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I don’t know what I’m going to say to him. I don’t know if he’ll even want to see me after, well, two hours ago. But I have to try.

Because despite everything, despite our families and their history, despite the lies and the secrets…

I love him, too.

After a short walk, shorter than I remember, I stand in front of the frat house. The box of cupcakes is heavier than usual, like it’s filled with all the words I want to say but can’t find the courage to.

I pace back and forth on the sidewalk. What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if I’m too late? Maybe this is a mistake.

“Lil?”

I spin around.

“What are you doing here?” Brandon stands in the doorway.

“I, uh.” I clutch the box tighter.

Brandon’s eyes flick down to the box, then back up to my face. “Those for him?”

I nod.

“About damn time.” He jerks his head towards the door. “Come on.”

I hesitate, my feet glued to the sidewalk.

Brandon sighs and walks over to me, placing a hand on my shoulder. “Look, Lil. I know you two have had your issues, but trust me when I say he’s been a fucking mess without you.”

“Really?”

“Really. So, please bring back my best friend.”

I flex my hands to stop the trembling and follow Brandon into the house. The music is loud, the bass thumping through the walls. People are everywhere, drinking and laughing. I don’t belong here.

Connor appears at the foot of the stairs, blocking our path.

“Con,” Brandon says.

Connor scoffs, shaking his head. “She’s already done enough damage, don’t you think?”

His words cut deep, but the memory of Sebastian’s bruised face… I refuse to back down. Not this time. “Please.”

Brandon steps forward, placing a hand on Connor’s chest. “Let her through, man.”

Connor’s jaw clenches, but he steps aside. I nod at Brandon, grateful for his support, and rush up.

I pause outside Sebastian’s door, my hand hovering over the wood. There’s no sound, no light underneath the door. Is he asleep?

“Sebastian?” I knock softly. “It’s me. Lil.”

There’s no response. I knock again, louder this time, calling his name. Still nothing.

“Uhm, I-I brought cupcakes. I only had chocolate, so I hope that’s okay. Well, I never did any other sort, so I always only have chocolate. The flour was almost empty.” I pause. “Baking cupcakes without flour would have been a mess. But luckily, it was enough.” I nudge closer to the door, trying to hear anything. Or, in this case, nothing. “I’m sorry. I’ll just leave.”

The door opens so suddenly that I stumble forward into a solid chest. Sebastian looms over me, his face hidden in the shadows of his hoodie.

Chapter 34

Lilian

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