The annoying bell Declan bought goes off. Casper swings. I duck. When I stand again, I picture Harrison leaning across the library table and kissing Cassia. I land an uppercut on Casper’s jaw. He rears back, then lands a punch on my ribs that hurts like hell, followed by a smack to my jaw that stings.

I imagine them walking down the hall together. Her wearing his football jersey.

Casper grunts from the force of the next blow. Blood flows from his mouth freely, mixing with saliva and spilling out. He spits and it lands somewhere in the grass. The crowd around us cheers.

I don’t hesitate. Don’t bask in the glow of adoration or the thrill of victory. I land another punch before Casper has fully recovered. He goes down, wobbling at first and then his knees hit the grass as he grabs his jaw. Declan blows his whistle. One of Casper’s buddies kneels to check on him.

I stand still, registering the cheers but not really hearing them. This moment feels distended, like something I’m watching on a screen but not experiencing firsthand.

Finn jumps on me, screaming in my ear. Mark is right behind him and so are a bunch of the other guys. I spot Grace and a few of her friends standing behind them.

Declan approaches. “Holden! Amazing, man! You’re—”

I cut him off. “Send me the money, okay?”

“Yeah, sure. Just—”

“And I’m done.”

His smile falls. “What?”

“I’m done.”

“Holden, we could make a ton of money. Don’t—”

I turn around and walk away. Finn is the only one who follows me. “Want some?” He holds out a Gatorade bottle I’m willing to bet doesn’t contain any Gatorade anymore.

“No. I’m driving.”

“Driving? We’re partying, Adams. You knocked him down in a few minutes, dude! Come on, let’s—”

“I’m leaving, Finn. Do you want a ride or not?”

He studies me for a minute, then shakes his head. “Nah. I’ll catch one with Mark.”

“Okay. See you.” I open the door.

“You sure you’re good?”

“I’m good. He barely grazed me.”

It’s not true. My ribs ache. But I’d rather deal with it at home, not here. My dad ended up extending his current trip. Once he’s out on a route, there are always extra deliveries to pick up, and he took advantage once again.

“Okay. You don’t usually dip out so early, though.”

“I’m tired. You get in the ring next time, see how you feel after.”

Finn raises his hands as he starts to walk backwards. “Okay, fine. Text me tomorrow, yeah? I got that new video game.”

“Yeah, sure.”

I climb into the cab of my truck and exhale. Slam my sore hand against the steering wheel.