Page 43

Rebecca paused. “Oh. And full disclosure, it’s not because of you or that the guys have both claimed you or whatever. It’s because we hate Claudia. She’s not a nice person. To be clear, you know, so you don’t start getting the wrong idea.”

Noah grumbled. “These girls are such bitches. Using any excuse to kick one of their own while she’s down but also letting you know it doesn’t have anything to do with you because hey, they don’t want you to start thinking they’re your friends either. Livings are such assholes.”

I cut him a look. “We’re the assholes?” And I cringed, immediately remembering we were not among company where I could converse with ghosts.

“Uh.” Rebecca smirked, laughing a little. “I mean, I’m not going that far. I’m just trying to be upfront. That’s all.” She gave a wave to the guys. “See you in class, Cass. See you later tonight at your place, Lee?”

“Yep. And I have to go.” Lee leaned over, shooting me an apologetic look. “I’m going to be late.”

I nodded, waving him off. “Go. I’m fine.”

He held my gaze before looking at Cassian.

Cass’s arm came around my shoulder and he tugged me into his side. “I got her. Don’t worry.”

“I’ll pick you up at work.”

“I’ll pick her up after work,” Cassian raised his voice, not noticing how the two girls paused to look back. “I’ll bring her over to your place tonight. We’re good here. Go. School. Learn.”

Lee cracked a grin, his eyes softening as he met my gaze one last time. I saw the yearning there, and felt it too. I wanted to kiss him. Wanted to, but couldn’t.

His car eased away from the curb.

I did a quick scan. No one else was within hearing distance.

Shelton was watching Lee’s car disappear and he looked a lot more relaxed, his hands weren’t wringing as much.

I said to Noah, “Why are you still here? Your bestie is going to school somewhere else.”

He cracked a grin, looking so much like Lee in that moment that I almost got déjà vu. “I’m thinking I’m going to be your new bestie. How about that? Besides,” he jerked his head in Shelton’s direction, “this one’s about to combust and there’s no way I’m going to miss having front-row seats for this shitshow.”

Shelton burst out at that moment, “Sabine’s lost her mind. If you don’t stop her, she’s going to end the world.”

Uh. Okay?

“That’s a bit dramatic. Don't you think so?” Noah barely refrained from rolling his eyes but the sentiment was there.

Shelton glared at him. “I think not! And what are you even doing here? When your ‘best friend’ was banned from school property last year, you told all of us to eat our own ghost shit. We've stayed away from that house and now you’re back? I don't think so.”

Shelton’s back was as straight as could be. He was speaking stiffly, his hands in fists pressed to his side tightly. His voice was almost shrill by the end.

Noah grinned, loose and relaxed. “Make me.”

Shelton’s eyes went wide and his chest puffed up. “You are such a…such a…” His mouth snapped shut.

“Such a what?”

Shelton growled. “I don't know what, but you're mean. You're a mean person.”

“I'm a ghost.”

“You know what I mean,” Shelton hissed.

Cassian nudged me, lowering his head. “What’s going on?”

“Uh. I’m not sure how to describe it.” I tried my best. “Shelton is upset because Sabine could bring about the apocalypse meanwhile Noah seems to be baiting him…?”

“Exactly,” Shelton huffed before turning and starting at a brisk pace. “Let’s go. She's in the library.”