Free City Secrets by Jessica Burkhart Page B

The shower head was one of those superfancy ones with different massage settings. After I showered, brushed my teeth, and dried my hair, I got dressed in my best pair of fawn-colored breeches and a waffle-knit burnt orange shirt.
    I put my stuff back in my room and saw the light on my phone blinking. It was a voice mail. I punched number one and waited for the message to play.
    â€œSasha, it’s Paige. I texted you yesterday and you didn’t reply. I, um, really want to talk and apologize. Iknow you’re in the city, and maybe we could meet up and get coffee or something? Please call me.”
    I pushed the Delete key and tossed my phone on the bed. I walked over to one of the windows and stood there taking in the view. Sun glinted off buildings so high they looked as if they’d sway if even a slight breeze blew through the city. Below the building, cars moved slowly through the traffic and pulled in and out of the building’s driveway. It made me think about home and how different my life was from Heather’s.
    I lived on a quiet street in the ’burbs, and my room was half the size of Heather’s. But it wasn’t just about the space. My house felt like, well, home. A place where people wouldn’t be afraid to touch anything or break a Tiffany lamp. Heather’s penthouse was gorgeous, sleek, and sophisticated, but it was cold. I wondered if it seemed that way to her, too. Or if it felt like home to her since she’d grown up here.
    I turned away from the window. Suddenly I wanted to call my mom and say hi. I just needed to hear a friendly voice.
    I dialed, knowing she and Dad were definitely up. They were probably planning the day from their room at the bed-and-breakfast they were staying at for vacation.
    â€œHi, hon!” Mom said. “How are things going?”
    Just the sound of her voice made me relax. I sat at the end of the guest bed and pressed the phone to my ear.
    â€œReally well,” I said. “I’m having lots of fun. Today, Heather and I are going riding and then getting our nails done later.”
    I could feel Mom’s smile through the phone. “That sounds wonderful, sweetie. I’m sure you’ll miss riding Charm, but I bet you’ll get a lot out of riding another horse.”
    â€œMr. Conner would definitely agree with that,” I said. “He always encouraged us to ride as many different horses as we can.”
    â€œHow are things with Heather?” Mom asked. “Have you heard from Paige?”
    I paused. I didn’t want to lie about Paige, but I also didn’t want to talk about it. “Heather’s being very cool,” I said. “We’re getting along, and I haven’t talked to Paige yet.”
    There. That was true. I hadn’t said Paige had texted and called me, but it was close enough.
    â€œWell, I’m sure you two will talk soon and you’ll work out your disagreement,” Mom said.
    â€œMe too.”
    But I wasn’t sure. When I’d called Mom the night of the dance, I’d told her Paige and I had gotten in a fight and I’d wanted to go to Heather’s for break. Mom and Dad had both agreed, but they’d been sorry Paige and I hadn’t been able to spend the break together that we’d planned.
    â€œHow’s the B and B?” I asked, desperate to change the subject.
    â€œIt’s completely charming,” Mom said. “Exactly what your dad and I hoped for. It’s not one of those that makes you do scheduled activities, so you’re free to do what you want during your stay. Today, your dad and I are going to visit a local art museum.”
    â€œThat sounds fun,” I said. “I better get to breakfast, but tell Dad I said hi.”
    â€œI will, hon. Bye.”
    â€œBye.”
    We hung up and I took a giant breath before walking out of my room. I walked down the hallway to Heather’s room and found her on her laptop with her