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Dean is the mayor’s son, Troy’s dad is a prominent lawyer, and Simon’s father is the Fire Chief. All three boys come from wealthy families that are well respected in Fairhope.

As for me, I’m just the daughter of the town’s famous junkie prostitute. Who would ever believe me over them?

“Nothing happened. I just tripped and fell. No biggie.” I force a smile, hating myself a little more for how easily the lie comes.

When Mr. Collins doesn’t look entirely convinced, I widen my smile. “Well, I should probably get going, too.”

I start toward my locker down the hall, only for Mr. Collins to fall into step beside me.

“You’re Maxine Morgan, correct?”

I glance over at him, my brows furrowing as I nod.

“I thought so. Since you’re not one of my students, I wasn’t completely sure. My family and I only moved to Fairhope last year, right before school started, so I’m still putting names to faces around here.” He grins.

So that’s why I don’t know who he is. He’s new. Well, new to Fairhope, at least.

“You moved here willingly?” I grimace. “Yikes. Wherever you came from must’ve been pretty bad if this place looked like an upgrade.”

Again, the remark leaves my lips before my brain thinks better of it.

Apparently, keeping one secret means my mouth has decided it doesn’t need a filter for anything else.

Instead of looking offended by my cheeky remark, Mr. Collins’s smile only grows brighter.

“Mrs. Anderson told me you had a quick wit.”

“She did?”

“That’s not the only thing she told me. She said you’re quite the gifted author.” My cheeks flame at the praise.

“I wouldn’t go that far. The gifted part remains to be seen and calling me an author is probably pushing it too.” I lower my head, watching my shoes as we walk.

“I don’t think so. An author doesn’t have to be published to be called one. You don’t even need to be an adult to be considered one, either. An author writes stories. That’s it. That’s the whole definition of the word. And from what your English teacher tells me, you’re well on your way to becoming a great one.”

Wow. I wasn’t expecting to hear that today. Life sure does love giving me whiplash. One minute, I’m seconds away from being traumatized beyond measure, and the next, I’m being praised for my writing skills.

Yep. Definitely whiplash.

Mr. Collins must take my silence for modesty because he continues. “I’m looking forward to having you as a student in my English class next year. Hopefully, I’ll be able to help you on your way to greatness.” He offers yet another smile.

Mr. Collins has a kind smile. Kind eyes too. He reminds me of Milo.

Shit. If those three fuckers say anything about what happened in this hallway, or even insinuate something, who knows what Milo would do to them?

Milo would’ve believed me if I’d told him. I know he would. Which means he can never know.

If what Dylan said earlier is true, then Milo has already gone above and beyond to protect me. But going against those three?

He wouldn’t stand a chance.

No matter how much everyone in this town loves Milo, no one would believe me over them. And that would only make Milo try harder. He’d end up tarnishing his own reputation because of me.

There’s no way in hell I’ll ever let that happen.

“Maxine? Are you all right?” Mr. Collins asks, placing a hand on my shoulder.

I jump at the contact, my skin crawling at the mere touch.