Free Cipher (The Cipher Series) by Cindi Madsen

grinned, remembering the first day she met Troy.
    Feeling a little lost and lonely at her new school, Summer had put in her earphones, turned up her music, and found an empty bench outside. A group of boys were skateboarding around the parking lot, jumping curbs and doing tricks. She watched them, remembering her brief stint as a skateboarder back in Chicago—she’d taken it up to impress a guy. She crashed a lot, never got a hang of the really cool tricks, and ended up realizing the guy was totally wrong for her, though he ended up being a great friend.
    Troy’s tricks brought him closer and closer to the bench. After a few minutes, he rolled up to her, tapped the end of the skateboard with his foot, and caught it in his hand. “So, what are you listening to?”
    “ Obligatory, by Unicorn Stench, ” Summer said, thinking she was hardcore. Hardly anyone had heard of the band.
    “You know they’re from here. I saw them play last year.”
    “Really? I bet they’re killer live.”
    “It was definitely one of the best shows I’ve ever been to.” He sat next to her on the bench. “How ‘bout The Black Keys?”
    Summer scrolled down her list of songs and held her iPod up so Troy could see all the Black Keys’ songs on the screen. “Not only do I have ‘Wicked Messenger’ by them, I also have Bob Dylan’s version. And while the purist in me wants to say the original’s better, I can’t help but love the Black Keys’ version. The guitar and the drums and Dan Auerbach’s voice.” She gave a dramatic sigh. “It’s just all so perfect.”
    “I think that’s the hottest thing a girl’s ever said to me.” Troy grabbed her hand. “Run away with me?”
    She laughed, and it came out a little nervous sounding, due to the fact he was holding her hand and her stomach was filling with butterflies.
    He smiled at her, still not letting go. “Troy, by the way.”
    “Summer.”
    “Troy, are you coming, or what?” One of the guys in the parking lot yelled.
    “Sounds like I’ve got to go.” Troy released her hand and grabbed his board. “I’ll see you around, Sunshine,” he said and then strolled toward the parking lot where his friends were holding open a car door for him. She was starting after him when he spun around and flashed her another smile.
    Imagine her disappointment when she found out he already had a girlfriend.
    After that first meeting, she would be walking down the halls and hear, “Hey, Sunshine!” Immediately, she’d know it was Troy, coming to update her on a cool new band he’d heard. He was much more of a music snob than she was. He hated the dance music she loved, claiming if instruments weren’t involved it wasn’t true music, and there was no convincing him otherwise.
    Now, Summer stared at him again, taking in his profile in the dim interior of the Jeep. A lot had changed since the day they’d met. Yet being there with him, on their way to a show, reminded her of everything she used to love doing. Of all the little things she’d given up because of her relationship with Cody.
    “Thanks for inviting me tonight,” she said. “I’m really excited to hear the new stuff.”
    Troy glanced at her. “Me too. I’m glad we’re hanging out again.”
    A spark of happiness broke through the sadness she’d been feeling all day. If only it could carry through the night and help her accomplish her mission, she might just survive the week after all.
    ***
    Equinox was busier than normal. People lined the bar, and there was room to walk, but just barely. As usual, the black floors of the old building were slightly sticky. Small tables dotted the back half of the room and ran up along the sides. Flashing lights lit the dance floor in the middle. Up front, the stage stuck out in a semi-circle.
    The place brought back memories of Summer’s first few months here, when she’d been all about coming to the shows with Troy and his friends. Whenever Kristen had come with them, she’d stare