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“I don’t see how he could be living with you.”

That’s a big compliment coming from her.

My face growing warmer, I say, “We stay away from each other for the most part.”

Ever doesn’t look convinced. Neither does Crue. Even though he’s pretending to give us privacy, I know he’s listening to every word. I can literally see his eyebrows reacting in real time.

“Maybe he could take you out.”

“Khaos?” I practically sputter.

“If he’s bored and you’re bored…” She shrugs.

“I’m not bored. I just… I mean… We’re not like…” Even if Khaos and I got along, we could never go out. Anywhere. Could we?

“I probably wouldn’t be bored either if I had my own nightclub. Not that I’m upset I was never invited.” She chuckles.

“My own nightclub?”

“Your house parties.”

“Those are all Guy.”

Her expression loses all its humor. “What do you mean?”

“I mean they’re his idea. He invites everyone, he pays for everything. Basically, they’re his parties, we just have them at my house, you know, since my mom’s gone all the time.”

“Do you at least enjoy them?”

“Not really,” I confess out loud for what might be the first time.

“Well, I say you start. Why should he have all the fun?”

All the fun… All the say…

“He shouldn’t.”

“Next time he has people over at your house, participate in the festivities. See how he likes it. If you can’t beat them, join them.”

“I guess,” I say as I glance at the Gothic buildings that make up Lit U’s gorgeous campus.

Could I participate? I could. I’ve just never wanted to before. Raised in a family of salesmen, Guy prefers quantity over quality when it comes to the company he keeps. The parties at my house have always felt more like mixers for potential clients than gatherings of legitimate friends. If I wanted to join the festivities, would Guy even let me?

Let me? Ew. I can’t believe I thought that in my own head. That’s just as bad as being “reined in.”

Determination strengthening my spine, I decide I’m going to do it. I’m going to participate in Guy’s next party.

“You’re braver than you think, Scoops. I’ve seen you do the impossible, over and over and over again, like it was nothing.”

In all honesty, it probably was nothing to me. I stopped congratulating myself years ago.

“You’re the best flyer Lit U has. Don’t forget it.”

“I’m not top girl though.” I try to keep the bitterness from my voice. It’s unheard of to make top girl as a freshman. Ever made Littoral history when she did. And despite what haters say, it was well-deserved. She is undeniably superior.

“Not yet.” The smile she flashes is way too quick to reach her eyes, maybe even her lips. It’s like she knows she should smile but can’t bring herself to.

Is she actually threatened by me? That feels…nice. But at the same time, it doesn’t. I love Ever. I want us both to succeed.