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“Looks like your ride’s here, Mercy”

Koa stops followingout front As usual, he’s dressed in a tailored business suit One manicured hand is in his pocket, and the other twirls a set of keys He looks like everything Dylan wants me to be — cultured, rich, and snobbish

“Hayden,” I say, trying to controlme leave with him I hate that I inexplicably just rain checked our secret hook-up “I told you I don’t need a ride”

“I dislike arguing with you, but I’ve seen that bus” He looks down, s away behind me “It does not become you”

“I haven’t finished packing up s”

“I don’tCan’t have dinner without you” My whole body cringes He’s speaking so loud, every word rings clear through the gym

When I turn, I see Koa behind the bar pretending to be busy I know he’s confused I’ht now

“Well, hello,” Hayden is close behindme to the bar “It’s you… Doris’s nephew?”

My brow lines, thinking he’s confused Koa with Jim I’m bewildered when Koa looks up an

d gives Hayden a tight suy,” he says

Church?

“Hayden Cross” My designated driver holds out a slim hand

“Koa Raiden You’re picking up Mercy?”

I stiffen when Hayden drops back and puts an ar dinner date”

Only the slightest flinch crosses Koa’s face It’s possible I’m the only one to see it “At ”