It took Karina a long, long time to answer that text. Long enough that it was late afternoon by the time she did and she answered it while walking along the beach, holding her sandals in one hand while the water brushed her knees.

Finding an answer to his question wasn't easy. Between her own feelings, their friendship, and her careers, Karina wrestled with herself about it.

Eventually, she texted:

Do you remember the conversation we had about strings a long time ago? Legally, it's probably better for both of us if I don't know anything about the laws you break.

That was truth.

But I don't like the idea of being a friend you HAVE to lie to either.

The very idea hurt her feelings in complicated ways. Honesty was, strangely enough, one of the things that let them be friends--at least, it was in her eyes. Even if it was sometimes a weird, sideways honesty.

So I don't know, Sparkle. I don't know.