“I’m serious. I need you to know you can’t solve everything by throwing a few punches anymore. I don’t…I don’t want you getting in trouble at Harvard.”

“I do know. I get it, okay? My parents have been going on and on and on about it all summer too. No more fighting. No more being stupid or reckless or any of that. I know. I’m working on it.”

I was too surprised to say anything else for a moment. Noah sounded weirdly determined. He gave me an awkward smile, looking embarrassed. I’d never thought too much about what his parents might have said to him on the subject of getting into fights. This was the first I’d heard about it.

“Well, whatever they said, it’s obviously made an impression. The old Noah would’ve punched that guy and his friends. And I totally would’ve yelled at you for it, for the record.”

“Oh, I know.”

We’d made it back to our spot on the beach by then. Lee was still nowhere to be seen. I settled back down on my towel.

“Hey, Elle?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m trying. To be a better guy. To not be so impulsive. I…I want you to know that.”

“I know. I just—I hope you’re not doing it for me. You know? Or not just for me.”

“I’m not. Although you are a big factor.” His tone had turned teasing now, and I raised my eyebrows. “Couldn’t have you being mad at me, Elle.”

“Make sure you remember that if there’s a next time.”

“I’m going swimming; you coming?”

“No,” I said lazily. “I’m gonna stay here. Finish listening to my podcast.”

Noah nodded, bending to give me a kiss before he strode down to the sea. I watched him go, thinking again how he’d avoided a fight at the bar. I guessed he really was changing.

Chapter 5

On Monday morning, I woke up at what felt like the crack of dawn after a bad night’s sleep.

I groaned, tossing about and tumbling off the bed.

“Sorry,” Lee whispered loudly. “Did I wake you up?”

“A rampaging bull in a china shop is quieter than you, Lee.” I rubbed my eyes and yawned. “What’re you even doing up already?”

“Rachel’s coming today, and…” He trailed off, since that was explanation enough. Part of me thought it was adorable that Lee trying to tidy things so the room wouldn’t be a complete wreck when his girlfriend arrived, but I still narrowed my sleepy eyes at him.

“What time is it?”

“Seven.”

That was when I threw my pillow at him.