“He told me to date Harrison at the court that night.” I feel obligated to defend myself. I’m also admitting to a lie. When Sydney asked me what we were arguing about, I said I was lecturing him about drinking. A partial truth, not the full one.

Sydney nods right as the first bell rings as the two-minute warning. “He cares too much, Cassia. It’s not because he doesn’t care enough.”

She says that, then darts off. I want to call after her and demand more of an explanation. I trust Sydney. Rely on her. Harrison telling me Holden has feelings for me didn’t have the same effect.

The second warning bell rings, and it prompts me into action. The rule-following part of myself won’t allow me to be late.

I duck into first period right as the loudspeaker crackles to life for the morning announcements. I take my usual seat in the third row and flip through the pages of my planner, crossing off the assignments I’ve already finished.

“Are you going to the basketball game tonight?” London asks, leaning over. The low hum of chatter echoes around us.

“Um, no. Probably not.” My voice is sharper than I mean it to be. Mostly because of who the captain of the basketball team is. My life is filled with reminders of him, and it makes me wish my acceptance or rejection letters had already arrived so I had a solid means of escape from them.

London’s cheeks flush. “Oh. Okay.”

I grip my pen tighter, trying to get my emotions under control. “Sorry. I’m super tired. Are you going?” I struggle to keep my voice light and unaffected.

“Yeah, probably. I mean—”

“Hey, Bobcats.”

I freeze at the sound of the familiar voice. London stops talking. So does everyone else. The room I’m in is suddenly silent.

“This is Holden Adams. Tonight, we’re playing the Edgewood Ravens, so make sure that you come out and show your support. As most of you know, my dad passed away a few weeks ago. A portion of the tickets sold tonight will be donated to an organization that works to prevent drunk driving. It’s a worthy cause to support, even if you’re not a basketball fan.”

There’s a long pause, and I think he’s done talking. So does everyone else. The gossip starts up immediately, people muttering about Mr. Adams. About their plans to attend the game tonight.

“I also wanted to say…”

Silence falls again, everyone trying to hear what Holden is going to say, as if he’s whispering instead of speaking on the loudspeaker so his voice is echoing around the room.

“I’m sorry, Cassia.”