When she finally reached the study hall, the swirling in her mind stopped.

Because Sadie was talking to Ryan Thompson.

A surge of adrenaline propelled her into the room. As she got closer, she realized that it wasn’t just Sadie; it was all the kids from the day camp along with their counselors.

Relief. But not enough.

Maddie strode up to Sadie. She didn’t bother to hide her disgust when she looked at Ryan. But the boredom in his eyes unnerved her. Not even a hint of fear. Like he knew he’d get away with it. Because he probably already had—and not just with Lucy.

Maddie felt her smile waver, but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction. She tugged Sadie’s sleeve. “Let’s talk. I have some ideas about your porcupine.”

Sadie’s eyes widened. “Porcupine?” Her voice was two octaves higher than usual. “Pa-leez. That silly thing? I’m way past that.” She laughed and looked at Ryan. “Way, way.”

“Of course you are.” He reached a hand out as if to touch Sadie, and Maddie put herself between them. He narrowed his eyes at her. “Where are you from again, Mandy?”

“You know it’s Maddie. And Boston. Says so right on my application.”

“Sure, but where are you really from?” He raised an eyebrow. “You’re not Thai, by any chance? Because I happen to know a great place in the city.”

Is he actually goading me? Or just this much of a prick?

Shock at his blatant insult delayed her response.

Sadie answered for her. “She’s half Chinese, her dad’s side.”

Maddie bit the inside of her lip to keep from spitting on Ryan. “Come on, Sadie, let’s go.”

If this place were on Lit, it’d have Maddie’s smiling silver sardine stamped across it. Every table was packed, full of teams reworking their code. Maddie grabbed Sadie’s hand and weaved her way through until she found a secluded spot next to the recycling, which brimmed with empty cans of energy drinks and bottles of iced coffee. A tower of pizza boxes stood beside it, at least a couple of days old from the trail of ants heading for it.

“What, what, what, what, what?” Sadie cried, shaking off Maddie’s hand. “What is so important that you’re dragging me away from Ryan Thompson? Ryan. Thompson.”

“Stay away from him,” Maddie snapped. “Don’t even follow him on Pulse, okay? In fact, stop with Pulse altogether.”

“Have you been smoking the wacky weed?”

“Have I . . . what?”

Sadie shrugged. “What my brother always says to me when I do insane things like pull my friends away from Ryan Thompson. Ryan—”

“I get it.”

“I don’t.” Sadie huffed and turned her back to Maddie. “And you can forget about my presentation thing too. My brother’s not even coming because it’s not that big of a deal, so—”