Chapter 56

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The shrill ring of the phone startled me from my book. Glancing at the screen, a grin spread across my face. It was Nico. The day had been a slow crawl, and his voice was a welcome jolt of excitement.

"Hey," I answered, my voice bubbling with anticipation. "What's up?"

"Nothing much," Nico chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "Except I suddenly have a craving for your company and the open air. Any chance you're free for an impromptu escape this evening?"

My heart skipped a beat. "Escape? Does that involve ice cream and stargazing?"

"Maybe ice cream," Nico teased. "But the stars will have to wait for another night. Rainclouds are brewing, and I have a feeling they'll paint the evening with something more exciting than moonlight."

Intrigued, I readily agreed. Within minutes, I was out the door, lucky enough, Dad and Nanny had gone out for a function. A giddy lightness filled my face as I out to meet Nico at the corner. He pulled me into a warm hug, the tension of the past week melti