“Yeah, because he was moving here.”

“And now because you’re here, you guys are dating again?”

“No, I’m not trying to date Nick. He just, you know, comes over to keep me company.”

“Somehow I doubt he’s coming over to play Scrabble or watch Jeopardy!”

She giggled. “Not exactly.”

I shook my head in disgust.

“Oh, come on, Cat, lighten up. It’s just Nick. We’re just having fun.”

“But why are you wasting your time with that sleaze? You could have anyone you wanted.”

Anyone, I thought bitterly.

“Sleaze?” Audrey echoed, eyes widening. “Have another drink, Cat, and tell me how you really feel.”

I flushed. “I’m just—”

“Forget it,” Audrey said, pouring more champagne into my plastic cup. “Let’s not talk about my boring sex life.”

I laughed shortly. “At least you have one.”

“Well, let’s do something about that. So things are kind of stalemating with Connor. Who cares? There are tons of other guys out there, guys who will actually appreciate you. Have you considered online dating?”

She wants Connor for herself, a little voice hissed as an image of Connor pressing Audrey against the jukebox flashed through my mind. She’s trying to dissuade you from pursuing him so that she can have him.

No, I reminded myself. I saw her push him away.

Didn’t I? My champagne-muddled mind suddenly couldn’t remember.

“I saw you and Connor,” I blurted.

Audrey’s glossy mouth dropped open, and I derived a small amount of cold satisfaction from striking my effervescent friend speechless. I held her eyes, challenging her to defend herself.

“I don’t know what you think you saw,” she finally said, “but I did not kiss him.”

“But he tried to kiss you.”

“Cat—”

“Don’t,” I interrupted, a bubble of hysteria rising in my chest. “I know what happened. Connor fell in love with you, just like every man you’ve ever encountered.”

“That’s ridiculous.”

I laughed bitterly. Leave it to Audrey to not even notice the men piling up at her feet. “It’s not. But it doesn’t matter. What matters is that you should have told me. You’re supposed to be my friend. How could you not tell me?”

“Because I wanted to protect you!” she exclaimed, flinging her arms in the air. “I know you like Connor, but he’s a moron who doesn’t realize what a catch you are.”

I snorted. “Sure. I’m a real catch.”

“You are. You’re—”

“No,” I said, shaking my head firmly. “Once a freak, always a freak.”

“What are you talking about? You’re not a freak.” She reached for my cup. “Maybe I should cut you off …”

“You know I’m right,” I said, yanking the cup out of her reach, sloshing juice and wine on her bed. “You remember freshman year. And before that … Audrey, I haven’t always looked like this. I used to be shorter, chunkier. I had bad skin and a stutter. I couldn’t make eye contact without breaking into a full-body rash.”

“So? That’s not who you are now. You’re beautiful and smart and confident—”