"Why are you covered in paint?" Carly asked the moment Astra stepped inside the house. "Your clothes are going to be stained forever now, and you're going to have to spend forever in the shower just to get all that paint out of your hair."

"I got into a paint fight," Astra replied, brushing past her friend who was lounging on the couch.

"With your boyfriend?" Carly's eyes widened.

Astra didn't answer. "I need to shower. I'll tell you later." She headed straight to her room and shut the door behind her.

She sighed deeply and turned toward her drawer. This was going to be the longest shower she'd ever taken, and she wasn't looking forward to it at all.

That was what she got for starting a paint fight. If she hadn't started it, she'd be clean right now, not covered head to toe in dried paint.

Still, she didn't regret a single moment of today. Despite the mess and the looming shower, she had fun—and she knew Orson did too. Being a walking canvas of paint wasn't exactly glamorous, but the memories were worth it.

She pulled out an oversized T-shirt and a pair of underwear from her drawer. Tonight, pants and bras could wait.

Setting her clothes on the bathroom counter, Astra went back to grab her speakers and phone. She always needed music blasting when she showered. She didn't know why, but showers without music just felt incomplete—somehow less satisfying.

Plugging in the speakers, she reached for her phone to connect it. Just as she was about to, her screen buzzed, making her eyes widen. A number was flashing on the display.

Why was he calling? He hadn't called in almost four days. They'd been seeing each other every day, so there hadn't been a need.

Still, she answered.

"Hello?"

"Star, I need your help."