Recess bell just rang, Luna shoved a pink envelope into my hand.
“Give this to Ethan.”
I confused. “A love letter?”
Luna grinned shamelessly. “Yep. A ‘let’s get back together love letter.”
“Aren’t you still after Jax Smith?”
She flipped her hair.
“Old news. Jax didn’t even applyinng to be a pilot–said he wants
I paused.
“But Ethan didn’t apply for the pilot training either…”
be an army doc. Pleasr–A tech nerd? Total dead–end. So, nah. We’re done.
“Duh, I know. But he got early admission to MIT! Whether he earned it or your parents pulled strings, only one in a million gets that spot. Total genius material!”
I scoffed. “You crushed him last time. You really think he’ll read this?”
She preened, smoothing her skirt.
“Please. Look at me. What guy wouldn’t fall for this? Even that loser Kellan’s wrapped around my finger.”
“You know? One smile and he’ll do anything. Told him I’m saving for our future house and he handed over his dad’s military pension. This skirt? Cost a grand–his dad’s pension. Cute, huh? Ethan’ll see me in this and beg to get back together.”
Kellan’s constant attention had clearly fried her brain.
Zero self–awareness.
At home, I handed Ethan the envelope.
The moment I mentioned Luna’s name, he almost gagged.
“Stay away from her,” he said. “Total player.”
But words weren’t enoug.
He grabbed the letter and headed straight to the Hendersons‘–wanted to warn Luna to stay away from me.
But he didn’t find Luna, ran into Kellan instead, just back from his part–time gig.
Ethan held out the envelope, dead serious.
“Tell Luna to leave my little sister Mia alone. They’re not in the
same league. And give this back–she can ever getting me to look her way again.”
Kellan tore it open,and…
Whoa.
Inside was a cringey note, wildly inappropriate flirting, plus risqué photos of Luna.
Kellan’s temples throbbed as he stared at each one.
Luna strolled in an hour later, all smiles, carrying a designer bag–probably more of Kellan’s dad’s pension.
Kellan grabbed her arm, voice breaking:
WHAT THE HELL IS THIS LETTER?!”
Luna glanced at the envelope, then at the risque photos inside–and didn’t even flinch.
She pointed at Kellan and mocked:
“It’s obvious. I like Ethan. Dated him before, wanna him back. Problem?”
She sauntered toward her house with complete confidence.
Kellan snapped. Right there in front of the whole neighborhood at dinnertime.
“You said you’d only like ME!” he yelled, chest heaving.
“Said you’d marry me, build a life together! Was that all BULLSHIT?“
Luna scoffed.
“Obviously. Why’d you let yourself get roped into slaving away for my family like a chump? Please–you think an orphan like you has a shot with someone destined for Hollywood? I’m future star material!”
Luna had auditioned for countless performing arts programs over the years.
Failed every single one.
But in her head, it was just a matter of time–once her dad got promoted, or she snared some big shot, she’d waltz into the spotlight.
Becoming a star? Easy peasy.
People around them snickered, but Luna misread it–thought they were agreeing that Kellan was out of his league.
Kellan’s face burned.
He’d given her everything–how could she trash him like this?
“Newsflash,” Luna announced louder, “if you were MIT material like Ethan, or Air Force Academy material with that guaranteed future, I’d be the or chasing after you! But you’re not. So…”
She shrugged dismissively.
Kellan’s fists clenched.
“IfII get into the Air Force Academy? Then you’ll marry me?”
Luna barked a laugh.
“Please. You? A pilot? That’s funnier than your wannabe hero act.”
But Kellan leaned in, dead serious.
“I will! Just answer–will you marry me or not?”
The crowd started egging them on:
“C’mon, Luna–he’s crazy about you. Could do worse!”
“If he actually pulls this off? Dude’s a keeper.”
“Give the guy a shot!”
Luna’s nose wrinkled.
“Fine. If you actually get into the Air Force Academy, I’ll marry you! But they barely take one kid from the D.C. a year. Good luck with that.”
Kellan’s jaw set. “Watch me.”
Land Refuses to Save Her
