Page 6

Dammit. I fidget with the end of my scarf. Hailey isn't one for small talk or beating around the bush, which is usually refreshing. Right now, it feels like being cornered.

"Nothing's bothering me except the cold and that guy screaming in my ear," I insist.

Hailey gives me a look that says she's not buying it but mercifully drops the subject as we inch forward in line. The concession stand is packed with people seeking overpriced food and drinks.

"So how are things with the newspaper?" she asks instead.

"Good. I’m almost done with my latest article. Just need to interview a few more students about the proposed campus housing changes."

"Let me guess, the administration is claiming it's for student benefit while actually just finding new ways to charge more money."

"Pretty much." I nod. "Classic Crestwood move."

"You'd think they'd at least try to be subtle about it," Hailey says, shaking her head. "But nope. It’s the same story everywhere all over the country."

"At least it gives me something to write about." I shuffle forward as the line moves. "My editor loves when I go after the administration. Says it gets the most engagement online."

Hailey smirks. "The Willow Sanchez takedown special. Always a crowd pleaser."

"I prefer to think of it as holding people accountable," I say, although I can't help but grin. My articles have developed quite a reputation on campus, especially among the student body. Even some of the professors quietly encourage my investigative pieces, though they'd never admit it publicly.

We finally reach the front of the line, and I order the drinks while Hailey digs in her wallet for cash. As we wait for our order, I scan the area, a habit I've developed to avoid awkward run-ins with people I've written about. Instead, my eyes land on something worse.

My stomach plummets as I spot my ex-boyfriend, Leo Kent, standing near the merchandise booth with a small crowd around him.

The high school football-player-turned-streamer is commanding attention like he always does and the first thing I notice is his signature backward cap and perfectly styled hair visible even from here. I duck behind Hailey without even thinking about it.

"What are you doing?" Hailey asks, frowning as I try to make myself smaller.

"Leo's here," I whisper, peering around her shoulder.

“Who is Leo?”

“My ex. Just…make sure he doesn’t see me. I don’t want to deal with him right now.” Not on top of everything else, but I leave that part unsaid.

Hailey jerks her head to look at me over her shoulder. It’s then I see that she finally connects the dots. "Wait, you dated Leo Kent? The YouTube guy?"

"Streamer," I correct automatically, then grimace. "And yes. It was a mistake. One I'd rather not revisit tonight or ever."

Hailey casually shifts her position to better shield me while pretending to check her phone. "I didn't know he went here."

"He doesn't," I mutter, peeking around her shoulder again. "He graduated from Westlake U last year. Which begs the question of why he's at a Crestwood hockey game."

I peer over Hailey’s shoulder and Leo is still standing there.

He’s using the smile that he practiced over and over again in the mirror.

The one that used to make my heart race.

Now it just makes me feel slightly nauseated.

He's wearing a fitted black jacket that probably cost more than my tuition, designer jeans, and those ridiculous limited-edition sneakers he was always posting about.

A couple of girls are taking selfies with him while he flashes his trademark peace sign.

"Orders for Hailey and Willow!" the barista calls out.

"I'll get it," Hailey says. "Stay here."

As Hailey collects our drinks, I walk away and lean against a wall that is out of the way of the crowd.

I feel ridiculous, but since I’m desperate to avoid a confrontation, I have no choice.

I pull out my phone and pretend to be deeply engrossed in something important.

Maybe if I look busy enough, even if he spots me, he'll keep his distance.

No such luck.

"Willow? Is that you?"

I freeze at the sound of his voice. Slowly, I look up to find Leo standing right in front of me, his perfect white teeth on full display in that camera-ready smile.

"Leo," I say, keeping my voice deliberately neutral. "What a surprise."

"I thought that was you! What are the odds?" He moves in for a hug before I can stop him. I stand stiffly as his arms wrap around me, the scent of his expensive cologne bringing back memories I've tried hard to forget.

"What are you doing here?" I ask when he finally releases me, taking a step back to create some distance.

"Supporting the team, of course," he says, gesturing vaguely toward the arena. "I'm doing a collab with some of the players for my channel. Sports content and gaming is really popping off right now."

Of course he is. Everything is content to Leo.

"That's...great," I manage, searching desperately for Hailey. I spot her making her way back through the crowd, a tray of drinks in her hands and a concerned expression on her face.

"We should catch up," Leo continues, either oblivious to or ignoring my discomfort. "It's been what, almost two years? You look good."

Is he trying to gaslight me? That’s cute. He can save his little performance for his fanbase and get a sponsorship out of it. Heavy emphasis on little. That is when I notice his eyes traveling down my body in the way that used to make me feel special but now just makes my skin crawl.

"I'm actually here with family," I say, relief washing over me as Hailey finally reaches us. "And friends. We should get back to our seats."

Leo's gaze shifts to Hailey and back to me. "Of course. Family and friends first, right?" His tone makes it sound like an inside joke, but there's nothing funny about it. "But seriously, we should talk sometime. I've been thinking about you."

"Have you?" I ask, unable to keep the edge from my voice. "That's interesting, considering how things ended."

His smile falters just slightly. "Water under the bridge, babe. People grow up, you know?"

"I'm not your babe," I say, taking the drinks Hailey offers me. "And some bridges stay burned."

Leo laughs like I've said something charming instead of telling him off. "Still feisty. I always liked that about you."

Hailey clears her throat. "We really need to get back."

"Right, right," Leo says, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I won't keep you ladies. But, Willow," he pulls his phone from his pocket, waving it with that same practiced smile, "I'll message you. For old time's sake."

"Don't bother," I say, but he's already backing away, throwing me a wink as he disappears into the crowd.

"So that's Leo," Hailey says, her voice flat as she watches him go. "He seems..."

"Like a complete tool?" I add in as I help Hailey with the drinks.

"I was going to say exhausting, but tool works too." She studies my face. "You okay?"

"Fine," I say automatically, then catch myself. "Actually, no. Not fine. He's the last person I expected to see or talk to tonight."

And if he has any intention of reaching out to me, I knew it wouldn’t be the last time either.