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“What shewantsis not having to deal with this.”
“If she decided to end the pregnancy, I would have supported that decision.”
I snort. “Yeah, I’m sure you would have. Easy for you to say, when you don’t have to make the choiceorlive with the consequences.”
Harrison exhales. “What do you want me to say, Holden? Do I wish it had never happened? Yeah. But it did, and I’m trying to make the best of it. My life is going to change too. Not as much as Sydney’s, I get that. Nothing I can do about that either. All I can do is be there for her, and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. She hasn’t exactly been open to a lot of support.”
I picture Sydney in the bagel shop, defiant about not telling her friends about the pregnancy. On this, I believe Harrison. I’m sure she’s embarrassed. Scared. Before they hooked up, I’m not sure if they’d ever exchanged a single word. Not the most solid of foundations.
“Keep trying.”
“I will,” he tells me. “I get she’s your sister. But that’s my kid. I take it seriously.”
I sigh, suddenly exhausted. “I know. I’m a little on edge.” It’s the closest to an apology I’ll come. “We just ran into Jimmy Nelson.”
Harrison’s eyebrows rise. He’s heard the same stories I have. “Where?”
“In town. We stopped for dinner. Then Cassia wanted to climb the water tower.”
“Everything okay?”
“Yeah. I handled it.”
“Good.”
I punch his shoulder. “Come on. I could use a drink.”
The party is in full swing when I step inside into the living room. I spot Cassia standing by the couch, talking with Finn and Brooks.
I catch her eye and point toward the kitchen, indicating I’m going to grab a drink. She already has a cup in hand.
Cassia nods.
Harrison follows me into the cavernous kitchen. It’s fancy, all shiny appliances and marble countertops. I’ve never gotten involved with any of the Greek life at Richmond, but the college definitely doesn’t take any of it as seriously as Finn’s frat does. It’s one of the nicest houses I’ve ever been inside.
I mix whiskey with some cola, then head back toward the living room.
“Holden Adams.”
I turn at the sound of my name, facing Travis Dennis. He’s a senior as well, a center on Arlington’s basketball team.
We’ve had plenty of altercations on the court. This is the first time I’ve run into him off it. And it couldn’t be a worse time, because I’m still amped up on adrenaline after talking to Jimmy Nelson.
“You’re a long way from home,” he tells me, sneering.
“I was invited. What’s your excuse for showing up?”
“This is my campus, Adams.”
I scoff at that. Basketball isn’t even that big here. Football reigns supreme. If Liam Stevens made that claim, I might believe it. Travis just sounds desperate.
“Technically, we’re noton campus, Dennis.”
He makes a show of looking behind me. “Doesn’t look like your boys are here watching your back.”
“Because this is a party, not a back alley brawl.” I glance deliberately at the two guys flanking Travis. I think they’re both on Arlington’s team, but I can’t remember either of their names. “Read the room before you bring your back-up.”
“And look a little harder.” Finn appears beside me, Harrison stepping up right behind him.
