men are attracted to beauty because it indicates health and youth—no point mating with a sickly woman who won’t be around to raise the children.

The truth is scary, but knowing nothing is crippling.

Guess who has PE first hour? This is so unfair. I start the day off perspiring like an elephant in heat. Don't the people who make up our schedule understand body odor? Don't they understand frizzy hair? ~Vee

Patch? Whatever happens, I love you." I wanted to say more, those three words painfully inadequate for the way I felt about him. And at the same time, so simple and accurate, nothing else would do.

I’m really starting to like all this spy work,” Vee said. “When my normal life gets boring, all I have to do is sidle up next to you.

I can't imagine why you're so interested." He shook his head. "Interested? We're talking about you. I'm fascinated.

She shrieked. "Nora! What happened to the banister!" Good thing she hadn't seen her bedroom yet.