CHAPTER 7

  At lunch, James asked me to help him design a poster for his birthday party. I only teased him a tiny bit about giving the whole school an open invitation; James grew more outgoing every day. Especially with Lucy around.

  I suspected he tired of having a lame friend like me, who spent most of my summer days and weekends drawing, painting, and experimenting with other mediums. Micah’s return might help, but James turned out to be surprisingly social for a practically mute boy. I guess I didn’t have the looks to bring that side out in him. Which didn’t bother me. I preferred quiet James anyway. When he told me his parents reserved the new Lanier Recreation Center pool for the party, it made even more sense. He probably wanted an excuse to see girls in swimsuits. Especially Lucy.

  After our internship that evening, we went to my house. I made him a couple posters which he demanded display bikinis, confirming my suspicion. He got permission to hang them up in the cafeteria the next morning. By lunchtime, the word “pool” had become an atmospheric ingredient. James’ party was already a success.

  After a rough week, the universe began living up to my lofty expectations. Not only did Micah share every single class with me, but we also got paired to shadow the same nurse on Wednesdays during our internship. I tried not to be upset that our schedule didn’t completely match up since we already strained chance to have even a single day together, let alone the odds of being partners. I decided it best to show gratitude for every second of time with him. Didn’t want to demand too much of the universe.

  On top of those perks, he and James came over on Tuesday and Thursday for a homework study session. Micah managed to imply I was too stupid to do math without his help only a single time. James slugged his shoulder, but he didn’t catch on. For my part, I managed to swallow my pride and didn’t turn his offer of help away.

  However, as the week continued to get better and better, I continued to get more and more anxious. For one thing, I had no idea what to wear to James’ party. I didn’t want to go but couldn’t skip his birthday. Yet, I didn’t own a bikini and didn’t want one. It took a certain body type to pull off that style, one more curvy than mine. With Lucy there, well, let’s say the image of being in the same room as that goddess while wearing anything even remotely similar made me consider catching the flu again next Monday.

  But a problem larger than my wardrobe haunted me. Though our morning study sessions officially ended after being absent for a week, Terrence made a point to greet me in the hallway every morning. He didn’t directly mention Homecoming, but he clearly expected an answer, and though I already decided to go with him, I didn’t want anyone to think I simply gave in. It needed to come across as a deliberate choice in order to make Micah jealous. Hopefully.

  When Friday morning arrived and I hadn’t given Terrance an answer, it occurred to me if I didn’t, he might actually rescind his offer. Or worse, try and force a response out of me again, undoing my efforts to make it seem like I was considering it. Before school that morning, I took a few minutes to make a card with a big “Yes” on it in fancy calligraphy.

  As expected, Micah and Lucy already sat in calculus, ignoring each other like the last two B-days. I took the card from my backpack and set it on Terrence’s desk before sitting next to Micah.

  “Hey, Wynn,” he said casually. Why did he never seem as excited to see me as I was him?

  “Hey,” I said, just as casually. I wondered what Micah thought about the party. Did he want to ogle girls in bikinis? If so, he’d never admit it. Still, was I willing to get one in hopes it caught his eye? Could that backfire? “Are you excited about the party?”

  “I don’t care much for swimming.”

  “People won’t be swimming. There’ll be games and stuff.”

  He shrugged. “I guess. I’m sure it’ll be fun.”

  I tried again, bluntly this time. “What should I wear?”

  The boy glared at me with an eyebrow raised. “Uh, probably a swimsuit?”

  Lucy once again heroically fought down a laugh.

  I once again hoped she preferred reading comedies. “Lucy, what’re you wearing to the party?” Come on, help a girl out!

  Quickly regaining composure, she said, “I’m not going,” without even looking up from the page.

  Micah’s wide eyes and raised brows mirrored mine, and I could practically taste his alarm. James would be devastated. Should I try to change her mind?

  “Why not?” I asked.

  She closed her book and turned toward us, huge grin showing off her stupidly white teeth. “I’ll be in Italy.”

  “Italy?!”

  “I know, right?” She practically giggled the words. “Papa constantly travels for work, but between moving and school, I haven’t been able to go. This long weekend is perfect timing. We’re leaving right after school and returning Monday evening.”

  Well, that was that, then. “I’m super jealous. Italy. Wow.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  “I’m so excited. I haven’t been able to visit in months.”

  Oh, poor girl. Actual months away from Italy. More than one. How did she survive? My mood dropped until it occurred to me my wish just came true. Sure, other girls would be there—several far prettier than me—but at least Miss Supermodel was out of the picture. Sad for James, happy for me. I should probably feel guilty for that. But only a little.

  “What about the internship?” Micah asked, reminding me he and Lucy shared the same schedule at the hospital. The girl got all the luck. Well, they weren’t partners either night, so maybe only most of the luck.

  “You’ll have to take notes for me, Hot Stuff.” She winked at him then returned to her book. My gut twisted and my cheeks burned. Did she seriously call him Hot Stuff? Did Lucy like Micah? She didn’t seem to notice him unless he spoke directly to her, so maybe she liked to tease. It better be a tease.

  When class started without Terrence showing up, my imagination churned out all the best and worst-case scenarios of why. Did he drop out of school, leaving me off the hook for Homecoming? Was he sick? Maybe he got in an accident. Or did he switch his class schedule? A complicated scenario of revenge because I hadn’t answered him yet formed as I failed to pay attention to the lesson.

  When class ended, I swiped the card from Terrence’s desk, unsure what to do with it. At lunch, I tried to make weekend plans with Micah and James.

  “We’re camping,” James said between bites of hoagie.

  Ugh! Not that I opposed camping trips. A night in the woods under the stars sounded wonderful. I’d offer to go with them, but my parents would never allow it. I scrambled to think of something.

  “Well, want to at least watch a movie or something?”

  They glanced at each other.

  “Come on, guys, I was sick all last week, and you totally ditched me on Sunday. You owe me.” I hated to weaponize guilt but knew its effectiveness.

  “Yeah. We could do a movie,” Micah said, with an appropriately shameful expression.

  “You have your internship tonight,” James reminded him.

  “Saturday?” I asked.

  They exchanged a longer glance. Were they really going camping?

  “I’m not sure when we’ll be back,” Micah said cautiously, “but Sunday night should work.”

  James grunted.

  “Alright, Sunday. Text, or call,” I added when I remembered it was Micah’s only option, “when you’re coming to get me.”

  A movie. Two nights from now. Better than nothing. Plus, the party on Monday, which ironically sounded more attractive without Lucy. I might even consider a bikini.

  The rest of the day I couldn’t help but wonder about their camping trip. Where might they go? If they left after Micah’s time at the hospital, it couldn’t be far, but Madison offered countless options, including the large ranch James’ family lived on.

  My mind wandered all afternoon, making homework impossible. I tried to convince myself not to crash their trip but failed. I could show up with a bag of marshmallows and hang out until dark. If they set up somewhere nearby, I could always head home before bedtime.

  Or it might start raining and Micah, worried about me going home alone, would invite me to stay the night with them. James would go to bed early, snoring in his tent. Micah would offer to share his tent and sleeping bag with me...

  I slammed my biology book closed and let out a big sigh. Overactive imagination aside, those two were up to something, and I hated being kept out of the loop.

  “Mom,” I called out while putting on my shoes, “do we have marshmallows?”

  Overly trusting and a bit gullible, lying to my Mom was too easy, so I avoided making a habit of it. I told her only the truth. Some friends from school planned a campfire. Yes, Micah and James would be there. No, I didn’t plan to stay overnight—she’d ask a million more questions if I even considered it—but I might be late so don’t wait up for me.

  At least, it sounded plausible to me. I didn’t know if Micah and James planned a fire, but I didn’t see why not. Outside my daydreams, there existed precisely zero percent chance I’d spend the night. Micah might walk me home but wouldn’t offer his sleeping bag unless he planned to sleep on the dirt.

  Mom found a new bag of marshmallows, and two half empty ones. With the half empty ones hard as rocks, I chose the full bag and a water bottle. She also made me take a flashlight, an extra pair of batteries, and a little first-aid kit, filling up my drawstring pack.

  “You know how teenage boys are. Someone’s likely to get hurt. You might have to practice those nursing skills you’re learning.”

  I rolled my eyes and quickly turned away, hiding a blush. It’s not like I’d actually learned any nursing skills after only a couple days of orientation at the hospital, but suggesting I play nurse for Micah provided dangerous fuel for my imagination.

  Suspiciously eyeing the growing shadows cast by the woods through our back window, Aedelin muttered, “Careful of claws in the dark.” It was an unusually coherent sentence for the girl, and she said it with such intensity I got chills. The poor girl’s imagination seemed even more vivid than mine and determined to only conjure horrors. I reached out to pat her head when she spun and growled at me, fingers raking the air.

  I jumped back and squealed. “Punk!” I chased her, laughing, out of the room.

  Between Aedelin’s teasing, Mom’s worries, Dad’s unsolicited advice to not play with fire, and the joint warnings I be home before eleven—Dad would wait up for me—it took longer than I wanted to get out of the house, ruining my plan to follow Micah as he left the hospital. Sadly, he lived all the way across town. This plan would’ve been much easier if he still lived next-door. How could I possibly find them now?

  As I got on my bike, I decided Micah’s house remained the best option. Only a few minutes past five-thirty, if I hurried, I could get there before he changed out of scrubs, and I didn’t doubt he’d let me tag along until my curfew. If I asked nice enough. Worth a try.

  The evening sky clearing from a recent shower promised a starry night, and a warm breeze carried the smell of fresh rain. Caught up in the pleasant weather, my mind wandered too much, and I almost missed my chance.

  As I passed Lake Frances, daydreaming about sitting on Micah’s lap and feeding him toasted marshmallows, I glanced up just in time to see my dream boy crossing the road a few blocks ahead. As soon as I recognized him and the direction he headed, I knew the exact spot for this campout. The large patch of forest southeast of the lake had been a favorite for our childhood adventures.

  No longer in a hurry to catch up before he got away, I slowed down and decided it was easier to ask forgiveness than permission. I couldn’t wait to see their shock when I snuck up and startled them.

  When I got to the edge of the forest it took me only a minute to find where he stashed his bike in the trees. Laying mine beside it, I worked my way slowly through the brush. The setting sun sent streaks of pink and orange across the retreating clouds, yet darkness coalesced within the dense foliage.

  I made slow progress, placing each foot deliberately to ensure I didn’t step on anything that might snap or rustle. Luckily, the recent rain made this easier than it might’ve been otherwise. Every now and then, a distant word or laugh carried on the evening air, allowing me to follow their voices, though buzzing insects made it a challenge. Of course, they also helped disguise my approach. After a few minutes, the boys grew louder. Knowing I closed in made my crawling pace bearable. Soon I’d spring my surprise on them. I bit my bottom lip as a grin spread across my face.

  Finally, I spotted the bright blue canvas of a tent through the trees but found no sight or sound of fire. Unfortunate. The crackle of burning wood could’ve made a stealthy approach much simpler. The singing katydids covered the sounds I made, and tree trunks and sparse underbrush provided enough foliage to make it difficult for me to make out their camp. I took another careful step.

  The boys went silent.

  I stopped, foot hanging in the air, and placed a hand against a nearby trunk to steady myself.

  “What is it?” Micah. But there was no way he heard me.

  “He smells something.” James, but “he” who?

  “Squirrel?”

  Yes. It’s just a squirrel. Go back to your conversation.

  “No, a person.”

  What? Who was this super-smeller? A dog. They brought a dog with them. Probably one of his uncle’s hunting hounds. Or had they invited someone else?

  My imagination flew into overdrive. Oh, no. Could this mysterious camping trip really be a date? That’s why they acted so suspicious! As I imagined them sitting there with two girls, telling jokes and showing off their woodland skills, my heart collapsed. I should’ve stayed home.

  As I sunk into despair, a low, hair-raising growl rumbled through the trees. I froze so completely, even the ice pouring down my spine didn’t make me shiver.

  “Apollo, no!” they yelled in unison. Fast movement through the bushes set my heart racing. The dog moved toward me, dark form charging deftly through the trees as the boys, calling after it, crashed into the underbrush. I didn’t have time to react before a massive head covered in black fur and baring long white teeth rounded a tree, snarling at me.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  A completely involuntary scream shattered the air as I jumped into the trees, using nearby trunks and branches to scramble up, climbing higher and higher. The creature crouched on the ground below me, growling.

  That was no dog, it was a wolf! A giant wolf!

  “Wynn?” Micah called out, but his tone reflected confusion rather than concern. Didn’t he care I was about to be eaten alive? He broke through the trees and followed the beast’s gaze up to me. Once he spotted me, concern tinted his voice. “Wynn, are you alright?”

  “Is that a wolf?” I tried to ask calmly, but could barely talk through my hyperventilating, as my chest squeezed tight.

  “Don’t be afraid, he’s safe,” James said from somewhere behind Micah. “Apollo, get over here.”

  The creature stopped snarling but didn’t budge. The thing glanced back at the boys, then up at me. Micah and James both approached. The larger boy continued talking to the wolf in soothing tones, but Micah walked right past it, reaching up to me.

  “It’s alright, Wynn, he won’t hurt you.”

  I laughed nervously. “That isn’t the impression I’m getting.” Was this real? A dream? How could they be so calm right now?

  “It’s fine. Watch.” He reached his hand out to it, and I flinched. A big tongue darted between gleaming teeth, licking Micah’s palm a few times. Then the wolf turned to face James.

  “Come on, Apollo,” he called again.

  This time the beast actually obeyed. The two of them moved toward the campsite.

  Micah stood below me, hands raised in an offer of assistance. “You climbing down?”

  A whine left my lips. I swallowed a lump. “I’m thinking about it,” I said, trying to regain my composure.

  He chuckled softly. “What’re you doing here?”

  “I followed you,” I admitted, completely unable to come up with an excuse. Wolf. They were camping with a wolf. At least it wasn’t girls. I laughed nervously at the ridiculous juxtaposition.

  Micah stared at me. In the fading light, I couldn’t make out enough detail to determine what he thought of my confession.

  “Are you mad at me?” My mouth blurted out the first worry which came to mind. I had to get myself under control before I said something truly stupid.

  “Nah. I’m kind of relieved.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, really. Now, will you get down here?”

  “Alright.”

  I hesitated. It took a few seconds of deep breaths before I trusted myself to move, though my heart continued beating wildly. I managed to turn around a bit and consider my position but couldn’t find an easy way down. How did I get up so high so quickly? At least fifteen feet from the ground, I couldn’t find any branches close enough to use as a pathway. I must’ve shinnied up. Apparently, I could do amazing things when scared.

  “Um, I think I’ll jump.”

  “With the way you’re twisted up there, probably better to fall sideways. I’ll catch you.”

  I blushed, but it sounded like a good idea since I was clumsy enough to impale myself on something or break a leg. “Alright. Here I go,” I said, leaning out of the tree and releasing my hold on the trunk.

  The fall lasted an instant before he caught me effortlessly.

  “Good thing you’re so small,” he said, a grin on his face. His pale blue eyes stared into mine, messy brown hair blowing gently in the breeze, the odd blonde strand glinting in the fading light.

  I nodded dumbly, swooning in his arms. Somehow, in spite of the circumstances which got us here, this moment surpassed anything I’d imagined.

  “You alright?”

  I nodded again. I couldn’t talk. My lungs refused to breathe, and it took all my concentration to not wrap my arms around him. Or reach up and pull his mouth down for a kiss. Or—

  “Can you walk?”

  I desperately wanted to shake my head. He’d have to carry me the rest of my life. Instead, I nodded. Setting me down, he kept a hand on my back until I steadied.

  “What’s in the bag?”

  “Marshmallows,” I squeaked.

  He laughed. “Awesome. I wish we had a fire, but it bothers Apollo. Come on.”

  Leading me through the trees, it took all my effort not to reach out and grab him. Fear hadn’t escaped my limbs quite yet, making my steps unsteady. I longed for his arms to hold me again. Get it together! Deep breaths. Deep. Breaths.

  When we made it to the small clearing, James sat on a familiar mossy log, the wolf lying in the dirt next to him. Its head perked up as we approached, but it didn’t seem particularly interested in me anymore.

  “He only scared you because you snuck up on us, you know,” James said. “That’s pretty stupid, Tylwynn. What were you thinking?”

  I scoffed. “I wasn’t thinking you brought a guard dog—wolf—thing!” My anger at James’ words helped me regain a little confidence. “What’re you guys thinking? That isn’t a pet. He could eat you.”

  “It’s fine, Wynn. Even wild wolves aren’t usually aggressive towards people, and Apollo is tame.”

  They were hanging out in the woods with a wolf. Tame or not, this whole situation was crazy. “Where did it come from?”

  James’ gaze shifted from Micah to me. “We found him.”

  Tame wolf. I’d seen tame wolves before. As my blood stopped thundering through my veins, a memory flashed through my mind. “Of course!”

  “What?” They both asked.

  “He must’ve escaped the wolf preserve.”

  They stared at me, expressions unreadable in the growing darkness.

  “There’s one somewhere near Tallahassee. My parents took us there last summer.”

  “Well, that’s a relief,” Micah said.

  James shrugged.

  “Come on, James. Think about it. A preserve. It’s perfect. He’ll be safe, and with other wolves.” Micah tried to convince our friend.

  The bigger kid sighed, deep and heavy.

  Did I miss something? Why was this a discussion? “What’s there to debate? Is he, like, your pet now?”

  James shrugged.

  “We need a permanent solution,” Micah said in a near whisper. “Do you have a better one?”

  I had no clue how they got into the situation of camping out with a wolf but decided to take the initiative. With Micah backing me up, we could make James see reason. “I’ll get the number from my mom. We’ll call them first thing tomorrow.”

  “I don’t know,” James said.

  Micah sat beside him on the log and spoke softly. “It’s better than our plan. Think about it. You could visit him there.”

  “Yeah, I get it. It’s better for me, but is it better for him? Penned up?”

  “It isn’t like that,” I interrupted. “It’s this big outdoor place, where they can roam around. They’re taken care of, not caged up. It isn’t a zoo.”

  Folding his arms, James shrugged. “I’ll think about it.”

  “What do you mean think about it? It’s. A. Wolf.”

  “It’s alright, Wynn. Let him be. This has to be his decision.” Why would Micah say that? Why should James need to decide? I opened my mouth to protest, but he continued. “James found Apollo a few weeks ago. They’ve kind of bonded. We’ve been trying to figure out what to do with him.”

  I blinked. “This is what kept you busy last weekend? Playing with a wolf?”

  Micah nodded.

  He ditched me for a wolf. My blood boiled. Calm down. Better than some alternatives. He could’ve been hanging out with Lucy. Still, peculiar didn’t begin to describe this. I folded my arms and took some deep breaths. “Alright, what’s plan A? Keep him here forever?”

  The boys stared at each other for a few seconds in silence, probably debating whether or not to admit some stupid plan. James eventually explained.

  “I brought my truck. We decided to take him west, down ninety. Find a spot in the woods far from town to leave him. I’m not planning on keeping him, Tylwynn. I’m not an idiot.” He sounded genuinely depressed at the idea of abandoning this creature in the forest.

  Not exactly a stupid idea, considering their options. It’d been unfair to make accusations without hearing them out first. From the way Apollo relaxed next to James, it seemed quite tame and clearly attached to my friend. They even gave it a name. I never owned a pet, but I’d seen how much his uncle loved his dogs—practically treating them like family. Yet a wolf, even a friendly one, was still a wild animal that required a lifestyle a teenager as busy as James couldn’t provide.

  “I’m sorry. I know you aren’t an idiot. I think the preserve is a better plan than a random spot in the swamp, though. And Micah is right, you could visit him. I mean, it’s a few hours away, but at least you’ll know where he is.”

  His big frame deflated a little as he sighed. “You’re probably right.”

  Probably? More like definitely.

  Micah smiled at me. Did that genius brain of his somehow plan this? Or at least hope for it? When he admitted to being relieved I followed him, did he know I’d help talk some sense into James?

  As we sat in silence, the tense atmosphere relaxed. Until it stretched back into awkward. I opened my bag. “Who wants some marshmallows?”

  From the unexpectedly unnerving evening sprouted pleasant hours of chatting and laughing before James sighed and said, “Fine. We’ll take him to the preserve.”

  Micah gave him a fist bump. “Well, if we’re not sneaking Apollo out of here tonight, then I’m heading home to get some sleep in my own bed. Sounds like it’ll be a long drive tomorrow.”

  “I’m staying here tonight,” James said.

  During my time with them in the clearing, it became obvious the boy and beast had indeed bonded, as Micah claimed. All of my fears that the creature might be dangerous vanished. James only had one last night with the wolf, and neither of us tried to convince our friend to give it up.

  After hiking out of the woods and spending a minute to disentangle our bikes from each other and the bushes, Micah asked, “Can I take you home?”

  My fantasies flared up, burning my cheeks, but I knew what he actually meant. Already ashamed and embarrassed he’d seen me terrified of a wolf, I hated he might think of me as scared of the dark.

  “No, I’ll be fine. But expect a call first thing in the morning.”

  “Sounds good. And thanks, Wynn.”

  “For what?”

  He shrugged as we walked our bikes out to the road. “I guess I’m just glad you found out. I hated not being able to tell you why I couldn’t make it over last week. And I had no idea there was a wolf preserve so close. You think they’ll take him?”

  “He might’ve escaped from there. They could be searching for him right now. If not, there’s always plan A.”

  We both laughed and climbed onto our bikes.

  “I can’t believe you guys have been hanging out with a wolf.”

  “Yeah,” he agreed, “it’s surreal.”

  We sat in the cool night air, staring at each other.

  Tell him.

  A flame ignited in my chest.

  Tell him.

  It spread to my arms.

  “Micah—” I started speaking before catching myself.

  “Yeah?” The light from the waning moon reflected off his eyes.

  Fire rushed through my veins. “I—” I what? I like you? I love you? I’m obsessed with you? I want to kiss you? I want to run away with you and marry you and never look back?

  His head tilted as he waited for me to continue.

  “I hope you know you can tell me anything.”

  He looked away but nodded slowly.

  My arms shook, and my heart beat so hard my chest hurt.

  Tell him.

  “Have a good night,” I blurted out, then peddled away furiously.

  “You too,” he called after me as I rode into the night.

  Coward. With my imagination flying in a thousand different directions of how that conversation might’ve gone, I got home before I knew it. Dad asked how the fire was. I didn’t lie. No one brought firewood, so we ate marshmallows and told stories in the dark. I had fun but was tired and ready to sleep. He hugged me, kissed my head, and sent me to bed.

  As I lay half asleep wondering what I might’ve said to Micah if I hadn’t run away, the memory of my dream from a week before pressed in. Micah’s wedding. James had been a big black wolf. A wolf just like Apollo. What a weird coincidence. The connection faded as sleep overtook me.

  The next morning, I told my mom about Apollo. Appropriately concerned, she agreed the wolf preserve was the best solution for the animal. She made the call, then assured me all the appropriate measures would be taken to secure the wolf safely, humanely, and get it to a new home. I called Micah to give him the news.

  “Thanks again, Wynn. I’m headed over to see James and Apollo right now. Want to meet me there?”

  I did. After a quick shower and several minutes convincing my mom I’d be perfectly safe, promising to keep my phone on all day, I ran out the door with a bag full of snacks and water bottles.

  By the time I reached the forest, two Madison police cruisers and a county animal control vehicle had already parked on the small road. The preserve took this seriously. As a side-effect of the display, several curious locals gathered around the street, waiting for a show, no doubt.

  I parked my bike, but one of the officers approached me.

  “Ma’am, please stay back, there’s a dangerous animal we’re taking care of.”

  “I know about the wolf. My friends and I found it. It’s completely tame.”

  “We’re just being careful, ma’am. Animal control is in there now taking care of it.”

  Helpless, I waited. A few minutes later, Micah came out of the woods. In that time, the audience tripled. He grimaced as his eyes considered the throng.

  “Micah!” I called and he came over. “What’s going on?”

  “They’re right behind me. Everything went well. I don’t think the animal control guys were expecting it to be so easy. Apollo went right into the cage. James is helping carry him out.”

  “Wow,” I said, honestly impressed, even considering Apollo’s demeanor.

  “Lots of people,” Micah said, shifting from foot to foot as he glared at the crowd of onlookers. Why did they make him nervous?

  Seconds later James appeared, two long, metal poles rested on upturned palms. Those poles connected to a cage made of solid metal with slits in the side. I could barely make out the wolf’s dark fur inside. I tried not to laugh when the other end came out of the trees carried by two guys, each holding a pole with obvious effort. James helped them get the cage into the back of the truck and spoke with the men for a minute. They shook hands, then James came over to us.

  “I’m following them. You guys coming?” He motioned to his white truck parked a short way up the street.

  “James,” I whispered so the cops nearby couldn’t hear, “you don’t have your license yet.”

  He shrugged. “I will in three days. It’s a long drive, you don’t have to come.”

  Micah agreed to go. A long road trip didn’t sound appealing to me, but with him going, I couldn’t say no.

  James’ tiny, old, Isuzu pick-up sported a miniature-sized cab. I demanded to sit in the limited space behind the front seats, though Micah tried to protest. While sweet of him to offer me the front seat, I fit easier than he would in the cramped back seat.

  After the first hour, I regretted not taking advantage of his heroism. The somber mood in the truck kept us quiet, and being in the back made it difficult to be part of what little conversation took place. Not to mention my smaller, harder seat made every bump on the road feel like a major pothole. I started to wonder why Micah hadn’t been more demanding he sit in the back instead of me, when he glanced over his shoulder and our eyes locked.

  My scowl must’ve been particularly unpleasant because he frowned and asked James to pull over.

  “Just for a quick second. There’s enough space up here for Wynn to squeeze in with us.”

  Reluctant to lose sight of the Animal Control vehicle, James complied begrudgingly. I, however, soared. While three people on the front seat still meant cramped space, the next hour might as well have been on a cloud. I kept my head down for fear Micah might notice me blush. We squished against each other in the small space, and I loved every second of it.

  It was bitter-sweet when we finally pulled up to the gate of the preserve. I wasn’t ready to give up my semi-cuddling position with Micah but desperately needed to stretch my arms and legs.

  A gentleman at the gate let us through behind Animal Control, as well as another large black truck which followed us. After a short trip down a dirt road, we finally came to a stop next to a row of vehicles. The boys leaped out of the doors as soon as James put the truck into park, and I followed quickly behind them, shirt immediately fusing to my skin in the sticky Florida sunshine.

  At first, the director of the preserve seemed hesitant to let Apollo out of the cage. “We’ve got a tour going on at the moment, so I’m a little worried about bringing in a new wolf.”

  After James and the two Animal Control officers assured him of the beast’s unusually tame nature, he reluctantly agreed.

  “Whoa, he is a big boy!” the older man said, stunned by Apollo’s enormous size.

  This obviously made him more nervous, but after a minute of James showing off the wolf’s gentle behavior, the caretaker grabbed two more volunteers from the preserve to escort the wolf and the rest of us to meet the tour group. The twenty-foot-tall chain-link fences making up the perimeter of the wolf enclosure impressed both the boys and me. They seemed even taller than I remembered.

  I hadn’t come here because I felt any special connection to Apollo—I only joined to support James and spend time with Micah—so I watched from the background as James and the director introduced the large animal to the families of the tour and the other wolves of the preserve. Curiously, the canines seemed naturally attracted to my tall friend. Did he spend so much time with Apollo that he smelled like one of them?

  I laughed at the idea, but when it came time for us to go, he knelt next to the large black wolf for the last time, giving him a hug. The scene reminded me of the wedding dream once again, and my eyes unconsciously wandered to Micah. He stared at someone in the crowd of tourists. I was too short to see who, but furrowed brows, pursed lips, and tilted head displayed pure suspicion.

  Nudging him with an elbow, I asked, “What’s wrong?”

  He looked down at me and forced a smile. “Oh, probably nothing.”

  I frowned. “Tell me.”

  Rolling his eyes, he glanced back at the crowd, then at James. “I don’t know. Some guy keeps watching James. It’s weird.” Shaking his head and shrugging, he finished, “It’s probably nothing. Just odd.”

  Standing on tippy toes, I tried to figure out who he meant, but before I could, he pushed me gently.

  “Let’s go,” he said, pointing.

  James walked toward the exit, shoulders slumped as he stared at the ground in front of him. We quickly caught up, taking a spot on each side of our friend.

  “You alright?” I asked.

  He shrugged.

  “We can come back next weekend if you want,” Micah offered.

  Thrilled at the idea of regular rides smushed up next to my favorite boy, I nodded, but James shrugged and said, “It’s probably best if I stay away for a while.”

  My heart ached for him. I didn’t understand how he could form such a bond with a wolf so quickly, but clearly he had. He tried being his usual James self though. Strong, stubborn, and brave. Maybe by next Saturday he’d change his mind.

  “Besides, I already have plans next weekend.”

  Or not. So much for another road trip.

  Before we climbed back into the cab, I grabbed my pack from behind the seat. Once on the road, I handed out water bottles and opened the snacks. The day passed lunchtime an hour ago, and none of us ate since breakfast, assuming James ate anything since we left him last night. I hoped some food would help the mood, and it did.

  The boys began chatting about the preserve, and how Apollo could live with other wolves again. James thanked me. I offered my condolences, but once again offered to join him for a visit any time. Eventually, Micah brought up the man he’d seen.

  “Did you notice a guy staring at you?”

  James shrugged. “Everyone stared at me.”

  “Not really. I mean, you and Apollo and the other wolves, sure. But this guy kept watching you. The whole time.”

  James frowned and shrugged.

  “It was creepy. I expected him to follow us again when we left. He drove that big black truck. He wasn’t with the tour.”

  We all sat silently for a minute. I couldn’t see why it was that big a deal. After a few minutes, he seemed to forget and changed the subject.

  “So, Wynn, how was your second trip to the wolf preserve? As good as last time?”

  “Oh, well, it isn’t Italy, but it has its charm.”

  We both laughed.

  “Italy?” James raised an eyebrow at our inside joke.

  I shrunk back into the seat as I realized my mistake. I didn’t want to be the one to explain it to him. The silence quickly grew awkward as our friend glanced at us briefly while trying to keep his eyes on the road. I poked Micah in the ribs.

  “You’re the one who brought it up,” he mumbled in protest.

  “What about Italy? What’s the joke?”

  I sighed. “Lucy mentioned going to Italy this weekend, and she was super excited because it’s been months since she last went there.”

  James scoffed and shook his head. “Rich girls.”

  I held my breath.

  “Wait.”

  Here it came.

  “This weekend?” I could practically hear the gears screeching to a halt in his head. “She won’t be at my party?” He glared at us.

  I cringed.

  “When were you going to tell me?”

  Glancing at Micah—who mirrored my cringe—I said, “I’m pretty sure we planned to let you figure it out yourself. Which you just did, so, congratulations!” I forced a grin.

  Shaking his head, he chuckled. “We’ll just have to make sure the party’s so awesome she regrets going to Italy.” He raised his fist.

  “Yeeeaaaah,” Micah said, bumping it with his own.

  “Deal,” I agreed, joining in.

  After a few rough weeks, the three of us were back to best friends.