“Are you saying it’s wrong for me to go out with Jared because I’m obligated to Ryan now, since he was hurt defending me? Is that what you’re getting at?” I countered, pausing in front of our classroom.

“No. I am definitely not saying that. That would be very Casablanca of me.”

Kim smiled when I rolled my eyes at her, and we walked to our seats together.

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

Truth(s)

Patience is a virtue I do not possess. Amusement park lines, doctor’s appointments, college acceptance letters—all enough to drive me insane. Waiting for my date with Jared felt very much like torture. Each class failed miserably at holding my interest, and by mid-morning I had given up on taking notes. The final class of the day was insufferable. I bounced my knee up and down, tapped my pencil on the desk, shifted in my chair, and sighed at least a dozen times.

Beth touched my arm.

“Don’t interrupt my anxiety attack. It’s rude,” I whispered.

Beth pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh. “Stop freaking out. It’s a date. You’ve had dates before.”

“Not with Jared.”

She tapped her finger on my forearm for a moment and smiled. “Why don’t we visit Ryan after class?”

“I think you’re brilliant,” I said, peeling off the last bit of my eraser.

By the time Professor Hunter had spoken the word ‘dismissed’, I had shoved the last of my things in my bag, with the fastest path to the Beamer already plotted out in my mind. Beth struggled to keep up, and growled with frustration when we reached the car.

“You’re ridiculous,” she puffed.

“You have no excuse. Your legs are longer than mine.”

She rolled her eyes as I put the Beamer into gear.

Ryan looked much better—he had more color in his face and the network of tubes and wires that had covered him just days before had all but disappeared.

“Hey there,” he said, stretching his torso. “They’re moving me to PCCU today.”

“That’s fantastic!” I smiled. “You’re going to be out of here in no time. Do you know what room number you’ll be in?”

Ryan shook his head. “I’ll call you and let you know, though.”

“You’d better. How else are we going to sneak in the illegal contraband?” Beth said.

“Speaking of which…did you happen to bring me another burger?”

Beth shook her head. “Nina was in a hurry to get here.”

Ryan didn’t enjoy her remark as much as I thought he would. “That’s surprising. I figured you’d be rushing to Andrews to get ready for your date.” He tried to sound casual, but I heard resentment in his words.

I glanced at Beth and then back at him. My face instantly flushed with anger.