igh greets me exactly as expected-crowded, alive, buzzing with that particular mix of excitement and dread that always comes with the first day of a new term

seme

efore high school

o

gaze landing immediately on my u

rf

eans on

isn't h

e improve

with her weight shifted to one side, already animated, already mid-argument, while Robert faces her

pi

tly what she's thinking whether you're ready to hear it or not. Her light brown hair falls loosely around he

sonable. Dark hair, steady eyes, the kind of presence that makes him the default peacekeeper

? Complicated

lifting a hand in greeting, already smiling-unti

use

atching them m

aying, clearly trying-and failing-

ps, clearly offended. "I'm just sa

oundary, that's

tly what a b

w feet away

they're ign

ly in th

. "Okay, I'm clear

n immediately, turning to me lik

"Absolutely not.

rows he

don't participate in whatever con

rt s

face in frustration before shooting Rob

u're dr

storms off with

to Robert, raising an eyeb

o idea. I said something, she dis

about

gri

nd, then narrow my eye

ediately. "D

rted som

even that

did yo

ng enough to confirm

e I hooked up with ove

k my t

cou

bout the topic. S

y pro

early changing the subjec

nswer imm

ady know where

?" he adds,

e it

in and I will personally demonstrat

ghs. L

ate

that bad,

tupidly perfect beach house because of our paren

s rela

talk

surrender, still smil

oo

the hallway already spilling out through the open

mo

reach my

hink about it.

ret every decisio

thes, my hair, my face, followed immediately by a shower of glitter th

till for one dangerous second, goo sliding down the side of my face while glitter sticks stubbornly

period. His dark hair falls slightly into his eyes, his expression calm, almost bored, but there's someth

ck," he say

re at

w he wants

i

me

I step forward and throw my

immediately, trying to pull away, but i

," I say

he second she realizes what's happening, her entir

ags dram

k, completely satisfied with myse

ce re

r

hallway. The amusement on his face hasn't disappeared, but his eyes stay fixe

isn't

ven c

way he's looking at