“I don’t owe you shit,” Luke says after a long draw. “But I’ll tell you where I was when Natalie died, because fuck it. Apparently, I’m stuck with you as a friend, because…peer pressure. And before you stole my phone, you were actually kind of fun.”

I imagine he means pressure from Bronte, Amber, and Ben. Morgan still appears wary. I’m flattered the others would go to bat for me after all I’ve done.

“And look what happens when you don’t get the information you want,” Luke says. “Please don’t lose your shit again.”

“Dramatic.” Caleb clucks at Luke, takes the flask back, and drinks.

Suddenly, it clicks together for me: Why Caleb is here. That meaningful look.

“You were together.” I point between them. “Halftime hookup.”

“Don’t go spreading it around,” Luke says. “This isn’t Los Angeles. Seaview can be backwards as hell, and I’d rather not have the whole town gossiping about it. I’m out to my parents and close friends as bi, but Caleb’s not out.”

“With no plans to be until I’m the fuck out of this town,” Caleb interjects, cheersing the air with his drink.

“That’s what Natalie was blackmailing you about?” I can’t help asking. “Being bi?”

I don’t wish anyone dead, but how fucking low to threaten to out your friend. Never mind Luke threatened her right back. But her hooking up with Ben isn’t exactly comparable.

“Blackmail is a bit harsh,” Luke says. “I slipped her a few crates of wine and some premium weed. She wouldn’t have really done it.” A flicker in his eyes says he’s not so sure that’s true.

“I’m sorry I pushed you,” I say. “I wanted the truth so badly I didn’t care who stood in my way. That was wrong. And I won’t say anything. I’ve spilled enough secrets, but I’m here if you ever need.” I direct the last bit at Luke and Caleb both.

“Keep your hands off my phone, and we’re good, Ellis,” Luke cracks.

“Shit. Morris spotted Gladys,” Caleb says, and I realize Gladys is the flask. “Let’s go. You have the key?”

Luke pulls a familiar master key from his jacket pocket, and they run off together to get soused, away from the administration. Now it’s just me and Morgan. I look over to the refreshments table and see Ben stuck in a long line.

“I didn’t sleep with him,” she says, and we both know who she means. How long has she been stewing with that?

“I wanted to. I would have.” Her eyes are glued to her hands as she fiddles with her nails. “We made out. During halftime. While Natalie was dying. I’ll have to live with that forever.”

“I’m sorry, Morgan. I really am.”