Page 151 of From Now On

“I didn’t—don’t. It was…well, I’m trying to experience some new things before graduation. Go out of my comfort zone a little.”

Conor nods.

“Anyway, I happened to see Clayton there and it was obvious he felt bad about the whole thing. He, uh, he was roommates with Hunter freshman year.”

Conor’s head is tilted, studying me. “I know.”

“Right. Of course you do. I just…he gave me a little push with Hunter. And I’d like to return the favor in some way.”

“I didn’t tell the team to shut out Thomas.”

“But they all did, because they knew how you felt about him.”

Conor nods. “Me and Thomas will never be buddies. But I’ll make sure the boys know they can ease up there. Best I can do.”

“Thanks.”

He’s still studying me. “I didn’t mean to make Hunter pick sides.”

“You knew he’d pick yours, though.”

“Yeah, I did,” he agrees. “Like I know he’d pick yours. I’ve never seen him like this. All…” He smiles. “He was almost a half hour late for dinner the other night. That’s literally never happened before. You’re good for him, Eve. Get him to let loose a little and take things less seriously. So, in exchange for me doing Thomas a solid, don’t break my best friend’s heart, okay?”

“I won’t,” I assure him. “And you’d better not either, Hart-breaker.”

Conor shakes his head. “Fuck. That made it all the way to the art building?”

I smile. “I told you, art students gossip a lot.”

The front door opens. “Hey, I’m back!” Harlow’s voice calls. “Just have to grab the rest of the bags from the car.”

“Leave the bags, Hayes,” Conor says, standing. “I’ll grab them.”

As he passes me, he adds a quiet “I won’t.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

HUNTER

I’m frowning in the mirror, attempting to knot my tie properly, when my phone buzzes in the pocket of my slacks.

I pull it out. “Hey, Mom,” I greet cheerfully.

“Hunter.”

Something’s wrong. I hear it in her voice as soon as she says my name.

“What’s going on?” I ask, yanking the tie off.

“It’s Sean. He…honey, he overdosed. His landlord found him when he went to collect rent. And Sean—” Her voice collapses in a sob. “Sean was unresponsive, so his landlord called 911. Your father and I just got to the hospital. We’re waiting to talk to the doctors.”

The room around me is spinning, all the familiar surroundings a ceaseless blur of color.

He didn’t call me.

That’s my first thought. My brother got high and didn’t call me.

Because I told him not to.

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