“Don’t let the door smack you on your way out, Princess,” he said, then swung it fast enough that she had to do a little jump to get out of the way.

As soon as the sound of her footsteps faded, Mateo turned back to Brandon. He looked even paler than he had before, and he’d pulled the sheet up to his chin like he was cold.

“What the hell?” Mateo said.

“I was sure she’d do it. I was sure she’d tell the truth.” Brandon shook his head. “I just want Maria to be Maria again.”

“Everyone at this damn school keeps so many damn secrets.” Mateo sighed. It was too early in the morning for this. “Including you, apparently.”

Brandon looked like he was about to cry again. Mateo sat in the desk chair and watched him. He didn’t look as fragile as he had before. He just looked sad.

“You know you don’t owe her anything anymore,” Mateo said.

Brandon dipped his chin down, then looked up. He locked eyes with Mateo.

“Maria and Delilah went out that night,” Brandon said. “The night of the accident. They snuck out and went to the bar in town and didn’t get back until after lights-out.”

Mateo stood up. “Wait. What?”

“Maria said some guy drugged their drinks.” Brandon chewed on his thumbnail. Mateo had never seen him do that before.

“Why didn’t she tell the police?” Mateo said.

“That’s what I asked her. She said it wouldn’t have mattered, and she didn’t want to get in trouble.”

That didn’t make any sense. None of this did. He couldn’t believe Brandon had bought this story. Did he really care about Maria so much that he’d let her get away with this bullshit?

Mateo shook his head. “We have to call the cops right now.”

Brandon went pale again and pushed the sheet down around his waist. He was wearing an old Star Wars T-shirt he’d had since middle school. The thin fabric stretched across his chest and made him look like an overgrown kid.

“I can’t.” Brandon climbed out of bed slowly, holding on to the nightstand. “I’ll find her later today after she’s calmed down and talk to her again. I’ll get her to go to the dean.”

“And if she won’t?”

Brandon bit his lip. “I’m going for a run.” He pulled on his shorts. “Need to clear my head. You can come if you want.”

Mateo shook his head. “No, thanks. When you get back, if you’ve come to your senses, let me know. I’ll go with you to tell the dean.”

“Whatever.” Brandon laced up his sneakers.

As Mateo watched him leave the room, his shoulders shaking, he thought about telling Brandon to wait. He thought about apologizing. Saying that it was complicated, and they’d figure it out together.