Page 32 • Jan 11, 2026

she typed out a text and hit “send”

Page 45 • Jan 11, 2026

Julia was a siren song to the depths of her soul.

Page 48 • Jan 11, 2026

Lauren: I had the weirdest dream that we were secret agents on a mission to steal all the donuts in town. I think it’s a sign we need to schedule a covert dessert run soon.

Page 49 • Jan 11, 2026

Julia: I can neither confirm nor deny speculation about my potential double life, but I will admit I have a weakness for donuts. I know a place- I’ll add it to the itinerary for our next tour. ;)

Page 49 • Jan 11, 2026

Julia: Are you admitting you dream about me?

Page 49 • Jan 11, 2026

Lauren: I... plead the fifth. When can I expect this next tour to grace my calendar?

Page 68 • Jan 11, 2026

“You ever gonna tell me about this mystery guy you’re so obsessed with?”

Page 68 • Jan 11, 2026

um.. there’s no guy. I’m not obsessed.”

“Lauren, come on,” he retorted with a knowing look. “I’m honestly offended that you think I don’t know you better than that. Spill the beans, Red,”

Page 68 • Jan 11, 2026

“There’s no guy... it’s a girl. But we’re just friends.”

Page 70 • Jan 11, 2026

“Um, I’m actually going to go to Julia’s. I’ll be back later.”

“Make good choices. Or don’t,”

Page 100 • Jan 11, 2026

After obsessively checking her reflection in the mirror, she pulled on the soft gray sweater Julia had once complimented in passing, pairing it with black leggings and cozy socks that, she hoped, struck the right balance between “effortlessly chill” and “possibly kissable.”

Page 115 • Jan 11, 2026

Julia had stared at that little “xo” longer than she should have. Her heart had ached with something fragile and warm and terrifying.

Page 203 • Jan 11, 2026

“You’re the sweetest girl I know

You're the queen of all the roses

Like the pretty flowers that grow

You are the sunshine of my life

So beautiful and fair

For I will always love you

My lovely rose of Clare”

Page 203 • Jan 11, 2026

“You once asked me if I ever sang that song,” Lauren murmured, raindrops and tears falling from her wet lashes. “And I told you I wouldn’t. Not unless my life depended on it.”

Page 204 • Jan 11, 2026

Lauren exhaled unsteadily, rainwater slipping down her temple. “It does.” Her voice cracked—she was crying now—but she didn’t care. “It does, Julia. I thought if I lost you again I wouldn’t survive it. But this—not loving you—is killing me.” She paused, taking a shaky breath. “Consider this me placing my life in your hands.”