Biting my lips together, I let myself remember the way my eardrums used to ring on a permanent basis. But damn, I loved driving around with Atlas and singing. I didn’t even care what the music was—it was always punk rock of some kind.
I hardly ever listen to music now.
I don’t even know what I like anymore. Atlas pulled me intohismusic sphere, and I didn’t mind. Punk rock’s cool. I love that kind of music. But is it the only music I like?
Because I’m kind of digging on this Whitney number right now—“Higher Love.”
Tyrell is bobbing his head to the beat, his eyes darting my way when he senses me gazing at him.
“You good?”
“Yeah.” I smile. “Thanks again for coming to get me.”
“Of course. Anytime.”
And I know he means it, which is why I invite him up after he’s found a parking space a few down from my apartment building.
He hesitates for a second before unbuckling his seat belt. “Sure. I’ll walk you up.”
I give him an edgy smile, wondering why the hell I want him to meet my roommates.
What are you doing?
Why did you invite this boy up?
Girl, you’re crazy.
Ugh, Jed was a swooning mess, drooling over him at the bar, and Tobin will be even worse. Even though they’re completely in love with each other, they still check out hot guys all the time—and there is no denying that Tyrell Jackson is a hottie.
He’s so tall and obviously strong. I can feel his overwhelming presence behind me as we take the stairs.
Why I’m taking the stairs I don’t know. It’s just a habit now, I guess.
Tyrell doesn’t seem to mind, but the guy has always been unflappable, so I guess it makes sense.
He just quietly gets on and does. No complaining. No fuss.
Atlas used to love that about him. In all the chaos he threw himself into, he always knew that Tyrell would have his back. He could be reckless, because Tyrell would always be there to save him.
Until he wasn’t.
Until I wasn’t.
I wince, grateful Tyrell can’t see my face as I try to ward off the guilt and regret that lives permanently inside me. I never should have stormed away after our fight. I should have stuck around and made sure he didn’t take those drugs.
“So, the elevator broken or something?” Tyrell eventually asks me as we hit the last flight of stairs.
“No.” I laugh and smile over my shoulder. “Jed and Tobin always take the stairs, so I got into the habit, and now I don’t even think to use the elevator.”
“It’s a good habit,” he murmurs.
“Thanks.” I pull my key out of my purse and squeeze it in my fingers.
My heart has started racing, and it’s not the standardI’ve been exercisingracing. More of a nervous racing, my body tensing as I slip the key into the lock and open the door.
Tobin and Jed are on the couch, watchingHeartstopper. They are so addicted to that show. I have no idea how many times they’ve watched it, but they’re suckers for high school romance.
I get it. High school romance is the best. I lived the perfect love story in high school, and what I wouldn’t give to turn back time and do it all over again.
