Chapter 2
I took a deep breath to keep my voice steady:
“What I’m saying is, message received loud and clear. I’ll handle it myself. You just focus on taking care of Kira.”
Hearing what sounded like me caving, Derek’s tone instantly became smug and satisfied.
“Now you’re being reasonable.”
‘Go ahead and sort out that ticket situation. Coach isn’t gonna kill you–stop being such a drama queen about it.”
‘I need to go grab Kira some food from that organic place she likes. She’s been crying all night, her eyes are completely puffy.”
‘Sure.”
I literally couldn’t force myself to say another word.
‘Okay cool, I’m hanging up. We’ll figure out the details later.”
He rushed through the goodbye and ended the call.
calmly started packing my stuff for the trip home.
Right as I zipped up my carry–on, my phone started buzzing again.
Derek. Again.
raised an eyebrow and answered without saying anything.
Quinn.”
le sounded way more chill than before.
Hey babe, whatcha doing? Any luck with tickets?”
Haven’t looked,” I said shortly,
He paused, clearly thrown by how cold I was being.
But he bounced back quickly and kept going: “Oh… no biggie, there’s time. So anyway, Kira just woke up from her hap and when she heard about your ticket situation, she felt absolutely horrible. She wants to bring you back some of those artisanal chocolates from her hometown to say thanks…”
I didn’t respond, waiting for the real agenda.
17:08
She Slandered Me to Millions (One the Fake Tome Huel) Hui Hou Vical Darformann? All My Courtroom Fuidoncol
19.49
Chapter 2
There was no way in hell Kira actually cared.
Right on cue, Derek’s tone shifted.
“Actually, there’s, uh, one more tiny favor…”
“When break’s over, you know how impossible it’s gonna be to get study spots in the library. And since you’ll probably… you know… not have much going on at home anyway…‘
He was totally stumbling over his words: “Maybe you could… come back like two days early and save me and Kira some prime real estate? We’re planning this intensive study session when we get back…”
I actually laughed out loud, but not in a good way.
Beginning of sophomore year, I’d bounced into Derek’s dorm with a brand new planner and his favorite coffee from that bougie place downtown.
“I heard the study pods on the library’s top floor have these amazing floor–to–ceiling windows. The fall colors are supposed to be incredible.”
I’d looked up at him with total heart–eyes: “Want to camp out and claim our spot together tomorrow morning?”
Derek had rolled his eyes and waved away the coffee: “Quinn, come on. The library’s like a fifteen–minute bike ride. I’d rather just study in my room where I can actually focus.”
Now, for Kira’s sake, he’s asking me–the person whose ticket they canceled together, who might have to take a dozen–hour bus ride home–to return to school early to save them seats in the library?
My silence must have seemed like hesitation to Derek.
“Think about it–you won’t be bored out of your mind at home, and you’d totally be saving our butts. It’s like a
win–win situation.”
“Kira would be over the moon if she knew you had our backs like this. She’ll probably ace her retakes once she’s in a better headspace.”
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat.
If I went off on him now, I’d miss whatever other performances these two had planned.
I deliberately made my voice small and defeated: “…Fine. Whatever. You guys… have an amazing time.”
Hearing me roll over again, Derek’s voice turned completely satisfied, like he’d just solved world hunger.
“See? I knew you’d come through! Quinn, you’re seriously the best girlfriend ever.”
“So we’re all set then! I’m totally counting on you for those seats! Try to snag the ones by the big windows with good natural light–Kira studies way better with lots of sunshine.”
17:08
Che Cloude
UNANGA! All Mu Courtroom Evidencel
19.79
Chapter 2
“I’ll take you to that new tapas place you’ve been obsessing over when I get back.”
He even had the audacity to give me specific seating requirements.
“Mmhmm.” I made the most noncommittal sound possible.
“Perfect! Okay, I really gotta bounce–Kira’s texting me about needing more tissues or something.”
He couldn’t hang up fast enough.
