“Everything is fine, Syd. I need help on a Calculus assignment, is all.” I keep my eyes on Cassia the whole time, not missing the way hers narrow as I offer that made-up explanation.

It sounds plausible, at least. I’ve never been an honors student. Always been purposefully lazy when it comes to school. When it comes to a lot of things.

“Ask the teacher.”

Everyone else at the table looks surprised by Cassia’s curt answer. I’m not. I already figured out she’s avoiding me. That she’s regretful or embarrassed or both. And I already knew there’s some fire hiding beneath her nice girl exterior.

“It’s due next period,” I lie, banking on her not knowing my class schedule. I already had math this morning.

“He needs to pass to play…” Sydney says.

Sweet, understanding Sydney, who looks confused by the fact Cassia is so reluctant to help me. Seconds tick by, the number of eyes on us multiplying with each one that passes.

Finally, Cassia stands, abandoning her half-eaten sandwich. “Fine.”

She starts toward an empty table across the aisle. I rest a hand on her lower back and guide her toward one of the doors that leads out to the senior courtyard instead. It’s getting too cold to eat out here. There are only a few people sitting in the courtyard, all bundled in coats neither of us are wearing. But I’m not worried about anyone overhearing us, which was a concern in the crowded cafeteria.

“Was that really necessary?” she asks as soon as we’re outside.

I shove my hands in the pockets of my jeans, leaning against one of the empty picnic tables. It’s chilly out here, but it’s peaceful too. Fresh air and open space. “You tell me. How was your nap yesterday?”

Cassia scoffs as I mention the excuse her mom fed me when I tried to have this conversation yesterday, looking away at the massive oak planted in the center of the courtyard. The wind picks up, pulling a few pieces of hair out of her ponytail and dragging leaves off the branches.

“You needed help with Calculus then too?” she asks. Her tone is mocking. Annoyed.

It makes me want to smile. I like her like this. Raw and real.

“Nope. Did all my homework yesterday, actually.”

She meets my gaze. “You always were a good liar.”

“You wanted me to tell Sydney what happened Friday night instead?”

Her cheeks flush. Maybe from the wind that’s still blowing, but I’m betting it’s from the mention of what took place between us in my driveway. “There’s nothing to tell.”

“No?” I take a step closer, forcing her head to tilt back in order to hold my gaze. “You climb into a lot of guys’ laps? No big deal?”