“Okay.”

Kenneth lifted an eyebrow, totally fine with the plan.

“Alright, who needs a ride?”

At the sound of his voice, Shirley’s eyes sparkled. This was her idol’s car. She could barely sit still.

“Can I?” Shirley raised her hand, almost shy, her cheeks burning red. Andrew had been glued to her side all night, so she never got the chance to ask for an autograph. And honestly, she was dying for a selfie with Kenneth.

“Of course,” Kenneth replied, flashing a crooked smile as he popped open the car door. His eyes, always a little mischievous, looked extra dreamy in the city lights.

“Thank you.” Shirley beamed, then glanced at Stella. She leaned closer and whispered, “Stella, want to come with me?”

“Huh?”

Stella was clearly exhausted, her eyes heavy. She blinked, trying to focus.

As she looked up, she caught Roger opening the door to another car. His voice was low and a little rough. “It’s going to be tight in one car. Why don’t you ride with me?”

Stella’s eyes flickered, her lips pressing together as she frowned. Before she could say a word, Andrew swooped in. He pulled Shirley to his side and nudged Parrish toward Kenneth. “This is perfect. It’s right on the way.” He shot Shirley a look. “We’re taking Roger’s car.”

“But…”

“No buts.” Andrew tapped Shirley on the head, then cleared his throat, pretending to be serious. “It’s late. Don’t make your idol run around town for you.”

With that, he bundled her into the car.

Shirley could only glare. In her head, she was screaming, I hate you!

Stella looked away and quietly slipped into Kenneth’s car.

Roger’s mood turned stormy. He watched as Stella rolled up the window, acting like she wanted nothing to do with him. He couldn’t help but laugh, though the sound was bitter. Stella really knew how to shut him out.

“Call me when you get home!”

Once everyone else had left, Charlotte and Anthony climbed into their own car.

“Roger’s not even trying to hide how he feels about Stella anymore,” Charlotte said, settling into her seat.

Anthony pulled her close, his hand gently rubbing her shoulder as he chuckled. “How much older is Roger than Stella, anyway?”

Charlotte thought for a second and held up six fingers. Roger was twenty-five. Stella was nineteen.

“A six-year gap isn’t so bad,” Anthony said, smiling. “But honestly, Stella doesn’t seem interested. She’s not exactly subtle about it.”

Charlotte shifted in his arms, getting comfortable. She laced her fingers with his and murmured, “Stella’s always been a little cold. If she doesn’t like someone, she just tunes them out. But the way she keeps pushing Roger away… I don’t know.”

Her lips twitched into a small smile. “Maybe that means she doesn’t actually hate him.”

Stella was way more sensitive than she let on. They’d have to wait and see. If she really showed no interest in Roger after all this, then maybe it just wasn’t meant to be.

It was already eleven at night. Lights glowed all through Imperial Heights.

When Charlotte and Anthony walked in, Franco and Nora were sitting on the couch, both of them keeping a close eye on the front door.

As soon as she heard the door, Nora got up and hurried over. When she saw them walk in hand-in-hand, she smiled, eyes full of warmth. “Lottie.”

“Why are you guys still up?” Charlotte let go of Anthony’s hand and went to her mother, glancing down at the cup Nora was holding. Her gaze grew serious.

“Lottie, the three days are up. You need to take the antidote.” Nora’s voice was gentle but firm. She’d even looked up how to dilute it, just to be sure.

Hearing her mom’s determined tone, Charlotte frowned, her heart tightening painfully in her chest.