I hang up, feeling slightly embarrassed about my message. I don’t usually let people see me vulnerable like that, but I know he’ll understand. Even if he doesn’t, I know he won’t make me feel bad about it.

I drop my phone back into my purse and lean back against the wall, drawing in a deep breath as I try to tame the pounding in my temples. I should go to class, but the pain is too intense. I wince and close my eyes, hoping the ibuprofen will kick in soon.

Time passes as I sit as still as I can, doing my best to focus on anything but the pain. People walk by, and I’m aware I probably look strange sitting here with my eyes closed, but this is law school—everyone here has definitely seen worse breakdowns.

When the deep breathing doesn’t work, I press my hands over my eyes, trying to relieve some pressure.

I try not to think about the class I’m missing or the paper I forgot. It really doesn’t matter if I skip the class, especially since I forgot the assignment I was supposed to be turning in for it anyway, but it’s still another fumble for me today.

I really need to get it together.

As soon as the thought zips through my brain, shame streaks after it for getting down on myself. Like Declan said the other day, I have a lot on my plate, so I probably shouldn’t be surprised that I’m overlooking some stuff. And I’m doing really well in that class anyway, so it’s not like one late assignment is going to be the end of the world.

But the perfectionist in me isn’t buying it. A real lawyer needs to be more on top of things.

My brain spirals down its familiar path of self-doubt, but then I feel a hand softly touch my shoulder. I blink open heavy eyelids, half expecting to see Stevie or one of my other school friends who saw me and stopped to make sure I’m okay.

But my heart does a somersault in my chest when I realize it’s Declan standing in front of me, his gorgeous face tight with concern.

“You came,” I say, surprise flickering through me.

How long have I been sitting here? And how did he get here so quickly? I’m not sure if this is real or if my headache is making me hallucinate.

“Of course I did. You needed me, so here I am.” He sits beside me on the bench, which creaks under his weight—confirming this is definitely real. “I was at practice, but I saw you’d called when we took a break, so I headed over as soon as I could.”

“And they just let you?”