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“You’re a true friend, Max,” she says in earnest.

“I was there too, you know,” Sienna grumbles from the back seat. “Not willingly, but I was there.”

Misty just laughs and turns her attention back to the road.

I lean back in my seat and stare out onto the road. Maybe things are finally getting back to normal. Now the only problem I have is Milo. Him and his psychotic stepsister, of course.

We didn’t get to talk much this weekend. Though Milo kept his word and walked me home after work Saturday night, his dad was waiting for him when we arrived, so we never got a chance to talk about what happened between us the night before.

Apparently, the Fletcher men were going fishing the next day, and Milo still had to get his gear ready so they could leave before dawn the following morning.

That was probably our only shot until the weekend.

Milo would never bring the subject up at school. He understands that after everything I’ve endured, the last thing I need is people speculating about my love life. I’d rather keep my head down, get through my classes, and leave as quickly as possible.

Which means I’ve been obsessing over that almost-kiss ever since. It feels like an unfinished story. Maybe it’s the aspiring writer in me, but I can’t stand stories without a satisfying ending.

Cliffhangers are the worst.

By the time we pull into the school parking lot, I’ve managed to convince myself not to think about it anymore.

That resolution lasts all of three seconds when I spot Milo crossing the field with the rest of the football team, heading toward the locker rooms.

Hmm. Coach must have them practicing in the mornings now, too.

Makes sense. Everyone in town seems convinced this is the year we make it to State. Last year, the team was still finding its groove, but this year? This year, they’re out for trophies. With Milo at quarterback, Kody at running back, and Dylan at wide receiver, there’s a good chance they’ll get them, too.

Thankfully, Misty gives me something else to focus on before I can spiral too far into the Milo wormhole.

“I’ll drive you guys home after school, okay? Just meet me here after the bell rings,” she says as we climb out of the car.

“Don’t you have cheerleading practice?” I ask.

“I can be a little late.” She winks before slinging her bag over her shoulder.

We cross the parking lot together, but the second we step inside the school, Misty throws out a cheerful, “See you later, ladies!” before heading toward her locker, where Kayla, Brooke, and Amber are already waiting for her.

They greet each other with hugs and squeals, as though they haven’t seen each other in weeks.

“Yeah, something stinks,” Sienna mutters beside me, side-eyeing the group.

“What do you mean?”

“Come on, Max. You can’t seriously be that naive. Misty suddenly popping by to pick us up? Offering to drive us home later? Nah. She’s up to something.”

“Stop being paranoid,” I grumble, turning my back on the Reds fawning all over my friend.

“You call it paranoia. I call it being vigilant. Please. This doesn’t add up, and you know it.”

“What I know is that Misty saw us at the game, realized she’s been a shitty friend lately, and is trying to make amends. That’s what I know.”

“Wow. You really can’t see what’s right in front of your face, can you? What’s it like living in la-la land? Must be nice never having to question anyone’s motives.”

“There you go again. Why is it so hard for you to believe that Misty might actually be trying to do the right thing?”

“And there you go again, proving my point. But whatever. You do you, boo.”

Sienna’s teasing tone disappears however when we reach her locker and find the word HEARTLESS scrawled across it in red Sharpie. My shoulders sag as she opens the locker, grabs her cleaning supplies, and starts scrubbing away.