle again. “Is it true?”
“It’s complicated,” Mira’s dad admitted.
“How can it be complicated?” Izzie asked. “You’re either doing it or you’re not.” Everyone looked confused, but Mira’s dad’s face couldn’t hide the truth.
“We’ll give you a moment,” Mrs. Fitz said, staring anxiously at Izzie as she steered the headmaster and the incoming news crew away. Brayden, Violet, and Nicole, however, didn’t budge.
“You’re a liar,” Izzie said to her uncle, her strong voice wavering. “Just like Mira.” Mira’s eyes welled with tears.
“Isabelle, I can explain,” Mira’s dad started to say.
Tears streamed down Izzie’s face. “No! I don’t want to hear it. I’ve tried so hard, but I hate it here! I’d rather be in foster care than stay in Emerald Cove! I’ll figure out how to pay for Grams myself,” she added, looking at Lucas.
“Isabelle, what are you talking about?” Mira’s mom tried to console her, but Izzie kept backing away.
“I’m sorry, Aunt Maureen, you’ve been great, but I’ve got to get out of here.”
“Isabelle, wait,” Mira’s dad said. “You can’t go.”
“And why is that?” Izzie asked, stopping momentarily to hear whatever big lie he was going to tell next.
“Bill,” Lucas warned, “don’t do this. Not here. The press is three feet away.”
Mira’s dad looked more pale and unsure than Mira had ever seen the potential U.S. senator. “Because you belong with me. You’re not my niece, Isabelle. You’re my daughter.”
Mira felt like the rest of the world went radio silent. The room seemed to spin around her. She looked at her cousin’s numb expression and wasn’t surprised at what she did next.
Izzie ran, and she didn’t look back.
Twenty-Five
“What did you just say?” Mira felt like she was going to hyperventilate.
Her father’s face was pained. “Pea, I—”
Lucas grabbed Mira and her dad. “We can’t do this here.” He led them out of the barn, and Mira was too confused to protest. The rest of the family, along with Violet, Nicole, and Brayden, followed, and the group stood next to the cow holding area. It felt like days since Mira had been in the same exact spot, when in truth it had probably only been fifteen minutes ago. She slumped down on an overturned wheel-barrow, not giving a moment’s thought to her dress.
Mira had to have heard her dad wrong. She was probably just losing her hearing after being in the barn all night, where the acoustics seemed to amplify the sound of DJ Backslide by a hundred. But when she looked at her parents, they were staring at her the same way they did when they picked her up from school in third grade and told her that her beloved hamster, Porky, had bit the dust.
“Is Izzie my sister?” Mira asked. Saying the word sister out loud felt weird on her tongue.
Hayden put his hand firmly on her shoulder. He looked just as pale as she probably did. Mira wasn’t sure who was supporting whom.
Her dad crouched down in front of her and took her hands in his. He looked up at Hayden and then at Connor, who’d walked to her side, too. “Yes. Isabelle is your sister.”
“Did you have an affair?” She choked on her tears, glancing at her mom, who was holding her gold beaded clutch for dear life.
“I’m calling a car and g
etting us out of here,” Lucas said, his voice shaky. He reached into his pocket for his cell phone, and Mira’s mom snatched it away. “We can’t risk anyone hearing this. It’s not good for the campaign. Bill, if this gets out…”
“Let him tell them the truth, Lucas.” Her mother’s voice was sharp. “He should have been up front in the first place. Then we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Hayden was aghast. “You knew?”
“We were advised not to tell you till the time was right,” she said shakily. “Everyone was so worried about announcing your dad’s bid for Senate. What would the polling numbers say? How would the press react?” She narrowed her eyes at Lucas. “We foolishly let you make us put a child’s life second!”
“As I recall, Maureen, you were a little anxious about having a girl from Harborside come live with you yourself,” Lucas snapped.
“Enough.” Mira’s dad ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. “If you want to blame anyone, blame me,” he told them. “I shouldn’t have hid the fact that Isabelle is my daughter.”
“Did you have an affair?” Mira repeated, refusing to let him get offtrack.
“No.” His shoulders sank, making him look less senatorial. “It’s complicated.”
