Eden

To my surprise, a deep blush stains her cheeks.

“I suppose there’s been a development of sorts.”

I straighten in my seat, leaning closer to her, genuinely intrigued.

“Oh? And what development is that?”

She drops her gaze to the table and starts wringing her hands in her lap. “He asked me out. This Friday. Just to talk, you know, about everything that went down last year and clear the air.”

“Even after you said no to prom?”

She hesitates. “Well … I didn’t exactly say no.”

“What?” I exclaim, shocked.

She waves her hands and gazes around with wide eyes, no doubt worried I’ll get us in trouble or draw unwanted attention.

“It wasn’t a hard no,” she clarifies. “I told him I didn’t think I could get over what happened last year, and he said he understood. That’s when he suggested we go out and talk.”

I stare at her, completely baffled. “What’s Henry have to say about his?”

After all, Nick is his brother and Brandon had shielded his teammates from being exposed.

She sighs, but I can’t deny how miserable she seems when her shoulders sag forward. “He’s not thrilled, but he says he understands. I don’t know, Mallory. I just … I just feel like maybe I should give him a chance to talk.”

Though I’m surprised, I can’t really blame her, and really, how hypocritical would it be for me to try and convince her the guy she thought she was in love with isn’t capable of being a decent person? After all, I’m wrapped up in a clusterfuck of feelings with one of the worst people I’ve ever met.

“Well, if you’re happy with the choice, then that’s all that matters,” I shrug.

She looks a little stu

“It might be, but it’s not nearly as big of a mistake as the countless ones I’ve made with Saint.”

A tentative smile curls her lips. “He’s not that bad, I guess.”

I chuckle at her sad attempt at reassurance. “Says the girl who warned me away from Hot Draco. You don’t have to lie, Loni, we both know he’s terrible, but apparently that’s my thing. Terrible, no good, very bad relationships.”

I wish it wasn’t. I really, really wish it wasn’t because wanting him has me questioning every aspect of my sanity and intelligence.

Turning my thoughts from Saint back to Loni, I lean in closer to her and ask, “So … where’s he taking you?”