Page 44 of Your Side of the Offense

SECOND FIDDLE

Summer

My phone lights on the desk. A new message. I don't have to look at it to know who it is. Logan. The fifth message he's sent me since I last saw him…two hours ago since we parted after breakfast.

They vary from 'I miss you,' to updates about his whereabouts to him asking me random things. My favorite, when he sneak disses one of the guys.

I find it annoying, why bring them up at all. But other than that, he's been cool. We still don't have the boyfriend/girlfriend label, but everybody knows I'm pretty much spoken for.

I pull out my phone even though I don't want to. Logan always panics a little when he knows I'm going to places where I'll see them. You'd think me reassuring him a million times would make him secure.

Stifling a groan, I look at the message.

Done with my adviser. I'm coming to walk you to your next.

I want to scream cause what the fuck. I literally have fifteen minutes between classes. But I punch down all of that. Maybe he is right to need reassurance. It’s my fault.

My exes are still a real threat.

I give him some slack sometimes when I think of his situation. I personally don't know what I would have done if I dated a guy who was still hung up on their ex. I'd probably die.

Cool.

He sends a kissy face and I roll my eyes so hard, the girl next to me snorts. I look at her and she tries to cover it. Nosy ass, but it is funny I agree.

I type 'kill me now,' before I erase it.

I send a smiley face back. We sit for fifteen more minutes, and the lecture is over.

Caleb sits at the other end of the class. Since that day they have all kept their distance. I'd never admit it to anyone, but it hurts a little when they do.

My stupid heart is always hoping they come close, and they never do anymore. They walk past me now, never giving me a second look. It should feel good, it’s what I wanted, but it doesn't.

Every time I see Harvey and Jaden surrounded by hordes of girls I want to go and pull them away. I think my black heart just wanted them to suffer without me. I didn't think they'd really move on.

I frown when a realization strikes me.

I haven't seen Archer in over three weeks.

Last time we were in the same line at the Korean food truck outside campus and we didn't say much. He was a few people in front of me and didn't spare me any glance.

The pain in my chest goes to my palms. I think back to his issues, and I hope he's really doing okay. Archer has always had a gentle mental. I hope he's taking care of himself.

Logan is talking to one of his many acquaintances before he sees me walking out of class. I walk to him, and he grins at me.

"Hey, babe," he greets me with a smile, and I force one back.

"Hey. Hi." I greet them both.

He leans in and kisses me. I pull away quickly. I always do in public.

Caleb passes us and heads in the direction of the next building. I hope he didn't see it.

Logan clears his throat, and I realize my attention followed Caleb. I see the frown on his face. He saw that. Fuck. His friend is also still here. Think, Su.

I take his hand and give him a big smile.

"Sorry, Jared, but this one needs to escort me to my next class."

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