“I can’t believe you skipped class with Nate Miller,” Celeste said as we pulled up at school. She cut the engine and turned to me. “I thought we’d decided he was bad news.”
“He is bad news. But he was in the right place at the right time.”
“You could have texted me.” Dejection clung to her words.
“And ruin your squeaky-clean, star student reputation? I wouldn’t ever do that.”
“Okay, so I probably wouldn’t have cut class with you, but I could have helped.”
“I know. I just really needed to get out of there.”
“Angelica is such a bitch.” She scoffed. “Maybe you should tell Miss Hanley.”
“No, it’ll only make things worse. I can handle it, I promise. Yesterday was just… a blip.”
“Did Max apologize yet?”
I arched a brow. “I think we both know that’s never going to happen.”
“I could… ugh, he’s such a little shit.” She forced herself to take a breath. “On behalf of our brother, I’m sorry he’s such an asshole.”
With a tight smile, I shouldered the door open and climbed out of the car, scanning the parking lot for Nate. Things were hazy from when we parted last night. He’d given me a ride back to the house, but I’d insisted he drop me off at the end of the driveway to avoid being seen together.
Fat lot of good that had done me.
We hadn’t exchanged numbers or made any kind of promises to see each other again. Not that I wanted to. But I couldn’t pinpoint his motivations.
Why had he helped me?
And would he expect me to pay him back somehow?
I pushed all thoughts of Nate out of my head. I had bigger things to worry about, like the delightful sneers being thrown my way from Marc, Angelica, and their group.
“Ignore them,” Celeste said, coming around to lace her arm through mine.
“Good morning, my two favorite people.” Miles bounded toward us wearing a goofy smile. He slung his arm around Celeste’s shoulder. “What are we talking—” He spotted Marc and his friends, and said, “Say no more. Man, I really hate him.”
“Join the club,” I murmured.
We headed into school, and I stopped at my locker, leaving Celeste and Miles discussing our upcoming anti-pep rally. The details of which they were keeping to themselves. So long as it meant avoiding the actual pep rally at all costs, I was okay with whatever they had planned.
I yanked my locker open and grabbed a couple of textbooks I needed. When I closed the door, Nate grinned down at me. “Maguire.”
My brows furrowed. “Uh, hello.”
“Don’t look so worried. I’m not here to suggest we cut class or anything. Which, by the way, Diego gave me a real roasting for. What’s your punishment?”
“Punishment?” I frowned.
“Yeah, didn’t he—of course he didn’t. Guess it helps having a father who is a major school donor.”
“Harleigh?” Celeste said, and I glanced at her. “We’re heading to class if you’re ready?”
“Go on ahead and I’ll see you at lunch, okay?”
“You’re sure?” Her eyes lingered on Nate.
“Relax, Rowe. I come in peace.” He held up his hands.