I almost slump over the island in despair when Ma hustles into the kitchen with her flailing hands and hugs, and that’s the end of that. ‘Ma,’ I groan, but it’s lost to all the cooing and embracing going on at the island. My mother, quintessential lacrosse mom through all the ups and downs, has never missed a game since May and I started playing in elementary – and being a professor of what she is, she never missed a single boys’ or girls’ game. May got to know her pretty well as our rivalry turned to one-on-ones and pickup down in Eagle Rock, to staying late on the field at Prosperity High, to bets on milkshakes, to bets on dinner. And my mom, of course, loved May.

‘It’s so good to see you, Mrs Bradley.’ May’s voice is muffled, crushed by Ma’s shoulder.

‘May, I am so sorry.’ Ma holds May at arm’s length, a little frown on her face. ‘Despite whatever our reckless son does, you’re always more than welcome to come around, you know that. You’d also be more than welcome to take a GWAS class next semester’ – at that, May lets out a laugh – ‘if you weren’t graduating, young lady.’ My mom beams. ‘I’m so proud of you, honey. And so glad Colt finally came to his senses.’

Ma’s eyes scream, FINALLY. For everyone else, this fake relationship is about playing along with a lie, but for my parents, it’s very much their dream come true. The breakup at the end of this is going to crush them. And me, to be frank, but I’m trying not to think about that.

With a happy, ‘Let’s go eat,’ my mom sweeps us towards the dining hall, where Rod, Connor, JJ, and Pop are waiting with massive smiles, and Sav with a smirk.

‘May!’ the three of my teammates proclaim happily in various cadences. Naturally. I don’t recall them giving me that kind of cutesy welcome.

‘You made it!’ Rod grins. ‘Glad we get to properly meet.’

‘So am I.’ She sits down and shoots him a smile. ‘The team’s all huge fans. We’re thankful you could drop by.’

‘Likewise,’ chirps JJ.

Sav looks evilly gleeful as she reaches for a piece of focaccia bread. ‘May, I thought you hated Colt. Which, I don’t blame you, but …’

I grit my teeth and clear my throat, glaring at Savannah. ‘My sister doesn’t mean that.’

‘No, I did hate you!’ points out May. ‘We were rivals in every way.’

‘Some weird head-to-head turf war between boys’ and girls’ lacrosse at Prosperity,’ Pop says with a nod to the guys. ‘This place is a lax hotbed.’

‘Interesting,’ Connor hums. ‘It’s gotta be kind of nice, though. I’ve lived up on the East Coast all my life. I never thought a tiny town in Oklahoma would be so obsessed with lacrosse.’