I knew the feeling.

“We’ve heard back from almost every school, and we don’t always hear back from everyone who initially expresses interest. This late in the game there’s not much more we can hope for. Walk-on spots are still a possibility for you.”

“I didn’t get into any schools.”

His lips contorted with a grim shake of his head. “You can try again next year. Your tapes are still good and if you keep up your conditioning, you still have a shot. Retake the SATs. Redo your applications. The admissions committees might be more forgiving with the football coaches on your side. You’ve kept your nose clean these past two years. Keep doing that.”

When I looked up, we were standing outside his office.

The bell to end second period blared.

“You can hang out in here if you’d like.” He held his arm out toward his office.

I shook my head. I needed to find Bay. “No.” I licked my lips feeling like all moisture had been drained from my body. Just like my hope. “I’ll be okay.” No, I wouldn’t.

Walking back toward the classrooms, the tide of people was strong. Everyone flowed toward the auditorium, and I was a fish swimming upstream. Knox’s head bobbed. He waved, signaling to the second set of doors. But it was the dark head of hair, wavy and shiny, disappearing into the side door of the auditorium stage that caught my eye.

“Bay.”

She froze and looked over her shoulder at me before she was pushed inside by the other people behind her.

I charged forward, pushing through the stragglers, trying not to stiff arm anyone and send them careening to the floor.

Opening the door, I was met with the disapproving glare of Mrs. Tripp. “Dare, this is for stage crew and performers only.”

“I just need to—”

“We’re starting now. Anything you need to say can wait until after the performances.” She closed the door in my face.

I pounded my fist against the wood and glanced around. Taking a deep breath, I teetered on the razor’s edge of losing my shit. I should leave. Just get into my car and go for a drive until Bay got home, but I needed to see her now.

“Dare, we are still issuing detentions.” Mr. Rourke tapped his detention slip pad against the palm of his hand. The last thing I needed was to ride out my last days of school sitting in a stuffy room watching the second hand tick by.

My jaw clenched and I flung open the door, stepping into the auditorium. The room buzzed with chatter and laughter. Everyone was happy for another reason to get out of class. But my muscles buzzed like I was being shocked. A tiny current, just enough to sting and keep me uncomfortable.

I should’ve camped out outside of Bay’s second period class. I needed to see her, to focus on her face, to press my palms to her cheeks and kiss her. I needed to find the place where I knew everything would be okay with her touch.