Page 104 of Collide
Aiden: I guess almost burning down your tenth-grade classroom has its perks.
Summer: I regret telling you that.
Aiden: Promise me you’ll drive safe, and if your lab runs late you’ll go home.
Summer: Promise.
I smother my smile and shove my phone back into my pocket. Once I’m out of here, I have to head to the library for one last check on my application. Today, Langston gave me the green light to submit it, and with one press of a button, my lifelong dream will dangle slightly closer to my reach.
When our professor dismisses us, I don’t linger. When I arrive at the library I don’t expect Donny to be there. I guess an extra pair of eyes can’t hurt, so when he asks to review it, I let him. Except, his presence is equivalent to eating rocks.
“Have you checked your limitations? You were missing some things last week.”
The trickle of doubt is hard to ward off. “Langston signed off already. It’s good.”
“She can’t hold your hand through it. You have to identify what’s lacking.”
I pinch the bridge of my nose and exhale a disgruntled breath. “Do you not want me to apply or something? The deadline is in a few days. If I don’t send it now, I might as well not do it at all.”
He laughs, a weird awkward one that has me scrutinizing him. “Of course I want you to apply. It’s not crazy to want to double-check.”
“You don’t need to. I know my work, and I know it’s good. I’m not changing anything.”
Contempt coats his features. “Why are you being so difficult? I’m only trying to help.”
“Thanks for all your help, Donny, but I don’t need it anymore.” I press submit. “It’s done.”
His jaw tightens just a smidge before he gives me a tight smile. “Good, I’m glad you don’t dwell on all the imperfections. It adds character, maybe that’ll set you apart.”
I let the remark roll off my back. I have more important things to do than sit here and listen to his snide comments. If I leave now, I’ll be able to catch the game after the second intermission.
“Where are you going?”
I lift my bag onto my shoulder. There isn’t any obligation to tell him, but I do. “I’m watching the game.”
He halts. “The hockey game? Why? You hate hockey.”
“I never hated the game.” I used to love the sport itself. It was everything that was attached to it that I hated as I grew older. Now, I’m finally able to let myself enjoy it again. I haven’t missed any of Aiden’s games since the one against Yale.
“You were pissed when Langston gave you this assignment.”
I shrug. “Guess something changed my mind.”
“What could change—” he lets out a derisive laugh. “Holy shit. You’re into him.” I slow to see the look of disgust he aims at me. “I don’t know how I didn’t realize it before. I mean it’s obvious you two are hooking up, but you actuallylikehim.”
My face burns red hot.
“The texting, the late nights, the way you lost track of the only thing that has ever mattered to you because of him.God, I’ve been so fucking clueless.”
“What are you saying?”
“Crawford?” He spits his name like venom. “Out of anyone, you chose Crawford. A fucking jock. Ahockeyplayer?”
Donny has never cared who I’m with, but that’s because I don’t particularly flaunt anyone around him. “You don’t—”
“Don’t start that bullshit with me, Summer. What are you going to say? He’s not a jock? He’s more than that? I don’t know him like you do?” His laughter irritates the hell out of me.
“It isn’t like that,” I say quietly.
