NICK

SHE’S BURSTING to tell me where we’re headed, clutching her phone so tightly as she relays the directions from the navigation software. Her voice bubbles with excitement. A surprise, she insists.

I can’t remember a time someone gave me a surprise like this. Not even Louisa. Louisa was sweet and vivacious, but she wasn’t thoughtful. I enjoyed spoiling Louisa, just as I enjoy spoiling my little Laine, but the creature in the seat beside me is turning out to be a very different girl altogether.

“Don’t I get a clue?” I ask.

Her hair shimmers as she shakes her head. “No. You’ll like it, though.

At least I hope...