I cross my arms. “That doesn’t mean I’m head over heels.”

“Then what does it mean?”

I open my mouth. Close it.

Cassie smirks. “Exactly.”

Thirty minutes later, some controlled chaos and lots of coffee. Somehow, we manage to get my suitcase half-packed, which, in Cassie’s world, means I sit on the floor while she ruthlessly critiques my fashion choices.

“Why do you own so many hoodies?” she asks, holding up a gray one like it offends her.

I snatch it back. “Because they’re comfortable?”

“Uh-huh. And what about this?” She lifts a shamelessly oversized gaming T-shirt.

I grab that too. “Also perfectly comfortable.”

Cassie sighs, rubbing her temples. “Haven. You’re going to meet the man you’ve been flirting with for almost a year. Can we try a little?”

I huff, but she’s right, so I let her shove a few normal outfits into my bag before she starts threatening me with fashion interventions.

“Okay,” she says finally, zipping my suitcase with a victorious flourish. “Now that we’ve solved that problem, let’s discuss the actual trip.”

I frown. “What about it?”

She gives me a knowing look. “You’re nervous.”

I scoff. “No, I’m not.”

“You’re spiraling.”

“I am not—” She raises an eyebrow.

I hesitate. Okay, maybe I am spiraling a little because this is real now. It’s one thing to joke about meeting Carter. Another thing entirely to pack a bag and actually drive to him, which I had offered to do instead of him driving here. Felt more controlled in an out of control sort of way.

Cassie watches me, waiting, and eventually I sigh. “Fine. Maybe I’m a little nervous.”

She softens. “You don’t have to go, you know. It’s not like he’s expecting anything.”

I know that, but I also know that if I don’t go I’ll regret it. Still, It’d be a lot less terrifying if I wasn’t going alone. I straighten, turning to Cassie with my most convincing expression that I know she can never say no to.

She immediately groans. “Oh no, don’t you dare give me that look.”

“Oh yes.” I grab her hands. “Please, come with me.”

Cassie laughs, shaking her head. “Babe. I have a life.”

“Liar. You told me yesterday you had zero weekend plans.”

“That was before you tried to drag me into a road trip.”

I bat my lashes. “Come on. Be my emotional support extrovert.”

She gives me a look. “I thought this was, like, an actual thing with Carter?”

“It is.” I chew my lip. “I just—I’ll feel better if you’re there.”

Cassie sighs, dramatically flopping backward onto my bed. “I so dislike you.”

I grin. “So you’ll come?”

She groans into my pillow. “Yes.”

Success.