“I...wanted to make sure I didn’t do anything to drive you away from Ace.” Xander looks contrite for the first time since I’ve met him. “I haven’t seen you two together for a while, and I realize I might’ve been a little rude when we last spoke to each other.”

I stare at him in disbelief. He came to me in concern over Ace?

“No, you didn’t do anything,” I say. “Now can I please open my locker?”

“If I didn’t do anything, why are you avoiding him?” Xander says as he furrows his eyebrows. My heart thuds miserably. He and Ace have the same thick brows that seem to commandeer their face.

“Did Ace send you?” I ask quietly. “Because I really don’t want to talk about this right now.”

“No, I’m just worried about him,” Xander says, tucking his hands into the pockets of his khaki pants. “He’s always been somewhat of a broody asshole, but he’s been extra broody lately. I assume it has to do with you.”

This is so uncomfortable. Xander Clyde isn’t winning Brother of the Year anytime soon, but apparently he’s trying anyway. I’m glad for Ace that his brother isn’t as much of an asshole as we thought, but I also don’t want to deal with this at all right now. Especially not when there are tears pricking the back of my eyes.

I turn away from him, blinking away stray moisture. “And what? You came here to convince me to run back into his arms?”

“I mean...would you?”

I can’t believe this guy. “I’m sorry, but no. I’m glad you’re trying to be a decent brother to Ace, but please just—just leave me alone.”

Xander sighs. “I tried.” He starts to turn away but falters and looks back at me. “He really misses you, you know. I’m not just saying that. He’s been playing that song he wrote for you a lot. Drives Mia and me up the wall to hear him go on and on all night, but Dad’s being soft on him now, so he doesn’t make Ace stop.”

There’s a lump in my throat that’s painful to swallow past. “Xander, please go.”

“I’m going,” he says, shaking his head. “All I’m saying is that he cares about you a lot.”

Before I can reply, he turns around and walks away, whistling merrily as if he didn’t just take a dump on my entire day.

My heart hurts thinking about Ace missing me. My heart hurts thinking about all of the missed opportunities ahead of us.

I laugh bitterly to myself when I remember prom. It’s out of the question now. I don’t know why I ever got my hopes up.

No matter how much I wish things were different, they’re not.