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“Uh-huh.”
“Come to Arlington!”
“What?”
“It’s Friday night and classes haven’t started yet. There are about a hundred different parties happening on campus tonight. Come here! It’s the least you owe me after ditching all summer.”
“I was at camp.”
“Whatever. I’m serious. Come here! Harrison is here.” Finn says that like it’s some sort of enticement, which isn’t the case.
But even considering Baker’s company, I’m tempted.Verytempted.
Partying with Finn sounds way better than moping here or having to face Sydney at the condo.
I’ll find out if I’m a match before potentially involving her, I decide. If I am a match and go through with the transplant surgery, I’ll have to tell her. And if I’m not a match, then Sydney can choose if she gets tested or not.
“I’m leaving now.”
Finn is still celebrating when I hang up.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
HOLDEN
The drive to Arlington University takes just over an hour. I’ve been here a handful of times, the last visit more than a year ago. Between basketball and Cassia, there’s not much motivation to leave Richmond when I’m there.
Finn is waiting for me outside the frat house he’s lived in since freshman year.
I park my truck on the street and climb out, stretching. Rip the Band-Aid off the crease of my elbow and toss it in the footwell before slamming the door shut. There’s a tiny red dot visible over the vein. I stare at it for a few seconds, half-expecting a trickle of blood. Nothing happens.
Finn grins as I approach. “Gonna be a great night.”
“Fuck yeah,” I respond.
It’s been a while since I experienced the reckless energy humming through me right now. Worrying about my mom isn’t just unpleasant, it’s probably a waste of time. Definitely more time than she’s spent concerned about me.
I knew you were better off without me.
That’s what she told me when I confronted her about abandoning me and Sydney. And our dad. I’m not sure if he ever got over it. He buried himself in working. Half the time, he felt asabsent as she did. With one crucial difference—he was workingforus. She was just selfish.
Just like I am.
But unlike in high school, I know there’s someone I would sacrifice for. There’s a difference between me and my mom, something I know separates us.
Harrison and a few other guys are waiting down the block beneath one of the massive trees that line the street. The closest house to it is clearly our destination, loud music audible even from here.
I greet the guys—Finn’s friends who I’ve met on past visits—and tap knuckles with Harrison.
“I’m sorry about the camping trip,” he tells me quietly, as we head up the brick walkway toward the party. “You were right. It was none of my business.”
I glance at him. “Because I told you we’d work it out, and we did? Would you be saying this if Cassia and I weren’t back in a good place?”
Harrison shrugs. “I don’t know. But you are, so…”
I shake my head. Snort, because at least he’s predictable in his meddling.
“You didn’t make any sense together, Holden. I noticed Cassia in high school, okay? She was sweet and smart. You were throwing punches every Friday night. I thought you were going to destroy her. I didn’t get it then and I’m not sure I get it now. But there’s not a fucking chance Cassia doesn’t know what she got into by now, so…” He shrugs. “You were right; your relationship.”
