Page 94

Connor snorts. "That’s sucks."

I shoot him a look. "Not helpful."

He lifts a hand in mock surrender. "Sorry. Proceed."

I continue, voice low. "And then there was this woman at the meet-and-greet who made a comment to Mandy... something about me upgrading after my last girlfriend."

The room goes quiet.

Parker’s voice is soft. "That... sounds a little familiar."

James nods. "Yeah. Grace got hit with similar crap when she and Parker got together. People treat you like scenery in a guy's highlight reel."

Alex folds his arms. "Coach went through something with Lizzie, too. Damn near blew it until he figured it out."

I glance up. "Yeah?"

He nods. "You should talk to him. Guy's smart as hell and he's got wisdom tucked under that permanent frown."

I stare at my phone one more time. Still nothing.

***

After I get dressed, I grab my phone and step into the hallway. The locker room noise fades behind me. I scroll to Mandy's name and hit call before I can second-guess it.

It rings.

And rings.

"Hello?"

My chest tightens at her voice. But it’s not the usual soft, curious, teasing Mandy.

It’s neutral. Clipped. Like customer service Mandy.

"Hey. Just checking in after last night."

Pause.

"Yeah. I’m fine."

Another pause. Like she doesn’t know what else to say.

"You sure?"

"I’ve just been working a lot."

I nod even though she can’t see me. "Okay. I get that. But... if there’s something you need to say, say it. I can take it."

Silence.

"Mandy?"

She exhales. "I just need to focus right now, Nate. On school. On passing."

I blink. "So we’re pretending this thing between us isn’t real now?"

She doesn’t answer.