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We started across the parking lot, Ian sweeping the crowd anxiously

"Ian, relax" I broke into a jog and fell into step beside him

"I’m completely relaxed," he protested, but a clump of hair found its way into his mouth That habit, unfortunately, looked like it was here to stay We reached the bank of doors, and he stopped, ignoring the crush of students as he rocked nervously onto his heels "Ready, Maeve?"

It was a good question Was I ready?

This sus I was messy, is that I regretted--things I couldn’t undo Like not listening toover my heart to someone who couldn’t be trusted with it But despite all those things--no, alongside all those things--I was Maeve Which ardless of how ready I did or did not feel, I was going in anyway This was my life, after all

You’ll do it, buttercup You really will

"I’athering one last shot of courage Then we grabbed the door handles and pushed in Together