“Because if you’re not using this nook to hide, then I’d really like to,” he says in that small voice of his, made even smaller by the library-appropriate whisper. I’m probably the only person that Moses is ever this assertive with. A loser can make demands of another loser, I guess.

“We can share,” I say, stretching my leg to kick out the chair opposite me. “This nook is prime real estate.”

“I know.” Moses nods enthusiastically as he sits. “One narrow entrance in the stacks, natural light from the window, view through the shelves of the main study area, and three chairs that aren’t broken. It’s a miracle nook.”

I smile for the first time that day.

“So who are you hiding from?” Moses asks.

My smile disappears.

“Just, you know…” I shrug like it’s no big deal. “… Bryce and his merry band of cronies. You’d think the allure of making dumb jabs at someone’s social status would have worn off by now.”

“Man, I’m sorry, that sucks.” Moses winces sympathetically. “Bryce is the worst.”

“Like you’d know,” I bite. “Those guys never bug you.”

“Yeah, because Justin’s my cousin. He’d get in massive trouble with his mom if he and his friends picked on me at school. But I’m the one that has to spend every holiday with the guy, so who’s really losing here?”

“I think we’re both losing, Moses,” I deadpan.

He nods like this is a known fact of the universe. God, what a depressing thought.

“You’re in here a lot, huh?” Moses asks.

“Why do you say that?” I don’t like the idea of someone noticing my comings and goings. Two and a half years and I’ve got my system figured out—I know where and when to be out of the way to avoid Bryce and Justin and the rest of the football team. I don’t need Moses or anyone else mucking up my system.

“We have similar routines.” He shrugs. “Go to class, avoid the jerks. You know, the Nerd Way of Life.”

“Ha, right,” I snort.

“Not that I’m your level of nerd,” he continues, the tip of his nose getting sweaty and red. “I mean, I’m not in any AP classes like you, but I do okay. I got a ninety-eight on my math test.” He looks up at me expectantly like I’m supposed to throw him a parade or something.

“That’s awesome, Moses,” I intone.

“Yeah, it is,” he says, nodding. “It is awesome, and stupid Tyler—”

Moses looks down at his hands, hiding his shiny face, and a few things start to click together.