Diamond
“I’m going to Aveena’s,” I tell my dad, the bitter lie on my tongue putting my poker face to the test.
“Okay, honey. Have fun.” Gaten waves over his shoulder, his free hand stirring the marinara sauce on the stove. I slip my fingers into my back pocket as I walk out, pulling out my car keys. My phone chimes with a text just as I’m climbing into the driver’s seat.
It’s Finn.
Finn: How close are you?
I text back quickly.
Dia: Just got in my car. Do you have anything to eat? I’m starrrving.
Finn: Got some Hawaiian pizza from when the guys came over.
Dia: On second thought, I’m good. Not a fan of Hawaiian pizza.
My phone lights up with his reply.
Finn: Why not?
Dia:Because pineapple on pizza is the devil’s work.
Finn: Duly noted.
I put my phone on silent, contemplating the lie I just shoved down my father’s throat as I drive. You’d think my parents would be wary of the “Aveena” excuse by now.Aveena and I might be best friends, but if I actually spent that much time at her place, I’m pretty sure Ms. Harper would make me pay rent.
Plus, Aveena couldn’t be bothered with sleepovers these days. She’s way too busy sucking face with Xavier. That’s right, my wallflower best friend and the captain of the basketball team are an item now. Turns out the rumors were true. Aveena really was “Love,” one of the authors of the confessions that spread through town like the plague.
Her identity was uncovered early on, but her pen pal, Zac? Let’s just say he was a tough nut to crack. You can imagine my surprise when he was finally revealed to be none other than Finn’s best friend, Xavier. There was hell to pay when Xavier got exposed—his confessions had the power to destroy lives—but in the end, everything worked out.
I just wish I could say the same for my relationship. These last few months with Finn have been almost perfect. Notice how I said almost? Weeks have gone by since he told me the truth about the PI, and at the time, I thought his honesty meant he was serious about working on himself. I had no problem with waiting while he figured things out, but it’s been a hot minute since we had that conversation, and nothing’s changed.
We’re still “casual” to the rest of the world, just two kids sneaking around behind their parents’ backs—well, my parents’ backs. Mr. Richards is always off on business.
Worst part is our “friends with benefits” status is the least of our problems right now. Finn and I haven’t gotten around to talking about our college plans yet, and I’m starting to worry we’re not on the same page. Hell, I’m not even sure we’re in the same book.
He agreed to apply to Duke with me a while back, but he’d also mentioned he was thinking of taking a gap year after high school. I’ve been accepted to Duke and a few backup schools, but every time I ask Finn about it, he says his acceptance letter must’ve gotten lost in the mail.
The drive to Finn’s house is fast but not without its emotional turmoil. Anxiety consumes me as I turn into his driveway, dreading the conversation ahead. Graduation is coming up in a few weeks, and I need to know where we go from here.
Is this a high school fling?
Do we have a future together?
My phone lights up with a message from Aveena as I park in the driveway.
Aveena: You’re still coming tomorrow, right? Please say yes!!!
I’ll be damned.
Aveena Harper trying to convinceme to come to a social event.
The world must be upside-down.
Theo’s throwing a party with the team to celebrate his and Xavier’s scholarships to Duke University. I told Vee I wasn’t sure if I’d make it. I could hardly see myself pulling up to her boyfriend’s Duke party while my own “boyfriend” is avoiding the college talk for dear life. I shoot her a quick reply.
Dia:I’ll let you know.