I send it to Claire, and I’m not even surprised when the reply comes less than a minute later.

Claire

Oh my god?

My mom says to call him rtfn.

I sigh and bury my face in my pillow. I am so screwed.

After two days of being closely monitored for worsening concussion symptoms, I check out of the infirmary during lunch, painkillered and booted up with Salem at my side to carry my bag. It’s so difficult to ignore the boyfriendy feelings I get from having him pick me up, tote my stuff, and give me his arm as necessary, but he’s just joking around as always, even as he helps me pack. My brain keeps filling with words, but they won’t leave my tongue.

My dad’s coming to pick me up in an hour so my parents can bring me to an orthopedist for a second opinion and give me a day at home to get more used to my crutches before I have to start hobbling around campus. I’m praying the time apart will also function as a much-needed mental refresh so I can remind myself that Salem and I are strictly friends.

Now I just need to stop imagining Salem and Jenna getting back together while I’m gone.

Or another girl swooping in.

Or—

“Skeevy?”

I blink. “What?”

“I said, ‘Do you need me to help you to the parking lot when your dad gets here?’”

“Oh.” God, he’s being so nice. I don’t know what to do with a nice Salem. I don’t even know what to do with the usual Salem. “Thanks, but Hoffman’s bringing me. Probably dying to kiss my dad’s ass so he won’t get sued about this happening on his watch.”

“Are your parents planning to sue?”

“Absolutely not, but Hoffman doesn’t need to know that.” I look up at Salem, standing in the doorway with one foot in the hall, and I realize he’s probably gotta run to his next class. “You’re in the clear,” I tell him with all the smile I can muster. “Go on. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

He nods, and for a second, I swear I see a flash in his eyes of wanting to say something, but then I realize it’s just my own reflection. “See you tomorrow.” And then he’s gone, and an hour later, so am I.