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“Know what?” Both of our gazes swing to the door at the sound of Lyric’s voice.

“I was just telling Char that she needs to drop Conner and find herself a man who’s interested in actually seeing her,” Maisie tells Lyric, crossing the room to wrap her in a hug. “I was wondering when we’d finally get to see you.” She releases her after a brief moment.

“Sorry. This one didn’t want to let me out of bed.” She hitches her thumb behind her at the exact moment Kai appears in the doorway.

“She’s lucky she’s standing here at all.” He grins. “I was tempted to lock her away.”

“He acts like he’s not coming to see me in a couple of weeks.” She smiles, the action lighting up her whole face.

I’ve gotta give it to Lyric. As far as men go, she found herself quite possibly one of the hottest to ever grace the surface of this planet, and no, that isn’t an exaggeration. When she and Kaifirst started hanging out, I was so sure he was gonna end up hurting her the way he had countless women before her. I didn’t know a thing about him and yet, evenIknew his reputation. But somehow, against all odds, she caught him in her line, and he doesn’t appear to have any interest in trying to break free.

The most notorious womanizer on campus and little innocent Lyric was the one who ended up taming him. Not only that, but the man worships the ground she walks on.

“I’m glad you’re still here,” Lyric tells me, moving farther into the room to wrap me in a hug. I squeeze her right back, knowing I’m going to miss the hell out of her. “I was worried I would miss you.”

“But you weren’t worried you’d miss me?” Maisie pouts.

“Kai is taking you home,” she tells her flatly. “I knew you’d still be here.” She throws Maisie a smile over her shoulder before turning back to me. “What time are you leaving?”

“Soon. My dad is picking me up in a couple of hours. He wanted to pick me up this morning but...” I gesture to my bunk and all the things I have not yet packed.

“Procrastination seems to be going around today.” Her gaze drifts to Kai for the briefest moment.

“When areyouleaving?” I ask her.

“Now. River’s already here.”

“He is?” My chest tightens.

“He didn’t want to come up, so he’s waiting in the car.”

Rejection stings like a motherfucker.

Months we’ve been talking. Months. And he doesn’t even have the common courtesy to come up and say hello?

If I was looking for a sign that I’m fighting an unwinnable battle, I think I just got it. Feels like it just whopped me right in the face pretty freaking hard.

“Speaking of leaving,” Kai interjects, turning toward Maisie, which gives me the perfect view of the intricate tattoo art that climbs up the side of his neck. “You about ready?”

“Almost,” Maisie tells him, shoving the remainder of her things into an already overstuffed bag.

Kai helps Lyric grab the rest of her things, while I take my time, knowing I’ll be the last one to leave anyway.

It’s bittersweet, watching them all pack. On one hand, I’m so sad the year is over. On the other, I think some time away to clear my head is exactly what I need.

“Tell me you’ll both come to visit at least once,” Lyric says as she lingers in the room long after Kai has taken her bags down for her. “We can go to the beach. Go shopping. There’s so much stuff to do there in the summer.”

“Try and keep me away,” Maisie agrees.

“I would love that.” I force a smile.

“I’m gonna text you as soon as I get home and then we’re gonna get it planned. Even if you have to come separately, I want to see both of you at least once.”

“When did she become so bossy?” I ask Maisie with a laugh.

“Since Kai is starting to rub off on her,” she retorts, knocking her elbow against mine.

“Because I love you, I’m going to pretend like you didn’t just say that.” She crosses her arms in front of herself, the action causing her ponytail to swing, the silky brown strands brushing her back. “I’m really going to miss you girls.”