Page 50 of Envy

Amy arches a brow.

“I wanted to see if everything was okay,” he adds.

I force a smile. “Oh, I’m sorry. I forgot Amy had asked me out first, so?—”

“That’s okay,” he interrupts, but there’s something off. A flicker of unease. His eyes keep darting toward the entrance.

I cross my arms. “I figured you’d understand. That’s why I didn’t bother to call. I’m sure there are plenty of other girls you’ve asked to come along.”

I don’t like how hard he’s trying. I haven’t given him a reason to pursue me, not even the slightest hint of interest.

Luke shifts awkwardly, running a hand through his hair. Silence stretches between us.

“I’ve heard you’ve been hanging around Garret,” he finally says, rubbing the back of his neck.

My pulse spikes at the sound of his name. “Where did you hear that?” My voice is steady, but inside, I’m unraveling.

“I saw you two leaving after practice. It’s been happening for a couple of weeks now.”

Has he been watching me? Does he know John? Do the others know?

“Stalking is a crime, you know,” Amy interjects, unimpressed.

Luke smirks. “It’s not like I don’t have eyes. Besides, everyone knows where Garret is—on campus and off.”

Amy leans forward. “Oh yeah? Where is he now?”

I could kiss her for the way she asks it—like she doesn’t give a damn, but like she knows I do.

Luke hesitates before shrugging. “I think he’s with Cassie. They’re off and on. You know how it is. Garret doesn’t take anyone seriously.”

A slow burn ignites in my chest, spreading like wildfire.

I don’t respond. I just stare at my beer, willing the words away. But they settle in my bones.

Garret. Cassie. Of course.

Amy touches my arm gently, but I don’t meet her gaze.

I feel sick.

That night—the way he touched me, kissed me, made me feel wanted—it meant nothing.

And I was stupid to think otherwise.

When you’ve been shown cruelty your whole life, you cling to anything that feels different. Anything that makes you feelhuman.

I check the time on my phone, my fingers tightening around the device. I should throw it across the room. Should erase the reminder of him.

But I can’t. Because when you’re desperate, when you have nothing, you don’t let pride get in the way. It doesn’t matter how much it hurts. Or who it came from. It’s survival.

“It’s getting late,” I announce, glancing at Amy.

She understands instantly. “Yeah, we have a paper to work on,” she lies, pushing out of the booth.

Luke gives me space to stand. “I guess I’ll see you around?”

“Oh, sure,” I murmur, my smile barely there.

---