“So… You’re an alien?” Tessa asked, still trying to process this bit of news.

Connie looked a touch uncomfortable. “Well, not like ‘burst out of your chest’ or ‘rip open your head and eat your brains’ kind of alien, but, yeah.”

Tessa turned to Perry. “And you’ve known for… how long?”

Now, it was Perry’s turn. “Um… Well…” He cleared his throat. “Since college.”

“Since college?!” Tessa shouted. “That was eight years ago! And you’re just telling me now?” She was furious.

“See, Con,” Perry said. “I told you it wasn’t a good time to tell her.”

“Eight years ago would have been better.” She turned her back to them, wiping away angry tears.

“Tess.” Connie took a step forward. “I’m sorry.”

“Yeah, right. ‘Sorry.’ That makes it better.” She turned back and stared at Connie. “Why didn’t you tell me? I thought I was your best friend.”

“You are, Tessa!” Connie hugged her.

Tessa stiffened, then relaxed slightly. She sighed deeply, thinking, That might explain why she always smells like lemons.