A crease forms between his brows. “We weren’t?”
“No, you were playing whisky pong,” I point out. “That’s not the same thing. At all.”
“True.” He considers this as we continue to walk. “I guess I should’ve pointed that out before I roped you into play, huh?”
“You’re fine,” I stress. “I don’t know what River told you, but I don’t blame you.”
“You don’t?”
“No.”
A smile breaks across his face. “Aw, you’re the nicest bestie ever.”
I resist an eye roll at his cheesiness.
“Um, hello to you, too,” Lily finally says loudly. “Jeez, Finn, it’s like I’m not even here.”
He turns his head toward Lily while pulling me closer to his side. “Hello, wonderful sister. How are you today?”
“Shitty,” Lily replies, slowing to a stop in front of the doors that lead to the cafeteria. “Thanks to River and his lying. And I’d appreciate it if you’d pass along that message.” With that, she reels around and stomps into the cafeteria.
Finn glances back at me with a frown on his face. “What the hell was that about?”
I so do not want to get into this brother and sister drama. “I think you should ask River or Lily.”
“You don’t want to get in the middle?” he guesses with a hint of shock. “That’s … new.”
I crinkle my nose. “Why?”
He lifts a shoulder. “That’s just not how it works around here. People love sticking their noses where they don’t belong.” He tugs on a strand of my hair. “I think I might have picked the best best friend a guy could ask for.”
I give him a bored sort of look. “Dude, we both know I’m not your best friend.”
“Why would you say that?” He juts out his lip. “That’s so mean.”
I can’t hold my laughter in as I playfully shove him back. “Oh my God, you’re ridiculous.”
“But cute and ridiculous.” He’s all cheery smiles and glittering eyes. “Come on; admit it.”
I put my hand on my hip. “Admit what?”
“That you think I’m cute.”
“Nah, I’m definitely not going there with you.”
He points a finger at me. “That doesn’t sound like you’re denying it.”
“I think you already know you’re good looking”—I step toward the cafeteria—“so stop fishing for compliments. I’m sure you get them all the time.”
He backs up in front of me. “Maybe, but I feel like you don’t give those out a lot, which makes them much more valuable.”
“They’re not.” But he’s correct about the first part.
A smirk spreads across his face. Who knows what words would’ve come out his mouth next—I’m sure ones that were both equally parts amusing and annoying—but a guy wearing a button-down white shirt, slacks, and shiny shoes strolls up to Finn. If he weren’t here at the academy, I’d guess he was an accountant.
“Hey, I’ve been looking for you,” he tells Finn as he drags his fingers through his brown hair. “You need to come with me.”
Finn’s entire demeanor shifts, the muscles in his face hardening, his posture stiffening. “Why?”
