AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I sit up in bed and grab my phone, scowling when I see the time. I only got a few hours of sleep, but it feels like even less.
There are a few new messages, including a couple from Christine asking if I’m okay. I reply to her first, letting her know I’m feeling better, and I’ll see her in class. She replies right away, liking the message.
I groan and toss my phone onto the comforter without looking through any more texts. I’m so, so tempted to skip class again today. To hide a little longer.
But that’s silly and selfish. I’m not even having to deal with any of the repercussions of my parents’ divorce first-hand.
I wonder how Regan found out. Wonder if Maggie knows.
I need to talk to my mom. But I also don’t want to, for the first time ever.
While I’m on campus, it’s easy to pretend like nothing has changed back in Pembrooke. Like the conversation I had with my mom never happened and we’re still the big, happy family I thought we were.
Does my dad know she told me?
Too many questions I’m not sure I want answers to.
Answers won’t change the outcome.
I hunt around Holden’s room until I locate my clothes. His room isn’t as messy as I’ve seen it, but it’s not exactly neat either. At least his bed has sheets on it.
My shirt smells like tequila, and the smoky scent makes my stomach turn as I pull it on.
Once I’m dressed, I cross the hall into the bathroom. I clean up as best I can with limited tools, splashing some cool water on my face and using a finger to rub some toothpaste around my mouth. I’m not sure which toothbrush is Holden’s.
The hum of voices is audible as I walk downstairs. Holden has lived in this house since sophomore year, but I’ve only woken up here a handful of times.
Nova and I have chosen to live together ever since we were randomly assigned as roommates freshman year. Since our place is quieter—and cleaner—we usually end up sleeping there. Plus, Holden doesn’t seem to mind “roughing it” the next morning, whereas I could really go for a clean shirt and some facewash right about now.
Henry and Robby are both sitting at the island when I enter the kitchen. Holden is standing at the stove, cooking eggs.
Henry spots me first and grins. “Morning.”
“We didn’t think you’d be up for a while,” Robby says. “According to the team group chat, you had a wild night.”
I have a vague recollection of basketball players being at the bar last night. And considering my definition of a wild night is probably different from theirs, I’m sort of glad I don’t have a clearer memory of that part of the evening.
Henry leans forward, grabbing the pot of coffee and pouring some into a water glass. He slides it my way. “We’re out of mugs,” he says.
I huff a laugh. “Thanks, Henry.”
The coffee does help wake me up a little more. The hot drink also washes away the coating of alcohol that still feels like it’s clinging to my throat. The minty aftertaste of toothpaste isn’t a pleasant combination with the coffee’s nutty flavor, so I sip some more.
Henry stands and stretches. “You can have my seat. I’ve got to run to the library to print something before our weight session.” He yawns. “Sorry if I woke you guys up coming back last night.”
“Nah,youdidn’t wake anyone up,” Robby says.
The heavy emphasis on you has me blushing.
I know I was loud last night. The house was empty when Holden and I got back. Once we were in his bedroom, I didn’t consider that might not remain the case.
Me of last night did not care.
Me of this morning is more than a little embarrassed.
Henry glances between me and Holden, then smirks. “Good for you, Adams.”
“I thought you were leaving, Wilson?” Holden says.
