Claire Scott is friends with McKenzie and Grace. She was at the pool tonight. I’m curious how that dynamic works, especially if what Holden said about Jordan and McKenzie is true.

My conversation with London and the other senior girls I’m friendly with centered around classes and college visits and the latest Taylor Swift album. Not backstabbing or cheating or sex.

But what I’m really absorbing is that Holden just told me he has a hotel room to himself tonight. Would he have mentioned it if I hadn’t asked about his roommate? Is he expecting Grace or one of the other girls always hanging on him to show up after she gets back from the club?

Holden kissed me in the pool, but he was also the one who suggested we climb out. He was still hard when we got out, so I don’t think I did anything to turn him off.

I don’t know, though. Do other people just know what to do in situations like this? Was there some guide I missed? A tutorial I could have taken? My only reference is how my peers act at school.

My parents don’t police my social life because they’ve never had to. I go to school and I volunteer at the animal shelter and I spend time with Sydney.

There’s no way they would allow me to go to any of the parties Holden frequents. My dad works for a local law firm that’s handled plenty of drug and DUI cases involving teenagers. He’s always made it clear to me and my siblings what standard of behavior he’ll accept.

Most of the time, it’s one I have no problem adhering to. I’d rather watch movies and make chocolate chip cookies with Sydney on Friday nights than get drunk at a crowded party where I’m sure I’d feel just as out of place as I did earlier.

Holden stops walking. I glance between him and the closed door, deciding what to say.

He solves the dilemma for me. “Want to come in?”

My response is quick. Maybe too rapid. “Yeah.”

Holden swipes his room key and opens the door. I walk in first, feeling his presence right behind.

The door closes, and we’re alone.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

HOLDEN

The water in the bathroom shuts off. I flip the remote in my hand, then start spinning it in circles.

I’m nervous. I haven’t been nervous around a girl since…well, since Ginny Davis’s Halloween party in eighth grade.

I can trace exactly how I got here, easily. The simplest place to rest the blame is on Finn. He was the one who invited Cassia to the pool, according to her.

It’s Jordan’s fault as well. He’s a good friend and a decent basketball player, but when it comes to girls, he’s the worst guy I know.