Page 34 of Dear Love, I Hate You (Easton High)

“They’re out back. Come on.” Dia gestures to follow her as she rounds the house. My stomach twists into a tight knot. Why am I such a nervous wreck? Is it Brie? Am I dreading her nasty comments?

Nah, that’s not it.

I’ve already made my peace with the unpleasant evening awaiting me. Then what’s to blame for the pit in my gut?

It comes to me.

It’s this place.

Finn’s house.

I have very vivid memories of Finn’s backyard. The perfectly trimmed hedges, the glass-walled pool and nightmare of a trampoline—almost broke my ankle falling off that thing when I was eight. Just days before they had the safety net installed, too.

Yes, I’m lucky like that.

The last time I was here was ten years ago. Back when Finn’s mom was still alive. Back when my dad was still alive. Everything is so different now. Well, everything except the backyard itself. It hasn’t changed one bit, exactly the same as it was a decade ago.

My heart picks up the pace when the gang comes into view.

A small part of me expected this gathering to evolve into a rager party. The Stallions did just win their third game in a row, but Finn stayed true to his word. I only see Xavier, Theo, Axel, Lacey and Brie here.

The six of them are spread across Finn’s trampoline, laughing, drinking, passing a joint around. The closer we get, the more apparent it becomes that Easton High’s cool kids are higher than the Empire State Building.

“Ladies, just in time,” Axel quips at the sight of us. His comment earns us the attention of everyone there, except for Brie and Lacey. The girls are too busy whispering in each other’s ears and giggling for no reason.

Finn bites the inside of his cheek the second he sees Dia, wasting no time in meeting us by the pool. At first, I think maybe he’s mad at her. Then I realize I couldn’t be more wrong.

It’s not anger I see in his eyes.

It’s desire.

Carnal, shameless desire.

Finn stops an inch away from her, leaning forward to whisper something in her ear, and Dia swallows hard. I assume he asked her a question from the way he pulls back and stares at her in expectation. Flushed, my best friend casts a conflicted look in my direction.

“Go,” I say with a grin.

Dia cracks a thankful smile and nods at her almost boyfriend, who doesn’t miss a beat grabbing her hand and setting out toward his house.

“Real fucking subtle,” Xavier hollers, and Theo and Axel snort out a laugh. Even I can’t repress a smile. As for Brie and Lacey, they’re still too high to function.

“Wasn’t trying to be,” Finn hollers right back.

“Hey, dickhead?” Xavier calls.

Finn shoulder-checks his best friend.

“Don’t pull a Theo. Use protection.”

Finn smirks before disappearing inside the house with Dia. I eye Theo sitting on Xavier’s right and wait for a comeback of some sort. Theo opts for the good old finger, flipping Xavier off before dragging a hit from the joint in his hand. You know Theodore Cox is stupid high when he doesn’t bother arguing.

Silence ensues, and I become overly aware of the awkward situation I’ve been dumped in. I’m alone with a bunch of high jocks, one of whom makes my pulse rise in a way I don’t like, and two cheerleaders who have been laughing at the same joke for five minutes straight.

And I can’t even hold it against Dia. She might’ve just left me alone with them less than five seconds after we got here, but she’s in love.

“What are you waiting for, babe? Get in here.” Axel pats the spot next to him on the trampoline, and I cringe so hard at the pet name it physically hurts. Timidly, I make my way over to the trampoline and crawl inside through the safety net door, only to be met with a dilemma…

Where do I sit?