Page 103 of Learn Your Lesson

Me:Would I know if he did?

Livia:LOL grumpy ass goalie. I bet Ava had a blast, though.

I sent through some pictures, which got a flurry of responses that made me glad Grace had turned her notifications off. Otherwise, no way would she be able to get back to sleep.

Maven:It’s been too long since we’ve seen you. I think we should plan a date.

Livia:Yeah, I need an update about this hottie at your school.

Maven:Noah!

Me:Not really much to tell…

Maven:I call bullshit. The way you looked in the photos I saw on Instagram today? Youwere glowing.

Livia:Ah, it’s that freshly fucked look.

I swallowed, typing and deleting about a dozen things.

What the hell did I say tothat?

Maven:I’m telling Vince we’re doing a barbecue. We’ll do it at Will’s, since we all know he’ll find an excuse not to come if it’s anywhere else.

Me:Arushi and I can help with this ambush. I’ll text you when we’re back home.

Livia: Love it. Night, babes!

I let my phone fall to the side, smiling up at the ceiling as exhaustion made it feel like I was sinking farther into the bed.

I had friends.

I had friends who thought to text me, who wanted to make plans to see me.

And not just the girls, but Arushi, too. I’d barely had time to work on any of my puzzles or crafts lately, between hanging out with Chef, spending time with Ava, texting the girls, and getting…lessonsfrom Will.

Who evenwasI?

Eventually, I managed to peel myself off my bed, rolling over until my feet hit the floor. I groaned when I stretched my toes on the carpet, and then carried myself step by painful step to the bathroom. My fingers worked the seashell clip in my hair until it came loose, my hair spilling free, and I rubbed the spot with a content sigh.

My reflection was one I didn’t recognize, not just because I was still in the princess gown with glitter and afull face of makeup, but because something had shifted in me on this magical day, too.

I couldn’t name it, but I could feel it.

I was unfastening the pearl earrings the boutique had provided me when a knock sounded on my door.

Will stood on the other side of it, his face as worn and tired as mine and a bottle of champagne in his fist.

Instantly, my heart jumped into my throat.

“Hi,” I said more breathlessly than I meant to, my body already coming alive just at his presence.

“Hi,” he echoed. “May I?”

He gestured toward the open door between us, and I slid to the side so he could let himself in.

Unlike me, he’d already changed, his hair drying in messy waves and the fresh scent of his shower gel meeting my nose as he passed by. He had on light gray joggers and a black Ospreys t-shirt that was made for Gasparilla weekend.

He wasn’t wearing shoes.