“I’m so sorry, you guys. I had no idea this would happen. And I really was looking forward to today but... when he asked...”
Dev groans.
“What?” I ask sharply.
“You always choose him over us.”
“That’s not true.”
Dev plays with his phone and I study him, irritation rising in me. Then realization hits me.
“Are you talking about the cricket match?”
“No,” he replies in a wholly unconvincing voice.
I cross my arms over my chest. He never said a word to me about missing his game.
“I didn’t think I needed to stay the whole time since it was assigned to me as homework.”
“Homework you asked for.”
Huan and Sage look back and forth as if they’re at a tennis match.
“Right. In order to get closer to Will. Which is clearly happening since he wants to spend the day with me in London. That was the whole point, in case you’ve forgotten.”
Dev jabs at his phone screen. “I haven’t. Don’t worry about that.”
“Then why do you care?”
Now the middle-aged couple across the aisle is staring.
“You missed my wicket,” Dev whispers. “You’re the only one who even knows what that means.”
“I know. I sat through those lessons,” Sage adds.
“Yeah, but you came after that too.” His voice morphs from bitter to sad when he speaks to her. “Never mind. I just didn’t think you were someone who’d put her boyfriend in front of her friends.”
I slump down into my seat.
“Hang on.” Huan holds up a hand. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m upset too, but we can’t blame her for wanting to spend the daywith her boyfriend in one of the most amazing cities in the world. Herverygorgeous boyfriend, I don’t have to remind you.” He turns to me. “Not that I’ve noticed or anything.” He looks back at Dev. “Particularly when they were fighting before.”
Dev glances up curiously. “You were fighting?”
“He found out that I’m still in high school and didn’t take it super well. That’s why we left the game.”
“Oh.” He rubs the back of his neck. “I didn’t know. You should have said something to me.”
“You were excited about the win. And let’s be real—we both know you aren’t too invested in my relationship withUK Ken.”
He frowns. “Sorry.”
I take a deep breath. I can’t believe he’s been upset with me this entire week about missing the cricket game. I didn’t think he cared. And honestly, does it really matter if I’m around today or not? Dev will be with his best friend and the girl he likes. I’ve always been the tag-along friend. I’m surprised he’s not relieved to be free of me.
I lean forward on the table that separates us. “I’m not planning on making a habit of this, but... I couldn’t refuse with things the way they are right now.”
Dev nods.
“When is he picking you up?” Sage asks.
