Page 122 of From Now On

I tilt my head, even more confused. Then, I realize what he means. “Oh. Gates seemed, um, nice. But I don’t think we’re…compatible.”

Clayton tips his head back and laughs. A genuine, deep one that makes me feel more at ease around him. “If I were you, I’d stay the fuck away from Gates. From all of my teammates, actually. They’re not…” He shakes his head. “I’m asking for Morgan.”

I sit up straight. “Hunter?”

“Yeah. I’m not that tight with the hockey guys anymore due to some, uh, unfortunate events.” He scratches his jaw.

I swallow an apology, knowing exactly what he’s referring to. Unfortunate events I encouraged, convincing Harlow to leave Gaffney’s with Clayton to make Conor jealous.

“But I was freshman roommates with Morgan,” Clayton continues. “And heisa good guy. He also talked about an Eve he met back then. That was you, right? I’ve never met any other chick here with that name.”

“Um…” I’m so stunned Hunter mentioned me to his roommate, words aren’t forming easily. And almost as surprised Clayton remembered Hunter mentioned me.

“Look.” Clayton takes a step closer. “I fucked up, getting involved with Hart’s girl. Nothing actually happened, which I’m guessing you know since you’re friends with Harlow. Morgan took Hart’s side, which I get. Respect, even. Like I said, he’s a good guy. But I saw you here, and I just thought…” He shrugs. “We’re graduating next month. YOLO, you know. I’m assuming you’re single if you’re here solo, so I’msuggestingyou shoot a shot with Morgan.” He gives me a boyish grin. “Call me Cupid.”

I blink at Clayton. When I impulsively decided to come here tonight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. No chance I ever would have guessedthistaking place.

“I didn’t know anyone else still said YOLO,” I say.

Clayton laughs again.

“Thomas. Where’s the other keg?”

Clayton glances over his shoulder. A tall guy with some scruff who I’m assuming is also on the basketball team has appeared.

“Garage. I’ll help you grab it,” he replies. “See you, Eve.”

“Bye, Clayton.”

I relax back against the shingles as Clayton disappears, replaying what he just told me and taking a few more tentative sips of my beer. I’m feeling more relaxed about being here, all of a sudden. No one on the porch is looking at me like I’m an outsider. They’re either absorbed in conversation or looking at their phones. And…I’mnot worried about being an outsider. Maybe that’s the secret to belonging. You’ll never feel included so long asyousee yourself as other.

I alternate between people-watching and stealing looks up at the stars. It’s a clear, warm night.

At least, warm in comparison to recent nights. I doubt it’s over sixty right now.

I’m debating who to ask to borrow their phone to call a cab—the girl leaning against the railing with friends, or the guy sitting on the swing texting—when I spot a familiar figure walking up the front path.

I’ve abandoned the idea that I’ll gain immunity to the sight of him. I’ve gotten used to the giddiness. It’s almost addictive, the sudden spurt of awareness as soon as his presence registers. Colors seem brighter. Sounds louder. Air warmer.

Right now, it’s mixed with a heady amount of surprise.

I stare, my heart rate steadily increasing, as Hunter climbs the three steps that lead up to the porch. He gets stopped immediately, first by a couple of guys and then by the group of girls. Both times, he glances my way during the conversations, as if he’s checking I’m still in the same spot.

My eyes don’t waver from him the whole time. Staring I might feel self-conscious about, in other circumstances, but it feels right in this one. It’s almost like we’re having a silent,private conversation. Almost like he has the same mysterious draw to me that I have to him.

Hunter says something to the girl I was considering asking if I could borrow her phone, then continues my way.

Porch boards creak underfoot as he approaches, perching on the railing right next to my feet.

“Hey.” I speak first, my voice stronger than I expected it to be.

I thought I’d feel shy the next time we saw each other. But all I’m experiencing right now is happiness. I’m really, really happy that he’s here.

“Hey,” he replies. “I have a few fantasies involving that top, you know.”

I glance down at my skimpy shirt, then back at Hunter. “It didn’t seem like you noticed it before.”

Our trip to Sand Bar wasn’t that long ago, but it feels like an eternity.

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