Page 119 of Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia 4)

Except for my friends and Jude.

Thank God for them.

I took the cap off and smoothed my hair down. I had to get to campus before I was late.

On my way out, I stopped in the doorway of Graham’s room. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, picturing him as I remembered. I hoped that wherever he was that he was watching over me today. I needed him to be there.

Opening my eyes, I said, “I love you, Graham.”

Warmth filled my body, and maybe it was crazy, but I knew he was giving me a sign that he was there.

When I got to campus I texted Jude and he let me know where he was. When I found him, he stood with his roommates—who were also graduating—and Rowan. Trent was nowhere to be seen and I figured he’d already taken the kids and sat down for the ceremony.

“Hey guys,” I smiled as I approached. Despite my sadness, I refused to let that ruin my day. Today was meant for celebrating and that’s what we were going to do—or at least that’s what Jacob kept saying. He swore the party he and the guys were throwing tonight was going to be epic.

“Well, if it isn’t my favorite girl.” Dylan grabbed me around the waist and spun me around.

“Put her down,” Jude growled warningly. “I won’t hesitate to punch you.”

Dylan chuckled and set me down. He whispered in my ear, “He’s just afraid you’re going to wake up one day and realize you like me more.”

“Shut up,” Jude seethed, having heard what his friend said.

Dylan laughed and ran away. Jude didn’t bother to run after him.

I’d discovered Dylan loved to get Jude riled up over me. I thought it might’ve become Dylan’s new favorite hobby, and I had to admit that Jude’s overreactions were often times comical.

“He’s pissing me off,” Jude muttered, bringing me against his side.

I laughed, smiling up at him. “He’s your best friend. He just likes to mess with you.”

“Yeah, well two can play that game,” Jude looked off into the distance where Dylan had disappeared, “don’t be surprised if he’s sporting blue hair one day.”

“Blue hair?” I asked, suppressing another laugh and failing. Leave it to the guys to make me feel better when I was having such a shitty day.

“Yeah,” Jude nodded. “I’m putting hair dye in his shampoo tonight for that one. I think blue would be fitting.”

“Pink would be better,” I told him.

He chuckled, his eyes lightening. “I love the way you think. Pink it is.”

“You’re not really going to dye his hair?” I sobered.

Jude shrugged. “Just act surprised.”

“Jude!” I shrieked, giving him a light smack against his ribs. “You better not.”

He shrugged and mumbled, “He deserves it.”

Oh, good Lord.

“You’re terrible.”

“Hey,” he let go of me, raising his hands innocently, “the fucker is asking for it.”

Rowan laughed, shaking her head at us. “You two are too much sometimes.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

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