Page 145 of Dead Girls Don’t Forget

Jason shook his head. “I was wondering how long it would take.”

Jackson rolled his eyes.

Lia stepped back, still smiling as they pulled her into the conversation. But every time her gaze drifted back to us, that faint worried look lingered. My cat noted every flicker.

I said nothing, while Jackson’s thumb traced slow circles against my spine.

We made it into Environmental Science with a minute to spare. I spent the lecture catching up, scribbling notes and filling gaps. A few curious glances came our way, but no one spoke.

Class ended and we stepped back into the hallway just as Cassidy came barreling toward us, nearly taking out a pair of freshmen on the way.

“Harper!” She slammed into a hug. “There you are. I missed you.”

I staggered back a step. “Cassidy—”

She pulled away enough to look me over, eyes bright. “You disappeared on me, you terrifying bitch.”

“We texted.”

"Texting is not the same thing." She jabbed a finger into my shoulder. "And before you say anything, I wasn’t at practice this morning because I had a doctor’s appointment. Not because I was avoiding you. Obviously.”

I blinked. “I didn’t think—”

“Good.” Only then did she notice Jackson. “Oh. Hi, Jackson.”

“Cassidy.”

Her gaze drifted past us toward the hallway.

“Is it just me, or are half the people in here staring at you two?”

“Maybe we're blocking the hallway,” I said.

Cassidy studied us for another second, clearly unconvinced. Then she grinned.

“Anyway. There’s a Halloween party this Saturday after State, and you’re coming. I’ve been dealing with Coach Miller alone for a week and I’m owed.”

“No.”

“You’re coming.”

“I didn’t agree to that.”

“Perfect, you’re in,” she said, already walking backward. “Wear something cute. Or slutty. Preferably both. I’ll see you at lunch!”

She vanished into the crowd.

Jackson stared after her. “Does she ever let you finish a sentence?”

“Rarely.”

He huffed a quiet laugh and we kept walking, his hand settling at the small of my back.

The rest of the day moved quickly between lectures and strength training. Cassidy found me multiple times, still pushing the Halloween party like it was the only thing keeping her alive. I let her talk. It was easier than arguing.

By the time strength training ended I was tired, but a quiet anticipation sat underneath it. Jackson wanted to show me an apartment he’d found for us, and my cat was insufferably pleased about the idea.

We left the athletics building together and headed across the parking lot toward his truck.