“Life sucks sometimes,“ I said quietly.
“Yeah, it does.” He took a step closer, and we walked the rest of the way back to the hideaway close enough that our shoulders were nearly touching. But they never did.
A gap of just a few inches remained between us—and probably always would.
26
ZOE
I wasin my room at the hideaway, getting ready for my shift, when my phone rang. It was Peyton.
I answered. “Hey, what’s?—”
“Oh my god, Zoe, I have the best news!” Her voice was breathless, bubbling over with excitement. “I’m moving in with Michael!”
I sat down on the edge of my bed. “What? You’re moving in with him?”
“Yes! Isn’t that amazing? We’re going to be so happy together.”
“Peyton, you just met him?—”
“And it’s been the best few weeks of my life. He’s so sweet and smart and—oh, Zoe, I’m just so happy.”
My stomach twisted. “Does thatmean you’re moving to Haverford?”
“Yes! And I haven’t even told you the best part yet.”
I stood up, already starting to pace. “What?”
“He’s paying my tuition for a semester, so I’m going to be a student at Langley too!”
I froze. “What?”
“I know, right? It’s perfect. You and I will be in the same town. We can see each other all the time.”
“Peyton, you have to apply to Langley. There are essays and recommendations and—” I was privately doubting she could get in. Langley was one of the most exclusive schools in the country. “Applications for the spring semester closed months ago.”
“No, no, no.” She said it quickly, dismissively, like she was waving away a minor detail. “He pulled some strings. I’m in.”
I gripped the phone tighter. “He pulled strings?”
“Yeah. He’s got connections there or something. Anyway, it’s all taken care of. I’ll be in town on January fifth.”
“What?” My voice rose. “I won’t be back by then. I’ll still be here at the resort.”
“I’ll be fine. I’ll be at Michael’s house.”
Something cold settled in my chest. “Where does he live?”
“I don’t know. Somewhere in Haverford.”
I stared at the wall. “You don’t know where he lives?”
“I haven’t been there yet. But I will be soon.”
“So, he’s been traveling to visit you?” Please say yes.
“Well, we mostly video chat.”
