Page 32 of Learning Curve

You also find yourself having fun.

I don’t know how or why, but wherever Ace Kelly is, a good-ass time isn’t far behind. Though, the CIA would have to waterboard me to get me to admit that to him out loud.

As the cheerleaders leave the field and the game starts up again, I pull my phone out of my pocket to check to see if I have any missed texts from my siblings—at least, that’s what I tell myself. But I end up scrolling through the one-sided conversation from Scottie from before our encounter at the breakfast buffet. Before I basically told her to stay the fuck away from me.

I sigh. I should have deleted these, but I didn’t.

I’m so sorry for everything I’ve gotten you involved in. Please let me know if I can help with anything.

I have notes from class if you need them. I can’t believe you’re in trouble because of me.

Dane told Nadine, who told everyone here, that you guys are just on probation for now. I’m so sorry, but I guess it’s good for once that Dane is a nepo baby. ?

I know you probably need some time. Reach out when you’re ready.

I hope you’re okay, Finn. I’ll always be sorry.

Fuck, I’m such a dick.

My fingers hover over the keys for a brief moment before I start to type out a message.

I’m so bad for you, but maybe we could try anyway.

Delete.

I’m sorry I’m such an asshole. Maybe I took things too far. Let’s be friends.

Delete.

I know it’s my fault, but I miss you.

Delete.

This fucking sucks, but it’s for the best. She’s way better off without me.

“Yo, Finn, by the way, you already have plans tonight,” Ace declares, pulling my focus away from my phone. I shove it back into my pocket.

“Huh?”

“Two words. Computare Caterva,” he says quietly and then waggles his brows at me like I should know what he’s talking about.

“Are those words English?”

“You haven’t heard about Double C?”

“Ohhh. Double C. Yeah! I totally know.”

“Really?” he asks excitedly.

I frown and shake my head. “I have zero fucking clue what you’re on about right now.”

“Ah, man. You are in for a treat. I can’t wait for you to thank me later.”

I roll my eyes. “Somehow I don’t think that’s how it’ll go.”

“Believe me, it will. I got you an invite into the most exclusive, top-secret thing on campus.” He winks. “Be ready to go by eleven tonight.”

No room for excuses. It’s not a choice. And just like that, Ace Kelly, roommate extraordinaire, strikes again.

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