Night of Secrets (Night of Secrets #1)

Chapter 2 - Something to Say

Three hours later, I'm still in our usual booth at the diner with my parents and the Inkroses. How long does lunch even take? And why are people such slow eaters? Why do they talk so much? I have things to do!

Mira, our usual waitress and the owner of the diner, comes by to pick up our empty plates. Seeing her makes me relax. Marginally, but still. Honestly, she's probably my best friend. She may have gray streaks in her hair and could recall any and all embarrassing things about me since... forever... but I end up talking to her for hours whenever I can.

"Everything okay?" Mira asks.

"Just perfect," Mom confirms.

"Do you guys want anything else?" Not at all. I shoot Mira a look, hoping she can read it in my eyes. She glances at me, subtly arching an eyebrow. "Dessert?" Not what I wanted.

"That sounds great," Lillian smiles.

Mira nods, smiling. "What do you guys want?"

She goes around the table, getting all of our orders. Except mine.

"I'm good," I huff. It feels like I've eaten too much already anyway even if it was just a sandwich. "Thanks."

Mom shoots me a look, and I add a smile. When Mom looks away, I let it drop. Jax gives me an amused look from across the table. I arch an eyebrow at him, and he shrugs at me, smiling back down at his phone as he goes back to texting his friends.

Mira smiles at me. "Want to help me for a second, Adeline?"

Guess Mira did read something into my look. "Sure."

Jax glances up, putting his phone away. "Do you need help?"

Mira waves him off. "No. I think Adeline and I got it. But thanks, Jax."

I love Mira. She always knows when I just want to talk to her and only her. I slide out of the booth, kicking my bag farther under the table. I follow her into the kitchen. The employees don't even bat an eye when I walk in. They're used to seeing me back here. Jax, too, when he's talking to Mira. Pretty sure he still does that anyway.

I lean against one of the counters while Mira puts the dishes in the sink and gets everyone's desserts. She meets my eyes. "So... aren't you excited for the bonfire?"

I swallow. "No, not really..."

She nods, indicating for me to go on. I glance around. Everyone seems preoccupied with whatever they're doing, and there's a lot of noise, so it's not like they would hear me. But it's not even like they'll care. I turn back to Mira and lower my voice anyway.

"I finished writing the last letters before we got here," I say.

Mira narrows her eyes. "What'd you write about?"

"I think if you think hard enough, you'll figure it out."

I never actually tell her what I write about. Or anyone for that matter. At some point, I stopped telling her what really happens between me and my friends. But she knows I write the letters. She knows something has happened.

"So what are you gonna do?" she asks.

"I think I'm gonna burn all the letters at the bonfire." She does a double-take. "Yeah," I laugh nervously. "I know. Didn't think I'd ever do it either."

"So what about next year?"

I push myself off the counter, balling my hands up beneath my sleeves. I shrug, throwing my arms out. "I... don't think I'm gonna write any next year. I hope I don't anyway."