They all crowd closer.
“Oh my God.”
“He stayed?”
“Yeah. I heard he had Kane bring him an overnight bag. She’s in shock. Might need surgery.”
“No way.”
“Yes way. He’s staying with her tonight.”
“Stop. That’s so?—”
“ROMEO.”
They all laugh.
Swoon.
Glow.
My grip tightens around the cup in my hand.
The plastic crinkles.
I don’t realize how hard I’m holding it until beer spills over my fingers.
Cold.
Sticky.
I don’t say anything.
I just—drink, repeatedly.
The music gets louder or maybe I just stop hearing anything else.
My head feels lighter.
My chest—heavier.
Of course he stayed. That’s who he is.
That’s what I saw on that field.
That instinct—that loyalty.
It could have been me.
I swallow hard, the alcohol burns on the way down. I push through the crowd.
Shoulders bumping.
Music pounding.
Lights blurring slightly at the edges.
I just need—out.
