Whatever the cause, it’s fucking annoying. I thought I had moved past this. Sure, I think she’s hot. I doubt there’s a guy at Pembrooke High who doesn’t. But I’ve spent years telling myself that’s all it is between us—attraction.

Telling myself that the connection we share isn’t anything special. That it’s something I can easily ignore and that it doesn’t mean anything.

If that were true, I think it would have actually faded in the past years. It wouldn’t be this burrowing under my skin, this voice whispering I fucked up worse than I thought.

“This is a nice truck.”

“Thanks,” I reply to Ben’s fourth version of the same compliment. This outing is awkward so far. There’s no other accurate way to describe it. From Ben asking if I’d already met with the three other freshmen who made the team—which I’ll now have to do—to him accidentally hitting the parking brake at a stoplight.

I pull into Roxbury Diner’s parking lot, park, and turn the ignition off. I’m apprehensive about encountering Cassia. When I agreed to this, things between us weren’t volatile.

It’s got me tense and agitated, walking into a set-up. It was one thing to ignore Cassia when she acted ambivalent toward me. Another to respond when she initiated contact between us. It’s different to pursue—to seek her out when she’s actively avoiding me. Something I told myself I’d never do.

I’m turning a favor for a neighbor into something selfish. But we’re chaperoning a couple of kids, one of whom is her sister. Cassia won’t cause a scene. I won’t be able to do anything really stupid—like kiss her.

Resolved, I turn off the truck. “Come on.”

Ben jumps out of the cab eagerly. Guy doesn’t even know why we’re really here.

I probably should have put some feelers out. Asked if there are any chicks he’s interested in. If he already has a girl, for God’s sake.

I drag a palm down my face and exhale, realizing this plan is unfolding worse by the minute. But it’s too late to back out now. I follow Ben over to the entrance and inside the diner.

Warm air saturated with the smell of grease greets me. It’s not too busy in here. I spot Cassia and Maggie immediately. Maggie is leaning against the counter, tapping her fingers on the Formica anxiously. Cassia is staring out the window.

Maggie spots us first.

“Ben! Hi!” Maggie’s voice is high and excited. But there’s no trace of expectation. No hint she knew we were coming or that this was pre-planned.