39

Adam found Cassie shoving books in her locker. "My Dad visited Karin last night, and looked dazed when he returned. Did something happen?"

Cassie's grandmother had filled her in while lecturing her about sleepovers. She spotted Faye and Melissa headed toward them and said, "Not here."

He threaded his arm through hers and led her to the courtyard. "So what's going on?"

She wasn't sure how to approach this. "Umm, he kind of freaked when she mentioned house hunting."

He straightened. "Why would she do that?"

It wasn't her place to dish on Karin's condition. "You'll have to ask Karin."

"Cassie, if you know something, please tell me."

Adam touched her shoulder gently. "It's between Karin and your Dad."

He sighed in frustration. "My Dad won't talk to me, and now you won't either?"

The bell saved her from answering. "Adam, I have to go. I'll tell you what I can at lunch."

Cassie felt his eyes boring into her back as she escaped. How could she tell him about Karin's pregnancy when his own father didn't even know? It was an impossible situation and she'd somehow become the bad guy, keeping secrets from Adam and putting them at odds. She barely got to Trig before the second bell rang. Faye sat behind her and whispered, "Trouble in paradise?"

She was in no mood for Faye's snark, so she ignored her as the teacher passed out their tests. Cassie smiled at the A+ on her own paper, and sensed that Faye's grade brought the class average way down. The material didn't challenge her, so her mind drifted off while Mr. Slater droned on. Cassie moved quickly out the door when the class was dismissed, but Faye's drawling tones stopped her in midstride. "Going somewhere, Cassie? We have business to discuss."

Their next class was Chem, and there was no escaping Faye, so she waited up for her. "I doubt it."

Faye pushed her into a bank of lockers. "Don't play dumb, Cassie. Despite the blonde hair, we both know better."

"You have thirty seconds. Don't waste it."

"Where did you get a crystal?"

God, were they back to that again? "My grandmother gave it to me."

"And you didn't think to tell us about it?"

"My grandmother told me to keep it a secret, so I did."

Faye snickered. "But only when it suits you, right?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Faye leaned in. "You don't think I've seen Adam's car out front, very early in the morning?"

"And how would you know that, unless you're spying on me?"

"More like my boy toy, Jake," Faye said with a shit-eating grin.

"He wouldn't rat me out," Cassie retorted.

"Wouldn't he? He says a lot of things after we've had sex." Faye swiveled her hips slightly, the better to show off her mouth-watering curves.

"Ooh, is that supposed to bother me? I don't give a damn about your love life, Faye." And that was the whole truth, for she'd moved on ages ago.

Faye tittered. "Says Cleopatra, Queen of Denial."

Cassie rolled her eyes. "Whatever you say, Faye. Now if you don't mind." She pushed Faye mentally and was inwardly pleased when Faye was shoved backward, nearly losing her balance as Cassie moved past her. By the time she got to chem, everyone was in their seats. She felt Adam's gaze from clear across the room, but kept her eyes peeled on the board. Lunch was right after this class, and she'd promised him an explanation. Maybe she could skirt the truth without giving him the full scoop.

Adam and Diana were still partnered up in chem. Diana was briskly efficient, and Adam excelled at crunching formulas while she measured out chemicals. "So, I haven't seen much of you lately," Adam said.

Diana gave him one of those 'are you kidding' eye rolls before turning on the Bunsen burner. "That's what happens when you're written in the stars."

He tapped his pencil in agitation. "Diana, I know you're pissed, but we have to move past this...for everyone's sake."

Diana fixed her gaze on the chemical reaction as she said, "I told you long ago that the Circle was breaking apart."

Adam sighed. "And you were right."

She jotted something in her notebook. "Doesn't matter now."

"How can you say that?" he said softly. "We can fix this."

Diana finally swiveled her head and stared at him. "There's no we anymore, Adam."

The sorrow he'd felt over their breakup came roaring back to life. "Maybe not, but we have to put aside our personal differences and work together."

She looked at their lab experiment. "Isn't that what we're doing?"

Adam knew further discussion was futile. "Yes, it is."

And with that, he felt another chapter of his life shutting down. He and Diana were well and truly finished, and it seemed that the Circle might be too.

Cassie found a table outside that was far removed from any eavesdroppers. Adam found her easily and offered a tight smile. "I didn't like the way we left things."

She hated it too. "I know you value honesty, but it's not my secret to tell."

"I get it." He nibbled at his turkey sandwich before adding, "What can you tell me?"

"They were talking about moving in together, either at your place or hers."

The bread fell from Adam's hands and became lunch for some hungry sparrows. "No way."

Cassie smiled. "It kind of surprised me too."

"Wow, so whose idea was this?"

"Your Dad started it."

Adam's brows raised. "I can't believe it. I mean, after what happened in that fire, there hasn't been anyone in his life. And then Karin shows up, and it's like someone waved a magic wand."

That's how Cassie felt about her and Adam. "I know the feeling." She felt her face heat up, and that was reflected on Adam's face.

"It's not the same, Cassie. You and I were meant to be." It was simply stated, but the full weight of his feelings was hovering behind that statement.

"Maybe we're not the only ones."

Adam shifted slightly in his seat, and did that itch at his face thing that meant he was uneasy. "Maybe not."

She noticed Faye and Melissa trotting down the hill toward them. "We have company."

Adam rolled his eyes. "Can you make us disapparate?"

Cassie laughed. "Sorry, I didn't get to that book."

And with that, they steeled themselves for Hurricane Faye to blow in and cause general chaos.