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Harrison watches her depart, hands shoved in his pockets and eyebrows raised.
I start connecting poles, waiting for him to talk first. We’re better friends than we were in high school, when we shared some of the same social group but played separate sports. He goes to school close to Arlington and is usually there the times I’ve visited Finn.
We would be closer if he’d never shown any interest in Cassia. My right hand pulses with the memory of old wounds.
“Hey,” he says.
“Hey.”
“Camp good?”
“Uh-huh.”
There’s a pause. Then, “You couldn’t just leave her alone?” he asks.
I’m well aware of who he’s talking about, but I say, “She came over here.”
Harrison shakes his head. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough?”
“Mind your own business, Baker.”
I drop the pretense and the poles, pulling out the fabric and spreading it on the ground. Focusing on the task of setting up the tent so I’m less tempted to forcibly shut Harrison’s mouth.
Harrison has never made a secret of the fact he thinks Cassia deserves better than me, and he’s probably right. Doesn’t mean I need it shoved in my face.
“I would, Adams, but you don’t seem to get the message. You saw her take off last night. And then you show up at the animal shelter this morning?”
I glance up, my annoyance building. “How the hell do you know that?”
Finn is about ten feet away, setting up his tent. He glances between us, then shakes his head, opting not to get involved.
“My sister is best friends with Jackie Hathaway.”
I raise one eyebrow.
Harrison sighs. “Jackie volunteers at the animal shelter. She was there this morning and told Alexis that you showed up. So my sister’s been textingme, asking if the two of you are back together.”
I toss the half-assembled tent on the ground and turn around, giving him my full attention. “You’re the messenger for a couple of high schoolers? You hear how fucking ridiculous this conversation is, right?”
“I’m just looking out for her.”
“Cassia can take care of herself.”
“Because you’ve made sure she had to.”
Something in my expression must convey to Harrison how close he is to crossing a line, because a spasm of uncertainty crosses his face.
“Myrelationship withmygirlfriend is none of your business, Baker,” I growl. “Or your sister’s.”
“So sheisyour girlfriend?”
“Focus on your own relationship. Oh, wait…” I try not to follow gossip, but I know he ended things with his ex a few months ago.
Harrison shakes his head. “You’re a dick.”
“Says the guy who decided to stick his nose in my business. Did Cassia tell you she’s single? Ask you to lecture me?”
He’s silent and still, only his jaw twitching with irritation.
