“Didn’t think you’d show,” he said, his tone smooth, casual, like our breakup never happened. Like I wasn’t glaring at him as if I could mentally throw him across the football field.

“I’m here for Jake.”

Brandon cut his eyes to my best friend before returning to me. “See they appreciate it.”

I rolled my eyes—anger helped loosen the tight air in my lungs. “What do you want?” Why was he here? Why wasn’t he having a post-game celebration with his new girl? I’d heard it was Sabrina, but that could just be a rumor. It was hard to tell anymore, especially since I’d stopped paying attention.

“Why does it have to be like that?” he asked, and he had the audacity to genuinely look confused. Like I should be pumped about him talking to me again.

You know why.

I furrowed my brow.

He sighed, shifting his weight. “Just thought I’d say hi,” he said, shrugging. “You coming to Sabrina’s party after?” He motioned toward the exit.

“That’d be a no,” I said, a dark laugh on the end of it.

“We used to have fun.” He narrowed his eyes. “You used to be fun.” He shook his head. “Now you’re just…”

I swallowed the rock in my throat.

Whatever I am, it’s because of you.

“Brandon?” Jake snapped, looking like he only now realized he was next to him.

Hannah was at my side in an instant, dagger-glares and claws bared.

Brandon chuckled, holding up his hands—one with his helmet—as he backed away from the fence. “Yeah, man,” he said, eyeing Jake. “I get it.” He planted his dark eyes on mine. “Was just saying hi to a friend.”

“Don’t,” Jake said, his tone sharp and everything I’d wished mine could be.

Brandon huffed, spun on his heels, and jogged toward the exit.

“Sorry,” Hannah said. “You could’ve said something.”

“No use. He doesn’t merit the energy.” I wished my heart would believe that, be as strong as that thought. “But,” I said, glancing between them, “thanks.”

Jake flashed those white teeth. “I’ve always got your back.”

Hannah nodded her agreement, rubbing her hand up and down my back.

I sighed, the internal shaking subsiding with my tribe surrounding me. “That’s more comforting than you know,” I said, grinning softly. After a silent shared look between Jake and Hannah—their own brand of communicating that was perfected over years of being together—I stepped out of Hannah’s touch. “I’ve really got to crash,” I said. “My brain is going fuzzy.”

“Oh no,” Hannah said. “We all know that leads to binging on Oreos and fail-YouTube-videos.” She laughed, jerking her head toward the exit. “Let’s get out of here.”

“You don’t know me.”