“Sure, but it could have gotten very complicated, and then today would be worse than it already is.”
“It won’t be awkward. Everything will be fine,” Zoe says, trying to reassure me. “You won’t be alone with him. That will definitely help.”
“Hopefully,” I sigh. If only Easton had just said I didn’t need to come, then everything would be a little easier right now. But that probably would have been the beginning of the end, and that’s not what I want, either.
“Do you want us to come?” Mae offers. “I’m sure Zoe could move her date with Jase, and if you need moral support, we’d be glad to help, wouldn’t we, Zoe?”
“We would, but today I really can’t come. It’s my dad’s birthday, and that means the whole family will be there.” She gives me an apologetic look and reaches for her lipstick.
I dismiss her worry and try to ignore the stab in my heart when I realize that I’ll never celebrate another birthday with Mom and Dad.
Don’t think about it. Just don’t start to think about it now.
“No problem at all,” I say. My voice sounds a little forced. “I’llbe fine. It’s not like we’ve never spent time together before.” I put on a smile that Mae obviously doesn’t find very convincing.
She looks at me critically. “Are you sure? I can come with you by myself if Zoe can’t.”
“That’s sweet, but no. Besides, you have plans with Tristan, don’t you?”
“Yes, but not until tonight. I’d have time until then.”
I shake my head. “I’ll be fine, thanks.” I have to figure this out on my own.
“Okay.” She gazes at me a moment longer, then shrugs and gives me a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. She can see right through me. “If you change your mind, just text me. I’ll come and rescue you.”
“I will, but—” I break off as my phone vibrates. My heart skips a beat. It’s a text from Easton.
eastcoleman:
We’re here. Are you coming down?
mockingbird:
Give me two minutes.
“Ready to go?” Zoe asks. She grabs the cream-colored cardigan lying at the foot of her bed and slips it on.
I take a deep breath and force a smile, even though my stomach is starting to flutter nervously. “Yes. Looks like it.”
Mae tosses Easton’s hat to me from the bed. I still haven’t given it back to him. I’ve been wearing it every day instead, consistently ignoring the fact that I definitely shouldn’t be.
“Let us know how it goes, okay? I’ll set up a group chat,” she says before I can even nod in response to her question. “I’ll call it Ballet Girls. It’s a big cliché, but whatever. We can always change it later. Now go.” She shoos us out the door, even though she’s still holding her cup in one hand and her phone in the other. A second later, my own phone vibrates. I’ve been added to a group chat.
“I’ll text you guys later,” I promise, putting on the hat and my winter jacket.
“By the way, East’s hat looks really good on you,” Zoe says. “Jase said I should tell you that.”
I blush. “Thanks,” I murmur, and I’m glad I can disappear now, before Mae laughs. “See you later.”
“Have fun!” Mae calls after me as I step out into the hallway and close the door, my cheeks burning. Cheerful laughter drifts from the common room. For the past two weeks, most of the seniors have been meeting there on Saturdays to study for their finals. I can’t help wondering if I’ll be doing the same in three years.
My stomach tightens. I force myself to put the thought aside, because today isn’t about me. I hurry down the stairs. It’s freezing outside, and the sky is clear. The sun is shining for the first time in weeks, and I can’t help but smile as I feel it on my skin.
Easton and the guys are waiting in the van in the parking lot with the passenger door already open. Colin, Jax, and Beck have made themselves comfortable in the back seat, and Easton is behind the wheel. I hesitate briefly before climbing into the front. The guys are watching me, curious and excited. But they look a bit too much like they know something I don’t.
“Good morning,” I say, making an effort to sound lighthearted and smile cheerfully.
“Good morning, Sunshine!” I see Beck grinning, and I’d like to smile at him, but unfortunately my gaze catches on Easton.