More importantly, she would plow through anyone else’s disgruntled attitudes about it. And by everyone else, she meant Grandma and Dad.

Which was a good thing because once her mind had been firmly set on the new course, she’d placed a call to the admissions office and set a meeting date with the registrar of the University of New Mexico. Instead of becoming a Big Red Bear of Ithaca, New York, she’d be a howling Lobo in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Not only would this allow her to remain close to home with her family at only a twenty-minute drive away from the dorms, she’d also get to hang out with Sophie as opposed to Skyping or viewing each other’s Instagram posts.

Thinking of needing to be there for Sophie deflated Holly. Jersey. Moisture pooled in the corners of her eyes, making it difficult to see as the tears spilled over, streaking her carefully applied make-up. If someone had told her even a week ago she’d ever miss – crave, even – her friend’s drama-filled, angst-ridden personality, she would’ve laughed in that person’s face, maybe even accused her of being on some serious mind-altering drugs.

Yet, here she stood, praying she could turn around to find Jersey curled up on the futon nestled under Holly’s window bawling about all the things Jersey liked to cry over. Even if that was Beau.

Beau. Asshat of a boyfriend. Armpit of humanity.

Like a light switch had been flicked, Holly’s tears were replaced with blinding anger, and the face staring back at her in the mirror was now suffused with a red so deep, she appeared to be on the verge of a stroke.

Late that afternoon, Leigh Ann had sent her and Sophie a text claiming she needed to tell them something, but she was afraid. Sophie, still holding a grudge that Leigh Ann had fallen into the trap of feeling sorry for Beau, had snapped off a less than friendly, far from encouraging, response.

SOPHIE

Why would you be afraid to tell us something… unless you’re about to admit to banging one of your supposedly best friend’s boyfriends while she’s missing?

Ouch. Holly’s own response had been less scathing and combatant.

HOLLY

Whatever it is, you can tell us.

It was five minutes before Leigh Ann responded, her admission robbing breath from Holly’s lungs.

You know that girl Rachel who went missing from the frat party? Well, I was there that night, too… long story… I’ll tell you why later if you’re still talking to me… Anyway, I saw Beau hitting on her before I left. I’m sorry I kept it a secret, but I was afraid to tell you. I told Holly’s mom today what I saw. I hope you two can forgive me.

Ten seconds later, Holly’s phone rang. Where she’d been left speechless, Sophie was in a full rage.

‘What the actual HELL does she mean “if we’re still talking to her”? What if he did something to Jersey and that Rachel girl? What if this nightmare could’ve been over days ago if she’d just told your mom right away? If she’d told us! And what the hell was she doing at a frat party to begin with? Was she with Beau? Maybe they’re both involved! What if—’