Page 80 of Resurgent

But Matt?

Matt blows me away, sitting beside me like he alone will find a way to end this war, and I couldn't be prouder.

By the time we leave for lunch, my brain hurts.

The moment my cell phone buzzes, I pull it from my pocket and open the incoming string of messages.

Susan: Annalise, I'm so sorry. Something urgent came up and we won't be able to make the Track Gala.

Susan: I feel terrible!

Susan: We will absolutely be there for Graduation, though, as long as you still want us. I'm so sorry, sweetheart!

Susan: Love you!!

I stare at it longer than I mean to, a tiny ache settling beneath my ribs.

The Track Gala—I haven’t really had time to think about it since I woke up, but I'd been looking forward to seeing her and Mike so much!

Graduation though—that's what matters.

I stop walking.

“Sasha. Matt. Photo!”

Matt immediately looks suspicious, “Why?”

“Because I said so.”

Sasha steps beside me, grinning, and Matt groans but leans in anyway.

"Smile nice Matt or I just might slip a special tonic in your drink tonight," Sasha sings, instantly drawing our eyes away from the phone to find the sweetest smile on her face.

"Uhm, who are you psycho and what have you done with with bubbly fairy who can't hurt a fly?" Matt laughs.

"I think she's been hanging out with us too long, Mattey. We broke her!"

"Would you two shut up and take the picture already? I'm starving!"

My stomach growls at the mention of food, and I quickly snap a picture to send it to Susan, all of our smiles extending ear-to-ear.

Me: Can't wait to see you at graduation! Love you!

Sasha sighs dramatically.

“Antonio isn't going to be there either.”

I glance at her.

“He's not?”

“No,” she pouts, looking genuinely miserable.

Matt and I exchange a glance, but she doesn’t catch it.

“Are either of you bringing dates?”

“Nope,” I say.