Her laugh came immediately at the accusation, bright and unapologetic. She knew, Sylvie knew, all of Elias knew of Kate's shenanigans at this point. âOkay, but, I say professionally unhinged things. Thereâs a difference.â She pointed a finger at Sylvie as if presenting evidence to a jury. âYou casually just said the last person who followed you into the woods didn't get what they wanted. That's the kind of sentence people hear right before they disappear for three chapters.â There was a natural shake to her head. The type that said 'don't you ever change.' âMeanwhile, I say things like âlet's order fries at midnight and make bad decisions.â Totally different category.â
As Sylvie continued, Kate found herself moving away from the closet and leaning against the edge of the bed, arms folding loosely across her chest. The woods comment lingered. Not because it was strange, at this point, strange was basically both of their native language when they were together, but because there was something almost wistful in the way she said it. Kate couldn't quite explain it.
"Well," It was said after a moment, softer now as she continues, "for what it's worth, I think anyone following you into the woods would probably be doing it voluntarily... Which somehow sounds more threatening than if they were cursed to do so."
The teasing returned quickly, saving them both from whatever sincerity had almost slipped into the room. At the mention of courting, Kate immediately groaned. âOh, come on..." She was about to pout about it, call Sylvie no fun, but then something popped into her brain. "Statistically speaking, at least three people have developed a crush on you just from watching you buy bread." She held up a hand before Sylvie could protest. âDon't argue with me. I'm right. I just feel like you should take the initiative and have fun. Doesn't have to be serious, you know?â
The story about her father dancing made Kate's expression soften. She could picture it so vividly: Little Sylvie being dragged onto a dance floor, pretending not to enjoy it while secretly having the time of her life. The image felt oddly precious. Mostly because it wasn't hers to be imagining. âWhat are your favorite songs?â Kate asked curiously. âBecause now I need to know what woodland-princess dance music sounds like.â
The crime-show logic earned another laugh. âOkay, fair point. But in my defense, most crimes become significantly less appealing after two overpriced cocktails and a DJ playing early 2000s pop.â
Then Sylvie called them both beautiful, and somehow that landed harder than any compliment directed solely at Kate ever could. For a second, she just looked at her. Then her smile softened. âYou say incredibly nice things with the confidence of someone commenting on the weather.â Before Sylvie could ask what that meant, Kate was already moving on. Because she was absolutely not unpacking that.
The conversation shifted toward the sleepover, and immediately Kate brightened again. âOh, thank God. Someone else who believes movie logic.â She tossed a pillow onto the bed dramatically. âListen, if you claim the bed, that's fair. That's survival of the fittest. Bold strategy, but still...â
She stepped closer, grin turning bright and a little mischievous. âI mean, you can claim it if you want. Iâm not saying Iâll just let you have it for free. There may be a negotiation process. Very formal. Possibly involving pillow fort terms.â
Then she leaned in slightly, voice dropping into something warm and teasing. âBut no, Iâm not kicking you out of it.â Kate climbed onto the mattress herself, sitting cross-legged. ââŠI might steal part of the blanket, though. Thatâs non-negotiable.â
âBut just know that if you steal my side, I will spend the next six months acting personally victimized.â Her brown eyes sparkled with a warmth that wasn't there before. âI'll bring it up constantly. Like, you'll be telling an emotional story and I'll interrupt with, âRemember when you stole my spot in bed?ââ Then, after a moment, she smiled at her friend.
âHonestly, though?â The joking edge faded just slightly. âIâm really glad youâre staying.â It was simple yet sincere; the kind of thing Kate didn't always say out loud. Then she immediately ruined the moment by grabbing another dress off the floor and holding it up.
âOkay, enough feelings.â She pointed dramatically between the dress and Sylvie. âWe still have a nightclub to attend, and you need to make a decision on the dress.â