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I tentatively brush my fingertips across her bruised cheek, wishing my touch could heal it. Her breath hitches. Emma’s eyes continue to search mine until there’s no room to see, only feel. They close just as I brush my lips against hers, kissing away the pain.

Emma jerks away. She’s out of that bathroom and down the stairs.

I fucked up.

“Emma!” I call after her. “Emma, please!”

But she’s already gone.

I’m surprised to see Gavin seated next to Collin at the table I reserved for tonight. I didn’t invite him. Then again, he never needs an invitation. But to show up at Jonathan’s birthday dinner is overstepping, even for him.

I force myself to remain civil, even as I give him the what-the-hell glare.

“Saw Collin while I was home for the weekend, and he told me it’s your birthday,” Gavin explains, grasping Jonathan’s hand in a bro clap-shake thing. “Hope you don’t mind I came along.”

“Not at all,” Jonathan replies. I’ve gotten pretty good at distinguishing his white lies from his truths, but I can’t figure this one out. “Good to see you.” Definitely a lie. Or maybe I’m jaded.

Collin doesn’t bother with a handshake; he goes straight for a back-slapping embrace. “Happy birthday, man.”

“Thanks.” Jonathan pounds his back in return. Guys are so weird with their aggressive affection.

“I know we keep talking about coming here for a date, so I hope it’s good,” I tell Jonathan, wanting tonight to be perfect for him.

“Why wouldn’t it be?” Gavin asks; at the same time, Jonathan replies, “I’m sure it will be.”

They eye each other. I glance at Collin. He shrugs.

“When was the last time you spoke with Mom?” Gavin asks as soon as the server walks away with our drink orders.

“Um, last week, I think.” Trying to remember. “Why?”

“Call her. She needs to hear from you more, to know you’re still alive.”

A spoon drops. Collin bends down to pick it up.

“What the—” Jonathan cuts himself off.

I stare at my brother. “I’ll call her.”

“What looks good?” Collin asks, determined to break up the tension. Jonathan sets a hand on my leg and squeezes.

Collin distracts us with a ridiculous story about his econ class and an exploding can of soda. I can’t seem to shake off Gavin’s horrible remark. A shiver runs through me.

“Cold?” Gavin asks.

Jonathan rubs my bare arm to warm me.

“You probably shouldn’t wear dresses that are going to expose that much skin. Especially where other people are eating.”

Collin’s confused.

My mouth drops open.

Jonathan leans in and says, “What did you just say?”

“Are you ready to order?” the server asks after setting down our drinks. It takes a moment for anyone to respond.

“I’ll have the halibut,” Gavin says, closing his menu, pretending like he didn’t just insult me. He’s said some terrible things to me in my life. And I’ve thrown them right back. But he’s never been intentionally… cruel. Not to me. Is this how he was to Danika when they were together?