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We stare at each other in extreme awkwardness, but there’s no easy way to segue the conversation, so I throw out the first thing that comes to mind, saying, “Seriously, though, you should talk to your mom about your lunch account because those potatoes look disgusting.”

“They aren’tthatbad.”

“At least pack your lunch.”

His attention shifts over my shoulder, and when I turn around to see what’s distracting him, he teasingly mumbles, “We’ve got a domestic disturbance at the jock table.”

Kassi is livid over something Sebastian did or said and is on the verge of tears. I can’t hear what they’re arguing about but whatever he says next has her storming off with Emily trailing right behind. Sebastian’s ticked until Justin says something that causes them all to laugh.

“They’re so annoying,” I mutter when I turn around.

“So, what are you doing after school? You wanna hang out?”

Although I have plans to meet up with Sebastian later, I know that I can’t push off Noah if I want to get our friendship back on track, which I do. “Yeah. I have some things I have to do, but I can call you when I’m free.”

“Cool.”

We finish our lunch, and by the time last period rolls around, I’m more than ready to get out of here. My phone vibrates from inside my backpack, and while everyone is coming in and finding their seats, I slip it out and read the text Sebastian just sent.

Sebastian: We still on for Marina after school?

Before I can type anything, Noah walks in. When he sees me, he smiles and takes the seat to my left.

“Finally, we have a class together.” He drops his backpack to the floor and digs out a notebook.

“Has today been dragging for you, or is it just me?”

“It isn’t just you,” I start while concealing my cell under the desk to sneak a quick response. “I’m ready to get out of here.”

Me: Yeah.

“Who’re you texting?”

“No one.” After I drop the phone down into my bag, Kassi enters the class with one of her friends. They take the desks diagonal from me, which is close enough to overhear her say, “I still really love him.”

“You shouldn’t,” Cara tells her. “He was a total ass to you at lunch.”

I sink down into my seat, wondering what the heck happened, but their conversation is cut short when the bell rings and class begins. Distraction has me glancing Kassi’s way while the class syllabus is being handed out. The two of them have been going out for over a year. They’re pretty muchthecouple that has all the girls staring at them in envy. Not once over the summer did Sebastian mention her, but I never asked about her either. Not that I care. It’s his business, but after what happened at lunch, I’m curious as to what’s going on.

The moment the final bell rings, I gather all my things, hit my locker, and head toward my car. As I’m pulling out of the lot, my phone buzzes from the passenger seat, and when I lean over, I see his text.

Sebastian: Got hung up with Brent. On my way soon.

Battling afterschool traffic is a headache, but once I’m on the main road, it thins out, and I make the short drive over to the beach where we often meet. It’s a nice day, no jacket needed, and the sun is actually shining. So when I arrive and settle on one of the logs, I kick off my shoes and socks and dig my toes into the cold, wet sand.

While I wait, I follow through on the promise I made my mom this morning and shoot her a quick text to check in.

Me: Survived the first day.

Mom: How did it go?

Me: Fine. But I found out that we have to dissect a pig in my anatomy class.

Mom: That’s horrible.

I hear a car pulling in, and I look behind me to see it’s Sebastian, so I send her one last text.

Me: I have to go. Meeting a friend at the beach for a little while.