“And then she decides to surf down the stairs on a piece of cardboard.” Maddie gives Max a pointed look while everyone at the table starts laughing.

We’re sitting in a quiet diner on the east side of town, sharing lunch on the last day of Spring Break. I can’t believe how fast this week has gone.

Max holds up her hand to silence us. “For your information, I was snowboarding, okay?”

I grin at my girl, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear while Maddie continues with the tragic story about a split chin and a walk to the emergency room while Chloe tried not to pass out from the blood.

Chloe shakes her head. “I really… I don’t do well with blood.”

Maddie gives her a kind smile, revealing just how close these girls can be. They have so much history together and I feel honored to be let in on some of it.

Max was so nervous about telling Chloe about us, but after the night we had with Maddie and Holden at Club Matrix, she knew she had to spill. In the end Chloe had already guessed. Apparently she saw us locking lips outside the music room. I don’t know what she was doing down in that part of the school, but Max and I obviously weren’t as stealth as we thought.

I share a quick look with Holden. It’s kind of weird spending so much time with the guy. We’ve tended to avoid each other throughout most of high school, but here we are, brought together by the Barlow twins.

That’s basically the only thing we have in common…although having spent a lot of Spring Break with the guy, I’m starting to see that maybe we’re not so different after all. He’s sporty. I’m musical. But there’s still some middle ground. He actually loves music and we’ve talked about that a little. He really enjoyed Club Matrix and wants to come again sometime.

The waiter swings past our booth and collects a few empty plates. The diner’s a bit of a run-down dive but the food’s not bad. We mostly chose it because the chances of bumping into people we know is far less likely than eating on Main Street. In spite of the fact that her sisters are clued up, Max still isn’t keen on the students of Armitage High knowing we’re a couple.

I thank the waiter while conversation moves on to the fact that school goes back tomorrow. Chloe and I both frown. I don’t know why she’s frowning, but I’m disappointed that my time to hang out with Max will be cut in half. Thanks to her Uncle Conrad, plus the sisters, being able to see her each day has been easy. She lets me hold her hand and treat her like my girlfriend when we’re hanging out like this. The second we go back to school, that’s going to stop again. Max will avoid school gossip at all costs. She’s paranoid that something will somehow get back to her dad.

I think she’s wrong on that score, but she’s not in a place to listen to reason, so I just have to go with it.

Holden’s phone bleeps and he checks the message. His eyebrows dip into a sharp V. I wonder if it has something to do with Luke Frost. Those two were tight until Luke beat up Maddie and turned out to be the school thief. Holden mentioned that he’s trying to stay in touch, but it’s hard. Luke’s backed away from everyone, refusing visitors and phone calls…ignoring all of Holden’s texts. The latest rumor is that his family is moving out of Armitage. Holden really wants to say a proper goodbye…if Luke will let him. I doubt the guy ever wants to face Holden again.

Max overheard her parents talking and it turns out Luke stole the drugs he planted in Vincent’s locker from Holden’s mom. He raided her medicine cabinet when he was hanging out there one weekend. I don’t know if Holden’s aware of that yet, but it’s just another betrayal—another scar on their friendship.

Luke’s shame must be a pretty big burden to carry.

I think it’s kind of sad.

So he made a mistake. Can’t we just forgive and move on?

I press my lips together as Holden’s frown deepens. Pulling out his wallet, he rises from the table. “I gotta go.”

Maddie glances at him, obviously surprised. “Is everything okay?”

“Yeah.” He sighs and puts on a smile. “My mom just wants me to get some stuff done at home.”

Maddie tenses, then grabs her phone and wallet off the table. “I’ll come with you.”

“You don’t have to.” He cringes.

She takes his hand and smiles up at him. “I want to.”

The gratitude on his face is kind of potent, which tells me that whatever his mom wants him to do is kind of serious.

It makes me wonder what he’s hiding, but I’m not about to ask him. Seems like everyone in this town has secrets, and as much as I hate that, it’s not my place to get involved.

“Okay, well, we’ll catch you guys later.” Holden threads his fingers between Maddie’s as soon as she’s standing beside him.

“Have a good one.” I raise my hand in farewell and we watch them walk out the door in silence.

Max’s eyebrows flicker with curiosity but when she catches my eye, she forces a smile. It’s not like she has any right to wonder what someone’s hiding.

Chloe clears her throat, her eyes dancing around the table. “Well, since they’re gone, I might leave you guys to it.”

“You don’t have to go, Chloe.” Max reaches across the table and taps her fingers next to Chloe’s.

She’s still on a mission to find out what her little sister is hiding. When she fessed up about me the other night, Chloe was heading out the door and wouldn’t tell Max where she was going. Apparently she’s been sneaking around most of Spring Break and was particularly irritable and withdrawn this morning. It’s partly why Max forced her out to lunch—to try and cheer her up…and find out the truth.

“We can hang out for as long as you like. Talk about whatever you want.”

“It’s all right.” Chloe gives her sister a pointed look. “I’m not leaving because I feel like a third wheel or something. I just have some stuff I want to do.”

“What kind of stuff? Do you want us to come?”

Chloe brushes her fingers over her lips and hitches her shoulder. “It’s just…shopping stuff, and not in a secondhand clothing store, so I know I’ve lost you already.” She winks at her sister and bites the tip of her tongue when she smiles.

It looks forced to me. Am I reading too much into it?

What is she hiding?

Chloe nudges my elbow. “Cairo, you can drop her home, right?” she asks.

I nod. “Absolutely.”

“Just make sure you do it down the road or my paranoid sister might freak out on you.”

Max snickers and gives her a droll look.

Wiggling her fingers in the air, Chloe asks for the car keys.

“Be good.” Max hands them over, worry skittering over her expression.

Chloe snorts and averts her gaze. “Like I know how to be anything else.”

I would have believed her if she hadn’t ended her sentence with a guilty swallow. My eyes narrow as she bolts from the table and out the diner door.

“She is just going shopping, right?” I murmur.

“I hope so.” Max grimaces. “She does love to shop, but she’s been acting weird for a while now. I want to know what she’s hiding, but what right do I have to call her on it? It took me weeks to tell the truth. She said she’d tell me once she had it figured out, so I guess I just have to wait for her to come around.”

I look to the ceiling. “Man, your family has serious communication issues, you know that?”

She nudges me in the stomach and mutters, “Your father’s not the chief of police.”

I shake my head. “But you girls seem kind of close. I figured you tell each other everything.”

“We used to.” Max’s bottom lip sticks out.

“So what happened?”

“We moved here…and things just aren’t the same anymore. It’s strange. I thought this whole thing would bring us even closer together, but instead it’s been like this catalyst for change. Maybe it’s some weird prep for graduation. Do you think we’re all subconsciously creating distance between us so that when we leave for college it won’t hurt so bad?”

“Maybe.” I play with the end of Max’s hair, curling a lock around my index finger. “So, you’re not going to the same college as Maddie?”

Max’s sigh is heavy and defeated. “She wants to study business and has applied for USC, plus some school in Ohio. Now that we’ve shifted here, she’ll be crossing her fingers for USC, I’m sure. They do have one of the best business studies programs, apparently.” Max purses her lips. “I wonder where Holden’s going. That might play a part now too.”

“I’m going to Berkeley,” I murmur. “At least I hope I am. I’m still waiting on that acceptance letter, but my parents think I’m a shoe-in. Dad’s got friends in the music department there.”

She blinks, giving me a weak smile before choking out, “I’m probably headed for Ohio University. They’re open to taking on a female baseball player, if I prove to be good enough. Dad’s trying to score me a scholarship or some financial aid. They’re really depending on that to get me through. It’s pretty pricey trying to fund three daughters through college.”

“Ouch,” I whisper.

Her eyes start to glisten. “Ohio feels so far away now.”

I’m so tempted to launch into my standard speech about the fact that she doesn’t have to play ball at college and for God’s sake tell your father the truth!

But I don’t want to fight on our last day of Spring Break.

Instead I surprise us both by saying, “Hey, instead of dropping you home now, do you want to come to band practice with me?”

She chokes out a shocked laugh before shaking her head. “I’m pretty sure Latifa will kill me if I show up.”

“No way. I’m not going to let her touch you. Come on, I want you to watch us.”

She looks interested but nervous.

Cupping the back of her head, I invade her space and whisper against her mouth, “Please come with me, baby. It’ll be the perfect end to our perfect Spring Break.”

She chuckles against my lips and then gives in with a murmur. “Okay, but if Latifa draws any weapons, you have to promise to take me home.”

I laugh, wrap my arm around Max’s waist, and start dragging her out of the booth.

“Thanks for coming.” The lady we paid when we first ordered our food waves goodbye.

I wave my hand and smile at her before heading out the door.

Max goes really quiet on the way to the car, and I’m sure it’s just nerves trying to demolish her stomach. She’s seriously got nothing to worry about. Yes, Latifa can be bitchy, but once she’s playing, everything will be cool. Plus, Roman and Austin will be there to back me up. They’ve seen how happy I’ve been with Max. They don’t hold that against me.

Opening the door for her, I wait until she’s settled inside before walking around to the driver’s door. Mom’s been letting me borrow her car for most of this week. I have to make sure I fill it with gas and maybe buy her some flowers to say thank you.

Sliding in, I grin at Max and fire up the engine.

She gives me a tight smile so I get the radio going and try to distract her as best I can.

“Everything Is Alright” fills the car and I grin. Perfect. It’s a great song, and the wicked beat should be enough to ease Max’s nerves.

Reaching for her hand, I pull it to my lips and kiss her knuckles.

She smiles. “I think this is the best vacation I’ve ever had.”

“Really?” I’m skeptical. “You haven’t even gone anywhere.”

“I know, but I’ve been free. With Mom and Dad busy and Uncle Rad covering for me, I’ve hardly played any ball, plus I’ve been able to hang out with you way more than I thought I could. We’ve played guitar, watched movies, eaten junk food. I’ve never been happier.”

I grin. “Thank God for Uncle Rad, then, right?”

“Oh yeah.” She nods. “He’s always been my favorite relative, you know? Because he never makes me feel like doing what I want is wrong. He’s relaxed and cool…and, you know, he’s my superhero. It’s been awesome having him stay for so long, although Mom probably wants to slit her wrists. She’s been intolerable with these interviews and yay, she’s finally scored a job but now she’s gearing into work mode and it’s stressing her out. Plus she lost some diamond necklace that Dad gave her for their tenth wedding anniversary. She’s been tearing the house apart looking for it. She does have tornado-like tendencies but they’re always amplified when Uncle Rad’s around.”

“Do you think he might be out-staying his welcome?”

Max snickers. “He always does, but yeah, he’s really pushing it this time. I’m not complaining, though.” She winks at me. “If it wasn’t for him, Dad wouldn’t be assuming that his little brother is spending most of Spring Break prepping me for the end of season. His expectations just keep mounting. I should be playing the best ball I ever have in my life.”

She rolls her eyes, a muscle working in her jaw as she stares out the window.

My annoyance at her constant lying bubbles up, but we’re pulling into my driveway and I don’t want to fight just before meeting up with the band.

Pressing my lips together, I lead Max through our house and into the garage.

“Hey, guys.” I greet my friends, loping down the concrete steps like it’s no big deal that my girlfriend is following me.

I’ve never let girlfriends into a practice before. We usually have a Velocity-only policy, so I guess my friends have every right to look surprised…and annoyed.

I throw Latifa a warning look before pointing to the threadbare couch we usually lounge on after we’ve played.

Max takes a seat and nervously waves at everyone. “Hey. I hope you don’t mind. I’m just gonna watch.”

“Of course we mind,” Latifa snaps.

“No we don’t.” Roman waves his drumsticks through the air. “We like having an audience.”

I mouth him my thanks while preparing my guitar. It doesn’t take me long to tune up and we’re soon rocking out to “Dance, Dance.” It’s my favorite Fall Out Boy song and I love how great we sound when we play it.

Max’s smile is huge as she starts to move to the beat. It’s like a beacon is shining out of her, lighting the garage with her elation. She never looks happier than when she’s surrounded by music.

It makes me play better. It inspires me to do the best job I possibly can.

The song comes to a finish and Max punches the air with a whoop. “You guys are so good. You are totally getting a spot at the summer rock festival. There is no doubt in my mind.”

“Yeah, well it’s not your mind we need to win over.” Latifa’s dark eyes flash. “We’re up against big competition.”

“I’m sure you are,” Max counters softly while tucking her hands beneath her legs. “And I’m also sure that you have a really good shot.”

“Thanks, Cheerleader.” Roman points his sticks at Max before slamming them onto the drums.

I recognize the beat immediately and start strumming “American Idiot” before turning for the mic and singing.

Max sings along with me, dancing on the seat, oblivious to how beautiful she is.

The warmth in my chest expands to overflowing. Man, I wish she was up here with us. She’d be mesmerizing on a stage.

After “American Idiot” we drift into a couple more songs, rounding off our set with “Immortals” so Austin can have a play with the new sounds he’s been producing on his keyboard. The guy loves to fidget at home with different recordings and mashups. He’s always bringing stuff along for us to listen to and incorporate.

I’m puffing by the time I’m done. Holding the mic, I whisper, “Thank you,” to Max for her hardcore clapping and whistling.

I glance around the band and see that all of them are grinning. So I ask the question before anyone can stop me.

“Hey, Max, you want to get up here and play a song with us?”

Before anyone can respond, I walk to the wall and grab one of Dad’s guitars. Adjusting the strap, I hold it out for her.

She gives me a jittery look of excitement before glancing at Latifa.

“Oh, stop simmering, Tifa. It’s just a song. One song!” I snap.

“Yeah, let her play. I want to see what baseball girl’s got.” Austin wiggles his eyebrows. “I’ve been hearing good things about you, Barlow.”

She lets out this nervous laugh and takes the guitar, nestling the strap over her shoulders.

“What do you want to play?” I ask her, adjusting the mic so that if she decides to sing, it’ll be between our two heights.

“Um… I don’t know.”

“How about ‘Holiday’?”

“Okay.” Max grins.

“You start. We’ll play at your speed.” I point at her guitar and she sets her fingers on the strings, bobs her head as she silently counts the beat, then starts to strum.

Her face comes to life when Roman kicks in with his beat and then I start singing. We’re gelling together and she’s fitting in perfectly…even keeping in time with a beat that’s no slower than how Green Day plays the song.

The best part is, with her keeping the main chords going, I can break free to add in my own twiddly bits on top of the music. I’ve been able to do it a little before with Latifa keeping us strong on the bass, but to have Tifa and Max working together frees me up to experiment.

And the experimenting sounds frickin’ awesome.

Everybody knows it because when Roman smashes the drums after we sing our final “Holiday!” we all stop and gape at each other.

Even Latifa’s lips are twitching with a grin.

“That sounded amazing.” Austin’s voice is high with awe.

“Yeah, it really did, right?” I spin and point my guitar pick at him. “It totally worked.”

“Let’s do it again.” Austin tips his chin at Roman, who’s grinning like a chimp.

He catches Latifa’s eye and winks at her and she finally shows off those pretty white teeth of hers.

Cocking her eyebrow at Max, she gives her a pointed look. “Well, start us off, Guitar Girl.”

“Okay.” Max squeaks and sets us off on another round of “Holiday” that’s even better than the first.

Talk about ending Spring Break on a high. We elongate the practice by another hour and a half. We go through all the songs Max knows, even springing a few new ones on her. Those don’t go as well, but the speed she picks things up is pretty damn awesome; with a little practice, she could be performing with us soon enough.

I want to invite her to audition with us for the rock festival. It’d be pushing it to get her ready on time, but if she worked her ass off…

I lick my lips, swallowing down my nerves in order to blurt, “Do you think she could audition with us?”

The air gets sucked out of the room.

Max gasps. “What?” she whispers, while everyone else falls silent.

I wish I knew what they were thinking as they look at each other.

I try to make eye contact with each of them. Roman shrugs like he doesn’t mind. Austin nods, grinning at Max. He’s still surprised by her ability.

I spin to face Latifa. Her wide lips are pursed to the side.

“It’s a no unless you all agree,” Max murmurs. “I’m not here to cause any tension between you guys. I just really loved playing today.”

She pulls the guitar strap over her head and returns Dad’s guitar to its home against the wall.

“I’ll give you guys some privacy so you can talk about it.” Max heads for the door but is stopped by Latifa’s quiet voice.

“You’re better than I thought you were.”

I hold my breath, hope firing through me.

“And as much as I hate to say this, it was really cool having you play with us today. I can see you fitting, but only if you’re willing to work your ass off.”

“I am.” Max jumps over the small amp and stands beside me. “I swear, I will play as much as I can. I won’t let you guys down.”

“Okay then.” Latifa smirks. “But I’m still not calling you a band member until you’ve earned your stripes. You know what I mean?”

“Yes.” Max grins.

Latifa fights a smile as she dips her head and tries not to give away the fact that she’s done something nice.

Hooking my arm around Max’s neck, I tug her towards me and kiss the side of her face.

I’m so happy right now I can’t even find the words to express it.