"See, why did I get a B minus? This was clearly an A," Lisa said exasperated.

"It's a good paper," I hand it to Alison to read.

"5 pages just for him to say I didn't elaborate enough. Are you kidding me?"

"He's new," Jace shrugged.

"So?"

"He doesn't know how easy it would be to have him fired. One parental call to the headmistress, and it will be like this essay never happened."

"Are you sure?" Lisa's eyes widen.

"The student is always right."

"Hey," Leo draped his arm over my shoulder.

"Hi," I smile and stand up to get closer to him.

"How was your day?" He pulled me near.

"It was good, yours?"

"Good," he stares down at my lips before kissing them. I guide him backward away from the table, so we aren't watched too closely. In private, he kisses me harder. We pull apart and Leo smirks while glancing over me. "You're pretty."

"Thank you."

"Aye— we're out," Jordan yells across the library prompting annoyed glares.

"I'll see you later, okay?" Leo says to me.

"Where are you going?"

"I'm heading out with the guys."

"Hm..."

He rubs his hands down my arms, "We're just going to ride around, get some food, and probably chill at my place."

"Okay."

"I'll call you."

"Don't forget."

He smiled, "How could I forget about you?"

Leo kissed me one last time before running after his friends. I stood watching him leave until he was completely out of the door.

"Is everything okay?" Alison asked.

"Of course," I forced a smile onto my face.

"...really?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"Because you're lying right now," Jace smirked.

"Fine," I sigh and take a seat. "I hate his friends."

"That's no surprise."

"They are dangerous, reckless, and completely unhinged. Leo is a target next to them."

"Aw, and look at you in an uproar about it. Adorable," Alison teased.

"Leo used to tell me all the time when I was having problems with you, and you, and Audrey or anyone that I was 'better than that,' but if I said the same to him now, he'd be upset. He's so attached to them."

"Have you talked about it?"

"Yes, he's dismissive. He keeps saying that he'll be careful, but there's no way to ensure that if someone wants to hurt him."

"Who wants to hurt him?" Alison said in confusion.

"I don't know? People," I huff. "I'm worried. I love him so much."

"I'm sure he knows what he's doing," Jace shrugged.

"Sure, maybe."

"Keep him occupied."

"I can't do that."

He narrowed his eyes and tilted his head, "I can think of some ways..."

"Keep yourself occupied then," Alison suggested.

"With?"

"It's almost the long weekend. You love that."

"That's true."

Lisa furrowed her eyebrows, "What's the long weekend?"

"The school year ends on a Wednesday, so Thursday through Sunday there are these parties and events all over Manhattan from sunset to sundown."

"Wow, everywhere?"

"Mhm, no school rivalries or anything, and you meet a lot of new people."

"It's like a pregame to your actual summer plans," I explain, "it completely gets you out of the school schedule you were accustomed to."

"Can I join you? You're the only friends I have that are willing to stay out all night."

"What does that say about us?" Alison questioned.

"We knew this already." It's a side effect of feeling invincible in a group. "Yes, Lisa, you can join us."

"I'll have to sneak out, but this sounds amazing."

"Your parents care?" Alison laughed as if her newfound freedom came before this year.

"Not everyone can blackmail their dad into letting them out all the time," Jace replied.

"What?"

"That thing you're holding over him. If I had dirt like that, I'd make him get me my own penthouse," he chuckled.

Alison glared at him with a hint of fear and sadness.

"What's going on?" I said aloud, and instead of responding, Alison left the table. "What'd you just do?"

"I didn't think it was a big deal? Don't you guys share everything like some prayer circle?"

"No?"

"Dalton Sinclair...and his favorite pastime," Jace continued, waiting for us to catch on."Crap, it really is a secret?"

"Good, you're here," I sigh in relief when I see Natalia walking up.

"Well, I had to come. If you called my house again Gabe would've unplugged the phones."

"He's home for the summer?"

"Mhm."

"And Cassidy?"

"She's around too."

"Ugh, how is that?"

"Could be worse."

"Let's go to my house then," I begin walking toward the car. "Father is taking Katherine with him to a boring event I don't have to go to. He even said I should have you over to keep me company, he still refers to you as my friend, of course, but-"

"Audrey," she calls my name and I realize she never started walking with me.

"Yes?"

"Are you just going to pretend everything's okay between us?"

"Pretend?"

"I'm not sure what's happening. I thought we were going somewhere, but this is new to you, and it's starting to show."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I've done this before, you know."

"Done what?"

She scoffed. "Dated the girl who cheats on me with a guy who will cheat on her."

"I haven't done anything even close to cheating," I say offended.

"Audrey, this is exactly how my last relationship went..."

"No, you said she broke up with you for being clingy. I have no intentions of doing that. You can't compare me to people."

"I was clingy, but her ex-boyfriend wasn't," she said. "I'm nice to you and he isn't. I like you and he doesn't. That's how it is."

"Natalia...I'm clingy, and nice to you, and I like you."

"You're that way until it's not fun anymore. You like to be attached to people who won't do the same."

I scoffed, "That's absurd."

"The first time you kissed me, you apologized for it."

"Because I didn't know if it was okay-"

"And you like the uncertainty. That's what's fun for you, the chance that you might be left out to dry and still have to chase."

"Oh my, God," I roll my eyes. "Don't tell me how I feel!"

"Don't yell at me!"

"Tell me this is a cruel joke to get back at me."

"When have you known me to be cruel?"

"Now," I crossed my arms.

"I'm protecting myself," she grabbed my hand.

"From what?"

"From going through this again. Audrey, I don't think you want just one person in your life."

"I asked you to be my girlfriend. Obviously, I want you."

"I thought about this for a long time...it's not fair of me to lock you in a relationship when you're still trying to figure yourself out."

"Who am I if not sure of myself?"

"Audrey Michaels is not sure of herself," she smiled halfheartedly. "I'll tell you every day that you're the most beautiful person inside and out, and you'd still only half believe it. I want you to be sure."

I pull away from her, "This feels like a breakup."

"It isn't. As far as I'm concerned...you're perfect, but I guess, I fall short somewhere so..." she steps back, "We'll talk."

Let's not...

is what I would say if I wasn't scared she'd actually listen.

Natalia waves goodbye, and I ignore her gesture.

I promised myself I wouldn't cry over anyone ever again, and it seemed so easy then.

"...Audrey...Audreykins?"

I turn and glare at Trevor leaned against the bricks. "This is your fault! Why'd you tell her anything at all?"

"I was trying to help."

"Screw you."

"All right, come here," he puts his arms out and starts approaching me.

"No," I resist, "You are so stupid."

"Okay," he presses my head to his chest, "there there."

"I made her insecure," I sobbed out.

"You do that to everyone..." Trevor said reluctantly. "But I'll buy macarons and rose-scented bath salts if you stop crying. You're making me look like a bad boyfriend."

"What do I do now?"

"I don't know. Aren't lesbians supposed to be married by the third date? You two are doing it wrong."

"Because you're the expert."

"It's not so bad being single."

"For you."

"Have you considered that maybe all you really want is to be wanted?"

"Be quiet," I said against his chest.

"Okay, darling."

"You know who I want to fight?" Matt said.

"Who?" Zach responded.

"Fucking Marky Mark."

"Why?"

"I need a reason?" Matt raised an eyebrow. "He seems like he needs to get punched in the face."

"I bet he'd be a douche if you saw him in person," I nodded.

"Exactly, he's got a stupid look."

"Peyton likes him," Zach said.

I snicker, "That tracks." We all laugh a bit until we hear footsteps approaching from outside.

Peyton peeks her head into the room. "What'd you say about me?"

Thin walls.

"Nothing," Zach scoffed.

"Leo?" She looked at me to confirm or deny.

"You like the new kids on the block."

"Says who?"

"That picture you keep in your drawer," Zach argued.

"Why are you going through my stuff?"

"I needed con-" he catches himself...but it's clear she knew what he was going to say. "I was looking for something."

Peyton closes the door without saying another word.

"You're dead," Matt chuckled.

"Think so?"

"It's Peyton. She's probably calling your mom right now," I add.

Zach huffs and puts his face in his hands. "Why'd you like her?"

"She couldn't get me in trouble."

"She's the fucking worst," he grumbled.

I tilt my head at how mad he is..."You okay?"

"Fine."

"You can hide from your mom at my place if you're scared."

"No, I'll just have to hear the bitching tomorrow."

"...Are you okay?"

"Yeah, whatever," he gets up. "I'm going to the kitchen, you guys want something?"

I look over at them and they seem just as confused.

"Hey," I follow him out of the room. "What's up with you?"

"What?"

"Something has you pissed. It can't just be your sister."

"Why can't it? Just because you think she's so great doesn't mean I have to."

"Now what are you snapping at me for?"

"Don't you have your own problems to fix? Aren't you going to be single if you don't deal with your stuff?" His back is to me as he grabs a drink out of the fridge, I choose not to respond, and the silence makes him face me. "...Sorry," he muttered...and I shrugged to show I didn't take it to heart. "I just don't want to talk about it right now."

"Okay."

"I feel bad...for making everyone feel bad."

"So you try to make me feel bad?"

"Yeah...sorry," he fiddles with his hands.

"What stuff do I have to deal with?"

"I don't know, Matt said something about you and Heather being mad at each other."

"I'm not mad at her? You think she's mad at me?"

"I dunno...did she seem mad?"

"No?"

"Maybe apologize just in case. Girls like that."

I laugh to myself, "Thanks."

He shrugged, "I like Heather."

"Me too."

"And I know you don't think Peyton is all that great anymore."

"Right," I jokingly shove him away, "so if you would've said that in front of Heather I would've killed you."

"She does not like Peyton," Zach laughed, completely amused for a moment before his smile fell. "Because if you still thought she was even a little bit great...it'd make her feel really bad."

"I know, man-"

We walk back into his room and the atmosphere feels different. I thought Zach was the tense one.

"Collecting?" Danny questioned Matt, "What happened to the last guy?"

"I hate when people ask me that. But, it doesn't matter I'm almost out."

"He said that?"

"Apparently there's this guy...who owes him more than I do. He tried to go AWOL or some shit, and if I can get the stash back and the money he has, I'm out," Matt sighed.

"We'll go with you. We'll take the van in case they know your car."

"Yeah?" Matt looked at me.

"Yeah..."

"Thank God someone other than me is here," Jace put his hand over his heart.

"And why are you here? I'm working," I say to him.

"My dad wanted me to come, and I'm still doing damage control because of the whole...you know."

"Don't punish yourself, and don't let anyone else do it either. I'm an advocate for being selfish. Trust me, it's liberating."

"I thought I was being selfish."

"No, you were being self-destructive," I correct him.

"You're one to talk."

"Survival of the fittest, Jace."

"I always survive."

"Now take it a step further and enjoy surviving." My eyes wander off toward the door. You're a most joyous sight.

She heads straight to me, and I'm going to take it as an olive branch considering I wouldn't have been surprised if she spent the whole night avoiding me while mocking me with her presence.

"Hello, Elizabeth." Hello, dress.

"Hey."

"I didn't think I'd see you tonight."

"You invited me."

"That was before you walked out on me."

"Well..." she shrugged and shifted her gaze elsewhere— a sure sign that there won't be much talking tonight...and yet everything else is still on the table.

I grab a glass from a server's tray and hand it to her. "Enjoy the party."

"I will," she said in an oddly threatening way before leaving me.

"Where were we?" I ask Jace.

"Enjoying life..."

"Life's good," I say blissfully.

"Isn't that your new girlfriend?" Jace nods toward where Elizabeth has gone to talk to an older guest, subtly checking every once and a while to make sure I've noticed.

"Yes."

"What is she doing?"

"Trying to make up with me."

Jace sighed, "Why can't you date like a normal person?"

"Where's the fun in that?"

"Not having to see your girlfriend flirting with a 50-year-old man with a receding hairline."

"I'm going to tell you a secret."

"Oh?"

"Heather likes Leonardo Rylin because he doesn't treat her like a Blakely."

"But she is a Blakely."

"And you wouldn't use filthy words around her or grab her ass in public, but he would."

"She's changed, she wouldn't have liked that when I was with her."

"I don't think she's changed. You treated her like a lady and treated Evie like a slut. An ideal relationship requires a little bit of both."

"I don't want either of them anymore," he shook his head as if he's not wondering if handling her like a dainty flower isn't one of the many ways he went wrong.

"For future reference then." But we both know you'll want Heather for as long as she's under Leo. "Now, if you'll excuse me." My lady is sure to be missing me now.

I see her being led into the hall by the gray-haired man. Why don't I meet you there?

I choose the entryway on the other side because it'd be so lovely if we get there at the same time.

From the short distance, I see his hold around your waist and ridiculous smile because he believes he's won a prize tonight.

"I don't think so," I stop in front of the door he planned to take her through. "Thank you, sir, that's all we'll be needing from you."

"Pardon me?" He said curiously.

"Elizabeth," I greeted, and she held back her smile.

"Young man, why don't you join the others in the common room. We have business to attend to."

"Don't talk down to me," I replied sternly, and he seemed to scoff as if he's still not clued into what's happening. I look at her again, "Come here."

Shock finally hits him when she's on my side, wrapped around my arm. "What is going on?"

"She just decided that viagra won't be enough to put a smile on her face," we step up to him and I pat him on the shoulder. "That's where I come in."

"I don't believe we've met. I'm Kieran Morgan, as in Morgan and Scott Investing," he narrowed his eyes, a pathetic attempt to intimidate me.

"Yes, I spoke to your wife. We have a meeting on Monday to discuss capital...you'll make sure it goes smoothly, won't you?" I smiled arrogantly...yet politely, as gentlemen do. He sighed, an admittance of defeat, I'll assume. "You would've gotten caught in there, by the way. The door doesn't lock."

"What was the point of this?"

I shrug, "She likes the attention," and I give her whatever she likes.

And right now, she'd like to get away from you. I let her pull me down the hall without any more taunting discourse with the desperate, lonely man who touched you way more than I would've allowed if we set rules.

She opens the door to the restroom and ensures that it's empty before bringing me in.

"That was not for attention," Elizabeth argued.

"Do you have a better word for it?" She shrugged. "Were you trying to see if I cared?"

"Maybe."

"Mm," I nod. "Tell me, what would you have done if I didn't come for you?"

"I knew you would. You're too possessive not to."

"And if I relinquished a bit of that ownership tonight? Then what?" She looked off to the side, not having an answer. "Don't risk it again without talking to me first." Elizabeth rolled her eyes. "Are you ready to talk?"

"Do we have to?"

"We should."

"I'm scared of you."

"...what?"

"That's why I left. If you did all of those things to those girls, what are you going to do to me?" She asked softly.

"Nothing."

"I'm a good person. I'm a feminist," she exclaimed while I chuckled. "How can I be with a guy like you?"

I gesture at how close we are, almost chest to chest, with my hands gripping her body. "Like this." Her eyes stared fixedly at my mouth, and her breath quickens because of it. It breaks her to want me the way she does and "That's my favorite thing about you."

She comes out of her trance. "What is?"

"How about we go play this new game of ours on Antoine Pierce? He owns the building you live in, and you're due for an upgrade."

"What makes you think he'll fall for it?"

"Is that a trick question?" Elizabeth, this damn dress.

"He's married?" She asked naively.

"They always are."

"Okay," she tries to move toward the door, but I don't let her.

"Kiss me."

She smirked, "Why?"

I grab her face in my hand. "Because you want to."