“I’m not sure,” I say slowly. “I don’t know how we can get back to where we were after everything that’s happened.”
They exchange glances.
“But you miss him?” Devin asks.
I nod because I don’t trust myself to speak.
“Well then, maybe—”
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Madisyn interrupts. “Did they follow us or something?”
I turn around to find Felix and Niko walking in the door, deep in conversation. My first thought is that I’m glad Felix is making more band friends. And my second thought is that this dinner just got really awkward.
“Do you want to go somewhere else so we won’t be overheard?” Addison whispers.
“No, it’s okay,” I say. “I’m actually friends with Felix. We play D&D with him too.”
“Traitors,” Callie mutters, but she only looks a little bit mad.
Felix freezes when he sees all of us staring at him. His eyes immediately find Li.
“Uh, hey?” Li says and waves. Felix and Niko slow next to our table, while the host waits to take them to another section of the restaurant.
“This is a weird coincidence. Is everyone craving pizza today?” Felix asks.
“I guess so,” I reply.
“Huh. Well…” He glances around the table and over to Niko. “I hope you guys have a good time. Glad you’re celebrating.”
He moves to walk away, and I make a snap decision.Maybe things are messed up with Max, but I don’t want this animosity to continue next year after I’ve graduated. If there’s a way to make things less awkward for Li and Felix, I want to do it.
“Actually, do you want to sit with us? We can make room.” I nod to the guard, who all stare at me with overly large eyes like I casually mentioned having a serial killer sit down withus.
Niko also looks alarmed. “I don’t…”
Felix blinks, then recovers. “I think it’s a great idea. Marching band is almost over, and you guys already won the bet, so we might as well get to know each other.” Felix grabs a chair from another table and pulls it over to Li. “Can I squeeze in here?”
She grins and scoots over.
There’s a fair amount of maneuvering to make space, and a bit of quiet grumbling, but we make it work. Once we’re settled and the guys have given their drink orders, we all sit in silence. What in the world do we talk about now?
“It doesn’t seem like you’re celebrating,” Felix tells me. “So, I assume that means you’re moping too?”
I cover my face with my hands. Welp, I guess we havethatas a discussion topic.
A few guard members chuckle and Li nudges him.
“What?” he asks. “You and Max weren’t nearly as secretive as you thought you were.”
“Thanks for ruining the milkshakes Saturday, by the way,” Niko replies.
“And thanks to Max for ruining their relationship,” Madisyn snaps.
“Oh, don’t get me started on him. He’s such a mess it’s not even funny.” Niko rolls his eyes. “I don’t know how we’re going to get through practices with him acting like that.”
Felix sighs. “Brody’s going to smell blood in the water if Max isn’t careful.”
“I thought I saw Max talking to Sire when I was leaving today,” Addison says, leaning in. I should have known Madisyn, Addison, and Devin would become completely invested once they recognized the drama happening. Those three love their gossip. “Sire looked angry. Do you know what that was about?”
