Chapter 4

Sara also claimed I'd had a crush on Josh since we were kids—that I'd shamelessly chased after him for years.

She followed that up by saying that Josh's decision to give up his guaranteed spot at Calder College for her had completely set me off. According to her, that was why I had flown into a rage and started spreading lies to smear her name.

Beneath her messages, Josh played the part of the devoted protector, endlessly comforting her and casting himself as the innocent victim.

The two of them played off each other flawlessly, delivering a masterclass performance as the damsel in distress and the chivalrous hero.

Rosie was livid.

"Courtney, they are way too good at playing the victims! They're the ones who destroyed your admission ticket, and now they're twisting the whole thing to make it look like you're bullying her!"

"Ignore them," I replied flatly. "They're nothing but clowns in a sideshow. A lovesick fool who threw away his future and a girl whose only skill is turning on the waterworks are simply perfect for each other."

"By the way, Courtney, are you still going to the farewell dinner party?" Rosie asked.

I didn't even have to think about it before refusing outright.

"No. The sight of them makes me sick. Once I'm free, I'll round up you and a few good friends for a small get-together. A quiet meal beats that nonsense any day."

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

"Courtney, Mrs. Hooper's here. She says she brought you some fruit."

Mom's voice came from the other side of the door, sounding a little strained.

I put down my phone and took a deep breath before opening the door.

Josh's mother, Hannah Keller, was standing in our living room holding an ornate fruit basket, a practiced smile plastered across her face. Her eyes lit up when she saw me.

"Courtney, there you are! I got these strawberries especially for you. They're super sweet."

"Thank you, Mrs. Hooper," I said. But instead of taking the basket, I stayed right where I was.

Mrs. Hooper's smile stiffened for a split second before bouncing back to normal. She shoved the fruit basket into Mom's hands and turned to me.

"Courtney, I heard you didn't take the SAT?"

I said nothing.

Mrs. Hooper let out a sigh, looking as though she were terribly disappointed in me.

"Oh my, how could a cautious girl like you slip up at such a critical moment? But it's fine. Repeating a year is no big deal. I know some really good cram schools. I'll recommend them to you when the time—"

I cut her off. "That won't be necessary. I'm not repeating the year."

Mrs. Hooper froze.

"You're not repeating the year? What are you planning to do then? Get a job? Courtney, I hate to say it, but with your grades, it'd be such a waste not to take the SAT again."

I looked up, staring her straight in the eye.

"Mrs. Hooper, didn't Josh tell you?"

"Tell me what?"

"How my admission ticket actually got 'lost,'" I replied, emphasizing the last word.

Mrs. Hooper's expression flickered, but she quickly forced another smile.

"Oh, it's not really our place as adults to get involved in these little squabbles between you kids."

Little squabbles? I nearly laughed out loud.

"Forget it. What did you really come here to say today?"

Mrs. Hooper smoothed her expression. "Oh, nothing much. Just that Josh is hosting a college send-off party the day after tomorrow at the Helios Hotel. He's invited the entire class and all the teachers.

"I figured, with how close our two families have been all these years, you simply have to come and join the celebration."

As she spoke, she pulled three gold-embossed invitations from her bag and set them on the coffee table.

"The time and place are all on there. Make sure you come."

Mom and Dad exchanged a look. It was obvious neither of them wanted to go. Just as they were about to decline, I beat them to it with a smile and a nod.

"Of course, Mrs. Hooper. We'll be there."

Mom and Dad turned to look at me simultaneously, disbelief written all over their faces.

Mrs. Hooper paused for a second, clearly not expecting me to agree so readily. Then, her smile grew even more smug. She was clearly convinced I was afraid of crossing their family and was trying to grovel my way back into their good graces.