A voice came through the phone, tinged with sadness. "Evie, you don't even know who I am!"
That tone gave it away. I recognized her. "Rory! Sorry, I was distracted." I forced a laugh.
"Good thing you remembered, or I'd be heartbroken!"
"No way." My guilty conscience screamed otherwise.
I had totally forgotten.
"Any plans today?" Rory asked.
"Nothing much. Just shopping and reading." I told her the truth.
"Skip the reading for once. We're hitting the hot springs this afternoon. You in?" she asked.
"Hot springs?" I was curious.
"Yeah, at Butterfly Valley. It's a new place run by a friend of Caleb's. Super clean and nice. Perfect weather for it!"
"Can I check with Gray first? I'll call you back."
"Of course, you need to ask him!" Rory laughed. "But it's just an afternoon thing. We'll be back by eight. Let me know."
"Thanks, Rory. I'll call you right back."
"Okay, waiting!"
After hanging up, I sighed.
So much for making taro balls today.
I dialed Gray. "Evie, what's up?"
"Nothing major. Rory invited me to the hot springs this afternoon. Is that okay?" I asked, feeling awkward.
If you don't want me to go, just say so. I'll use you as an excuse.
"I'm fine with it. If you want to go, go. If not, don't."
"I'll go then. You've been cooped up at home. A walk will do you good. I'll pick you up after." His voice was warm.
"Do you even know where I'm going?"
"Where?" he asked.
"Rory's friend's new place, Butterfly Valley. Know it?"
"I do. Call me when you're done."
"Okay, I'm going this afternoon."
"Good."
"Remember to eat lunch on time!"
"I will."
After the call, I realized I had sat down on the bench.
I had to get up, walk to the platform, and call Rory back. I told her I could go and asked where to meet.
She asked if I was driving. I said I couldn't yet.
She said she'd pick me up at home and to wait for her.
With that settled, I crossed the overpass and caught the bus to the supermarket.
I couldn't make the taro balls today, but I could buy the ingredients and prep them for later.
So I went to the supermarket and bought everything on the recipe. Then I headed home.
Lily helped me put the groceries away. "Miss Evie, you like taro and sweet potato?" she asked with a smile.
"I bought them to make taro and sweet potato balls. I can cook them whenever I want." I explained.
"You could have just told me. I would have bought them." Lily said.
"It's fine. I had nothing to do anyway. Oh, and I'm going to the hot springs this afternoon. I might be back late, so don't bother making dinner for me." I added.
"Yes, Miss Evie." Lily replied.
After lunch, I went upstairs.
I packed my swimsuit, cap, and robe for the hot springs, then took a nap.
Rory said she'd come by around two.
I set my alarm for one-thirty.
When it went off, I got up and washed my face.
Even a short nap made me feel much better.
After washing and changing, I grabbed my bag and walked out of Sterling Manor toward the gate.
I ran into Ethan near the garage. He was heading out too.
"Where are you off to, Aunt Evie? Need a ride?" he offered.
"Thanks, but Rory is picking me up. I'll wait for her at the gate." I smiled.
"Rory? You mean Aurora Stone?"
"Yeah, do you know her?"
"That wild woman? When did you two get so close?" Ethan frowned.
"Wild woman? Why do you say that? I just met her at your uncle's party. Didn't she grow up with Gray and his friends?"
"She grew up with my uncle, not with me or my dad. But she did chase after my uncle once. That's true."
"What?" I stared at him in shock.
Did every woman around Gray have a crush on him?
"Don't worry, my uncle wasn't interested."
"What!" I was embarrassed that he had read my mind.
"She's such a tomboy. Who would like that?"
"Ethan, you sound a little bitter. Did you like someone and get rejected?"
"No way!" His face turned red.
"It's okay to like someone. Rory is just carefree and gets along with everyone. I like her a lot." I tried to comfort him.
"You don't know if she's using you. You're too naive."
"Ethan—"
"Fine, fine. My uncle doesn't care, so why should I? I'm out." He waved and walked toward his flashy sports car.
I watched him with a wry smile. He was still such a kid.
I turned and walked toward the gate.
Ethan honked as he drove past me.
I almost flipped him off.
It must be nice to drive a car.
It must be nice to fly a plane or a spaceship.
But I just thought about it. I wasn't used to making rude gestures.
And I only had the guts to think, not to act.
When I got to the gate, I didn't see Rory's car.
I was fifteen minutes early. I hated making people wait.
So I stood at the gate for almost half an hour before Rory finally showed up.
"Sorry, traffic was a nightmare!" She opened the passenger door and apologized.
"It's fine. Thanks for coming to get me."
"No big deal." Rory said as she turned the car around.
Once we were on the road, she continued, "It's more convenient to drive yourself. You can go anywhere you want."
"Yeah, I think so too." I agreed.
"The others are waiting for us up ahead."
"Who else?"
"Grace and Laila! You met them at the last party, remember?" Rory asked.