Page 98 of From Now On

Most of the hockey team is clustered around Gaffney’s largest table. I prop a hip against one of the chairs and sip on my cold beer, watching the sports commentators on the television above the bar. It’s too loud to hear what they’re saying, but I scan the subtitles. They’re discussing Opening Day, which is Thursday.

“’Sup, Morgan?”

Robby’s voice registers a half second before he appears next to me, also holding a pint.

“Not much,” I say, glancing away from the screen. “You? How was…Kentucky?”

Sampson grins. “Awesome. I’d ask how yours was, but Phillips already filled me in. Jealous you guys surfed. I’ve always wanted to try.”

“Don’t,” I advise. “My shoulder is still fucked up.”

Robby punches my left arm. “This one?”

I roll my eyes as I sip more beer.

“You bummed break is over? You seem more serious than your usual serious self.”

I snort at his observation. “Stressful day.”

“How come?”

“Just a long meeting with my advisor.”

I spent two hours in Professor Hayden’s office this afternoon, going over my grad school options. I’m glad I talked to my mom beforehand, because it was a lot easier to discuss all my options after admitting my hesitations to her. But still, I have to make a final decision, and there’s no obvious choice.

“Ah. Endless praise must suck.”

“Fuck off, Sampson.”

Robby laughs. “Dude, it’s not a secret. You’re the only guy on the team who got academic honors every damn semester.”

“Yeah, yeah. And I thoughtthatwas the hard part.”

“Tell me about it.” Robby groans. “I thought the last weeks before graduation were supposed to be theeasiestof college.”

I snort. “Who the hell told you that?”

“Wishful thinking, I guess. I already finished all my major requirements. Diploma’s just a fucking formality at this point, right?”

“I guess.”

Robby got a job as a market research analyst, so he knows exactly what his post-grad life will look like.

I’ve had four years to get used to the idea, but it’s bizarre to realize college will just be…over, and soon. No more nights at Gaffney’s. No more living with Conor and Aidan. Somerville is the only town I’ve lived in aside from Casper. It’s become a second home.

Holt doesn’t have any graduate schools. Staying past senior year was never a possibility. But it’s unsettling to realize how close to the end we really are.

“Hey! I thought you couldn’t make it.”

I glance in the direction of Conor’s voice.

He’s hugging Harlow. I can’t see her face, but Harlow’s red hair is easily identifiable.

And…Harlow didn’t show up alone. Standing a foot away from her is Eve. She’s smiling as she watches Conor and Harlow embrace.

My first instinct is avoidance. “Wanna play pool?” I ask Robby.

“Yeah, sure,” he agrees. “Just let me grab another beer. I’ll meet you over there.”

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