Carry On: The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow

by Rainbow Rowell

“Doesn’t know, does she? Well,” he says, “we’ll see about that.” I put my hand on his chest. I don’t have to step any closer to reach him. “No,” I say firmly. “Ebb doesn’t know where Nicodemus is. We’re not talking to her again.” Baz swallows and licks his grey-pink lower lip. “I’ll talk to the goatherd if I want to, Snow.” “Not if you want my help.” I keep my hand on his chest because I feel like he still needs to be held back, but I can’t believe he’s letting me do it. His hand flies up and closes over my wrist. (As if he’s read my mind.) (Is that a vampire thing?) “Fine,” he says, shoving my wrist down. “Then how do we find Nicodemus?” “I haven’t thought it through that far. I came here as soon as I left Ebb’s.” “Well, what does Penelope think?” “I haven’t talked to her yet.” “Where is she?” “I don’t know—I told you, I haven’t talked to her. I came straight here.” Baz seems confused. “You came straight here?” “Would you rather I waited to tell you after Christmas break?” He narrows his eyes and licks his lips again. I put my hands on my hips, just to have something to do with them. “What about you?” I ask. “Have you made any progress?”