Page 185 of Cruel Steps

“Speaking of this two-boyfriend trend,” Taylor said. “I think I might jump on board this train. I never thought I’d settle down, but having two is a game-changer. The things Eric can?—”

“Parents still here,” Rose cut in, her cheeks heating.

Taylor shrugged, not caring.

“How about we get you checked out by the paramedics and then head home? I think we could all do with some ice cream, pizza, and a puzzle,” my dad said.

“Puzzles?” Cody said, cocking his eyebrow.

“You’re not cool unless you jig,” I teased.

Cody laughed and shrugged. “If there’s ice cream and pizza, I can get behind this. Who knows? I might rock at this!”

“I bet I’m better than you,” Hope challenged.

“Nah. I’m totally the best,” Taylor countered.

“It’s not a competition,” I muttered.

“Babe, have you met us?” Cody asked.

Colter and Holden laughed, walking with me to the paramedics. When I was cleared, we walked out to find the Wolfettes, the football team, and several other students waiting. They all clapped and rushed to our group, giving me a hug or a kind word. It took us another thirty minutes before we finally left the stadium. I took in all the faces of the people in my life, amazed at how full it had become. I hadn’t wanted to come to Hayward, believing it would be the worst decision of my life.

But at this school, not only had I found love and friendship, but myself.

Badass.

CHAPTER

FIFTY-FIVE

COLTER

The following months after Homecoming were a roller coaster ride none of us had signed up for. Luckily, we had a lot of support around us, helping the three of us through it. Hayward students had rallied behind Mer, proving it wasn’t a fluke or a onetime thing. She had changed campus just by being herself.

The Zeta house was suspended from campus groups for the rest of the school year, and if they didn’t complete Hope’s anti-bully program before the next school year, they would be stripped of their charter indefinitely on campus. I loved the irony of their punishment.

Seeing the Zetas fall set forth a domino effect across Greek Life. Sororities, fraternities, and other social groups on campus became more inclusive and diversified, making Hayward a more unified campus.

It was utterly badass.

“What do you think?” Mer asked, leaning against me as we observed the art. Holden had followed through with the challenge and entered a few pieces into the art show. He hadn’t wanted to invite anyone, but Mer had ignored his protests and ensured Rose, Milton, and Hope were in attendance.

“Is it a cat?” I asked, turning my head slightly. Mer snorted, covering her mouth to stop champagne from flying everywhere.

“Oh my God. I can’t believe you just said that. I could’ve ruined someone’s art.”

“Or made it better.” I grimaced. I loved a lot of things, but abstract art was not one of them. Mer shook her head, laughing as she took my hand and led me to another wall.

One of Holden’s pieces had been selected as a finalist, which meant he and the other finalists’ entries wouldn’t be revealed until later. Until then, Mer and I had been roaming around looking at… art. It was a stretch of the word. I hadn’t liked anything, but having Mer by my side made the pain and suffering worth it.

“There’s Milton and Rose; let’s see if it’s almost time.” Mer nodded, letting me drag her away from something that looked like an apple on steroids. I seriously did not get art.

“Hey, you two,” Rose greeted.

“How’s Holden doing?”

“He’s growling and grunting at everyone,” Hope said, joining us. She’d been doing physical therapy for a month now and had improved so much.

---