Page 64 of Even Exchange

“If they don’t, I’ll sneak into the kitchen and bake you some myself,” I promise her.

She pauses, smiling at me. “You’re too good to me.”

With a wink, I turn to my duffle and keep my hands busy by unpacking my clothes and cheer uniforms. I place the CBU tank top we’re required to wear to tonights welcome dinner on the dresser. Once the bag is empty, I lift it off the bed, a rattle garnering my attention. At the bottom of it, I find the tiny toy train whistle Nash had during our camping trip with Noah, and it brings a smile to my face. I must have tossed it in there when cleaning up and forgotten about it. My fingers trail the little object, a twang in my chest at the thought of my three favorite people I won’t be seeing anytime soon.

I set it on top of my dresser next to the picture I brought of the twins, then remake the bed and fold my blanket on top of it.

“You okay?” Andi asks, sitting atop her mattress.

A heavy breath escapes me. “I don’t know what I’m gonna do when I see Jonathan.”

“What do you mean?” Her dark eyebrows pull together. “Do you wanna get back together?”

I shoot her a look of disgust. “I meant if I’m going to punch him, slap him, or portray a mask of indifference.”

“I vote the latter. Show Jonathan you don’t give a shit about him. You’ve moved on.”

I’d hardly call what Noah and I are doing “moving on.” He’s been a beautiful distraction, but I’m unsure what will become of our friendship since I’ll barely see him this summer.

And I’ve definitely done my damndest not to think about Jonathan, only allowing the occasional hurtful thought to pop in here and there.

I groan, throwing my head back. “You’re right. If I explode, he’ll think I still care.”

“Exactly.” She stands, squeezing my face in her hands. “You can do this. You’re a badass bitch.”

“Then why do I feel more like a sadass bitch?” I say with a squished pout.

“Because you’re letting someone steal your joy who certainly doesnotdeserve even an ounce of your brain space,” she says, releasing me.

“It’s just hard to forget sometimes. Especially when I’m in places with memories of him.” I sigh, thinking of our tree rendezvous point. “Of us.”

“Girl,” she says, not feeding into my pity party. “In the two months you’ve been free of him, you’ve been happier, bubblier, and more confident than ever. You’rethatbitch.”

I plaster a smile on. There’re few things better in the world than true female friendships. They build you up when you feel like nothing more than a sad blob of nothingness. Give you a reality check when you desperately need one, and regardless of if you take their solid advice, are still there to hold your hand in the fallout.That’s Andi for me.“Fine.”

“Good!” She pulls me for a hug. “You’ve got this.”

I sure hope so.

We continue our tidying, and my phone buzzes. I snatch it up, hoping for distraction by a certain quarterback, and get frustrated by family instead.

THE BENSON FAM

Dad

Have so much fun this summer! Don’t forget sunscreen

Mother

Make smart choices.

I roll my eyes. It would be physically impossible for her to act like she cares about my happiness orpassions. Her single concern is if I’ll do something stupid to embarrass her. Another message pops in, and I rush to open it.

Noah

Fun fact: the heart of a shrimp is located in its head

Me

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