Something clattered onto the bathroom counter, and Eva came into my view, leaning one hip against the doorway. “Just to be clear, you can stay as long as you need to, but this couch goblin impression isn’t healthy. You need to talk. What happened with D?”

Derrick’s hurt face when I’d asked him to leave flashed across my mind, and I pulled Eva’s throw over my head. Her heavy footsteps moved my direction, then she yanked the blanket away.

“He called me last night to check on you. I know you’ve been reading his texts, and so does he. Can you at least tell me why you’re torturing him?”

I blew out a breath and pushed my hands into my hair. “Are you sure you want to hear this? Derrick is your friend too.”

Eva scoffed. “I can be his friend and condemn him for his stupidity at the same time. I have that skill. Now talk or I’m making you go outside with me to get coffee.”

She wasn’t bluffing. Eva was freakishly strong for her small size. The sun streamed through her open windows in bright streaks, making my persistent headache worse. I didn’t want to face any other people while I still felt raw, so I sighed in defeat.

“I overheard Derrick and his coach talking about me in the coach’s office.”

Her eyes narrowed. “I assume it wasn’t glowing praise.”

I shook my head and picked at my nails, which I’d chewed to the quick. “I don’t even know why he’d ask me to come.”

Eva tilted her head. “Who, D?”

“No, his coach. I got a call from some lackey that asked me to go the head coach’s office after practice because he wanted to talk to me. When I got there, Derrick was inside instead.”

“And why did that result in the great flood of fall semester?”

“He called me a piece of ass.”

Eva pulled back like I’d slapped her. “The coach?”

“No, Derrick. Well… and the coach.”

She held up a hand. “I’m confused.”

“Derrick’s coach gave him an ultimatum. He could be benched or he could drop the ‘piece of ass’ that was affecting his play.” I was proud that my voice remained even, but I couldn’t stop fiddling with a loose thread on the couch. “Derrick started to respond, using the same phrase, and the coach spotted me. Or maybe he heard me. I don’t know. Either way, Derrick turned, and I ran.”