I turn my attention back to Amy.
“You bailed on every single one of our sessions,” I start, keeping my voice as steady as I can. “You’re supposed to be joining the Campus Drivers—and this is what’s been keeping you ‘busy’?”
Why him? Why not me?
She laughs in my face.
I don’t get it.
“Yeah… You could say I’m a little tense lately. Esteban is helping me blow off some steam.”
What? But that’s my job!
“How long has this been a thing?”
Amy just shrugs. Pins and needles are buzzing in my legs. Any minute now, I’m about to explode, I can feel it.And there I was, wondering whether she felt the same. What a loser.
I hear footsteps behind me as my friends catch up.
I stare at Amy. I don’t even have the headspace to be surprised—all I feel is blinding jealousy with a dusting of rage.
“What iswrongwith you?”
“Withme?” Her eyes widen. “There’s nothing wrong with me. I haven’t felt so in touch with myself in ages.”
In touch with what, exactly? Your New York roots?
I can feel my grip on myself loosening as Esteban holds his wrist up, pretending to check the time.
“You done here? Because we got places to be.”
He pulls Amy into him.
“Why don’t you go on ahead?” I shoot Esteban a leveling look. “I need to talk to my—”
I cut myself short. I was about to say “my girlfriend.” I wince inwardly. I’ve fallen harder than I thought.
“My mentee,” I finish.
“I’m good to wait.”
Suddenly, the floodgates open, and the rage comes pouring out of me.
“Get the fuck outta here, man.”
Esteban’s eyebrows shoot up. “Go fuck yourself, amigo.”
“Not your amigo, buddy.”
He takes a step closer. “Like I said,amigo… I’m chilling with my girlfriend. Watch your fucking mouth.”
I look at her helplessly. “Amy, I need you to come with me—I need to talk to you.”
I reach for her wrist, but she snatches it away and shoves me back.
“Hey!” Adam pipes up. “Cool it, you guys.”
Lane sidles up beside me. “What is going on here?”
