Allister had gotten into his sports clothes without visiting the locker room at all. Maybe he changes in private bathroom stalls, like me, because he’s uncomfortable too.

“Anyway,” Fiona says. “Do you guys want to go on an after-school venture on my favorite nature trail?”

“What does an after-school venture entail? Walking?” I ask.

“Could be anything we want it to be, as long as it’s spontaneous. Planning ruins the purpose.”

“Sure thing.” Allister starts snapping his fingers with glee. “We were just talking the other day about how Jake could afford to get out of the house more.”

“I don’t remember that at all?” I mean, not in those words.

“Did you forget about our date already?”

“No! Of course not, but we never talked ab—” Wait a minute. “Date? Is that what that was?”

“Anyway, Fiona, like I was saying.” Allister swerves back into the conversation. “You can’t hold yourself back or just be there for someone else’s benefit.”

Smooth, man . . . The freezing air adds a cold blue tint to his lips. He’s beautiful.

Fiona reverses into a backward jog to stare us down. “Quick question. Are y’all by any chance dating?”

“NO!” we both scream.

“Okay.” She looks incredulous as she pivots. “Just a question.”

Allister and I might be a little too close. Our arms are brushing against each other and our feet hitting the track at the same time.

“Yo, Jake!” It’s Grady, running up behind me.

Oh, brother.

Grady was tying his shoes on the bench when I walked into the locker room, and he said nothing when they were clowning me. Fiona would stick up for me if she were there. Allister would too.

What’s the point of having friends if they’re just gonna keep quiet when you need them to have your back? If they’re just gonna give you the cold shoulder because you didn’t elevate their social clout? Now he wants my attention. And he’s not gonna get it.

Allister looks behind him. “Uh, Jake? Your friend is calling you.”

“I know.” And I’m ignoring him. “I’m down for an after-school venture.”

“Yes!”

Fiona pumps her fist, and I’m excited for three seconds before the crushing realization that Sawyer may tag along takes over me.

What are you doing now? I wonder as we pass the castle of my school and loop around the goalpost. Who are you targeting next?

I haven’t slept in days because I’m too fucking paranoid, and I can’t even talk about it. If I do, the only true friends I’ve ever made will think I’m crazy.

Six hours and a lunch date later, Fiona, Allister, and I meet again in the parking lot and head to the Sunwood Nature Trail, five blocks from campus. It’s nice being out here. Hiking isn’t so bad when it’s with people you like.