“I’ll think about it,” I tell him.

“Okay,” he replies, smiling before he walks away.

I told myself to move on. Holden told me to move on.

But still…I’m conflicted.

* * *

Three hours later, I park in front of Jack Randall’s house. After a twenty-minute speech on what I should be aware of at a high school party, my parents told me it was okay for me to go.

I was shocked. Part of me told them so I wouldn’t be able to come. So it wouldn’t be a possibility.

Instead, they endorsed it. Said they were happy I was going out. I guess I haven’t hidden my heartbreak over Holden as well as I thought. It’s a new low—when your parents think you’re pathetic.

Maggie fussed over my hair and outfit. I’m wearing skinny jeans and a top I never would have picked out for myself, my hair straight and my eyes smoky.

I feel good. I’m also scanning the other vehicles parked as I walk toward the front door, looking for a familiar truck. There’s still no sign of it when I reach the front door.

It’s unlocked. I step inside, the scent of beer and sweat immediately reminding me of the only other high school party I’ve been to. I push away the memories forcibly.

Holden wants me to move on.

Told me to move on.

Living in the past won’t do me any good.

I spot Harrison as soon as I enter the living room. He walks over to me right away.

“Hey!”

“Hi,” I reply, tugging the hem of my borrowed shirt anxiously. I’m awkward and uncomfortable. Proud of myself for coming and also ready to leave.

“You want a drink?”

“I’m driving.”

“There’s soda, Cassia.”

“Oh. Okay, sure.”

Harrison smiles at me and then guides me into the kitchen. He grabs me a ginger ale, which I sip on as he introduces me around. You know Cassia, right? is a constant refrain.

It’s sweet of him to include me. I try to relax and enjoy myself, nodding along like I get jokes and agree with what everyone is saying as I down the ginger-flavored soda.

I finish it about fifteen minutes after I arrive and immediately have to go to the bathroom.

As soon as the lacrosse player he was talking to heads into the kitchen, I ask Harrison where it is.

“I’ll show you,” he offers.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know. But it can get a little crazy upstairs, and the lineup there will be shorter.”