Chase laughs at that, taking his usual spot on the window sill. ‘Maybe I’m wrong,’ he says. ‘But you really need to wise up to the idea that you’re a catch. First Josh, now Cameron. At this point, I’m surprised you didn’t get more than one vote for hottest boy. Everyone seems to want a piece of you, Zach.’

‘OK, well, that’s just two people …’ I say. ‘Not everyone. Besides, I’m telling you, Josh isn’t into me either. Whatever we had back then is over.’

‘If you say so.’ Chase shrugs, peering outside. ‘What on earth is Bec doing now …’

‘Huh?’ I say, looking out to see her scaling the fire escape. ‘What is she doing?’

She’s wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt, her hair’s still wet from the shower, and she’s precariously carrying a garment bag and a pair of high heels. She disappears from view, and then, a few moment later, there’s a knock at the door. It’s her, calm and collected; she hasn’t even broken a sweat.

‘What was that? You’re like an Asian Lara Croft.’ Chase laughs, pulling her in. ‘You’re not supposed to be up here. What if someone sees you?’

‘That’s why I took the fire escape,’ she says. ‘Anyway, what’s the big deal? It’s not like it’s the first time I’ve been in the boys’ dorm …’

‘It isn’t?’ Chase says. I’m as surprised as he is.

‘I’ve been in Jacob’s room … and Kyle’s for that matter …’

‘Isn’t that the same room?’ Chase says.

‘Yeah, but I was there for two very different reasons.’

‘Oh my God,’ I say, laughing. ‘Why is this the first time we’re hearing about this?’

‘I told you I hooked up with them!’ she says. ‘Where did you think it happened?’

‘I don’t know,’ Chase replies. ‘I just assumed you did it in the boathouse or something. That’s where everyone goes to hook up! Tell her, Zach!’

‘What do you mean “tell her, Zach”?’ As if I’m the authority on hook-ups!

‘You and Josh!’ he says. ‘I don’t know why you insist on playing innocent …’

‘Well, whatever!’ says Bec. ‘I’m not having sex in some crusty old boat! I don’t understand why you boys all want to do it in there. You realize there’s, like, two hundred beds in this place?’

‘Where’s the fun in that? Zero risk of splinters!’ Chase says. ‘Besides, do you really think these beds are any better?’ He shakes the squeaky frame of his bed vigorously.

‘The sound of passion,’ she says. ‘Music to my ears.’

Chase laughs. ‘You’re disgusting.’

She shrugs. ‘Not like I’ll be getting any tonight anyway.’

‘Why would you say that?’ I ask. ‘Course you will! You’re a catch!’

‘Yeah, but apparently I’m intimidating …’

‘Who said that?’ Chase looks annoyed.

‘That’s what all the boys say about me. They call me the praying mantis.’

‘Like the weird bug thing?’ I say.

‘Exactly. The females eat the males after having sex. They use them and then mercilessly rip them apart.’