Page 102 of From the Wreckage

Before I can turn away, he’s jogging up the stairs two at a time, his grin widening.

My stomach knots, dread sinking deep. I know he’s going to ask me if I’m going to the party Meghan keeps hinting at.

“Hey.” His eyes roam over me from head to toe. “Nice sweatshirt.”

I shrug, looking down at the Glen Willow Wolves sweatshirt Meghan insisted I wear tonight. “It’s Meghan’s.”

His smile dims for a heartbeat before it widens again. “Still looks good on you. You’re coming to the party tonight, right?”

Every part of me wants to say no, but I already know there’s no way out. Meghan insisted on driving tonight, and I damn well know that’s the reason.

I nod, fidgeting from one foot to the other.

“Great. See ya later.” His fingers brush my arm in a squeeze that lingers too long before he turns and jogs toward the locker room.

The crowd roars around me, but all I hear is the echo of his words.

Deep down, I already know this night is going to end badly.

CHAPTER 75

Brielle

The crowd is still spillingonto the field as Meghan loops her arm through mine, tugging me down the bleachers with the swarm of students. Everyone is laughing, cheering, and buzzing about the win, but my insides are knotted too tight to feel any of it.

“That was nice of Joey to give you a personal invite.” Meghan’s voice is bright, almost giddy, like she’s already halfway drunk on adrenaline. “You’re coming, right? Biggest party of the semester. We have to celebrate.”

I hesitate, my gaze flicking toward the parking lot where the bright glow of headlights pierces through the dark.I wish I could just… leave. Go home. Pretend I’m sick. Avoid it all.But I’d have to convince Meghan to take me home, and judging by the look on her face, that’s a no.

Maybe Joey will be too busy basking in his golden boy glory, with the whole campus chanting his name and girls lining up to fawn over him, that he won’t pay attention to me. Maybe I can disappear into the crowd and dodge him altogether.

“Bri.” Meghan squeezes my arm, her grin wide and insistent. “Don’t look so gloomy. You’ll have fun. Promise.”

I swallow hard, nodding, even though my chest feels like it’s collapsing in on itself.

We weave through the crush of students, the noise so loud I can barely hear my own thoughts. But somewhere beneath it all, a tiny flicker of relief sparks.Maybe I’m overthinking. Maybe Joey won’t corner me. Maybe tonight won’t be a disaster.

The thought steadies me all the way to the car.

But when we pull into the party—music thumping, strobe lights flashing, students swarming every inch of the lawn—I see Joey. He’s already leaning against the porch railing like he’s been waiting for me. That too-bright smile finds me instantly in the crowd.

The flicker of relief dies, cold and sharp. There’s no avoiding him. Not tonight.

He pushes off the railing, his stride confident and easy. Cheers erupt around him as a few guys from the team clap him on the back. But his eyes never leave me.

“Bri,” he says smoothly, slipping in front of me before I can reach the steps. His hand brushes my arm like he owns it. “Knew you’d show.”

I flinch, taking a step back. “I shouldn’t be here.”

Meghan loops her arm through mine before I can retreat further, her voice light but her grip iron. “Don’t be dramatic. It’s just a party.”

“I don’t want?—”

“Stop.” Meghan leans closer, her smile wide for the crowd but her whisper sharp against my ear. “You’ll look ridiculous making a scene in front of everyone. Just… breathe. It’s one night.”

My chest tightens. I look at her, searching for the best friend I thought I knew, but her eyes are bright in a way that makes me uneasy. She doesn’t let me answer before tugging me forward. “Come on. Don’t ruin this for yourself.”

Joey’s grin widens as Meghan delivers me straight into his orbit.