❝Why do always call me Cherry?❞
❝Because your lips taste like Cherries.❞
When teenage supervillain Havoc stands up to the head of the League of Villains, Colby Madden's family is forced to change their identities and relocate to a sleepy Texas subur...
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𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐏𝐔𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍 the front door first, stepping into the room in a swirl of perfume and confidence. Amy walked behind her, rambling about something on her phone, while Jake trailed in carrying a giant bag of chips he had already opened. Hartley entered quietly, Celia's dress still draped over her arm. Eva, Colby, and Vic followed, Vic's gauntlet humming faintly because he claimed it "improved his posture."
Celia was already standing in the middle of the living room like she owned it, arms folded and chin high.
"Oh, perfect timing," she said, eyes flicking over the group until they landed on Hartley. "I came to tell you the news about your birthday party."
Hartley's smile tightened. "Oh. My birthday party."
Aveline discreetly slipped an arm around her friend's shoulders. "This should be good," she whispered, and Hartley rolled her eyes.
Celia continued dramatically. "As always, we will be celebrating at Madame Millicent's Tea House." She gestured to the dress Hartley was carrying. "I brought her outfit. A custom design. Obviously."
Amy lit up. "Ooh, a tea party! I've always wanted to squish all the tiny finger sandwiches together into one mega-sandwich."
Celia smiled sweetly. "Keep dreaming. You're not invited."
Aveline's lips parted in exaggerated shock as Jake whispered, "Oof."
Celia took a step back to admire Hartley in the dress. "Come on, baby. Try it on."
Hartley sighed and put it on. Celia gasped dramatically.
"It looks even better than I imagined."
Aveline tried not to laugh. It was cute on Hartley — in a Victorian eight-year-old kind of way.
Celia snapped a picture and cooed, "Who's a pretty princess?"
Hartley forced a smile. "Me, apparently."
Celia nodded, satisfied. "Good. Now that I know these dresses are winners, I can go pick out my own."
She started toward the door, paused, and flashed a smile sharper than glass.
"Tea you later. And Amy? Still not invited."
Aveline muttered, "Thank god," and Amy shoved her playfully.
Once Celia left, Hartley sagged, letting out a long breath. "I don't even like these parties anymore."
Amy frowned. "Then why go?"
"Because it means a lot to her," Hartley said. "It used to be fun when I was little, but now it's just me, my grandma, and her friends who complain that tea makes them gassy. I don't want to hurt her feelings."
