Page 45 of Running With Lions

Mason ignores her to spoon Jello into his mouth before starting in on Willie about what he’s wearing: a neon-green Barbie tank top with a rainbow on it that says “California Dream,” simultaneously owning his sexuality and his awesomeness.

Sebastian slouches, examining Grey. Soft, half-moon dimples form around her mouth. Her curls fall around her bright eyes, brown against green. It’s as if—

“Are you wearing eyeliner?” He inspects her. She kicks his shin under the table and Sebastian jolts, almost knocking everything over.

“Dude!” Mason scowls and protects his Jello. “You need to getwhateverunder control.”

Sebastian frowns, rubbing his shin. Grey stares, slit eyes warningI will make sure you never have childrenas she pouts. Sebastian rolls his eyes. It was an observation, not an attempt to ruin her whole scheme to woo Mason. She wasn’t making much progress, but he doesn’t want to burst her bubble.

“Okay,” Hunter says, plopping down next to Willie. He runs a hand through his hair. During the school year, he wears it close to his scalp in a fade, but he has naturally dark, springy curls for the summer. It looks good with his soft features. “Someone has to go sit with him.” Hunter is referring to the table in the corner.

Sebastian doesn’t make eye contact with anyone, including Emir.

Grey sits taller for a better view. “He might not want to be bothered.”

“He never wants to be bothered,” Mason complains. He licks his spoon clean while maintaining a frown.

“That’s the point!” Hunter says. “He needs a way in.”

Sebastian tucks his chin. He can’t tell them thatheis Emir’s way in, if Emir would quit acting as though he doesn’t exist when the team’s around. Also, if Sebastian ever gets over what happened earlier, which is impossible since he hasn’t stopped replaying it in his head.

“I don’t think he likes me.” Willie pouts.

“Everyonelikes you, Willster,” Sebastian says.

Hunter nods, shifting his hand from his own hair to Willie’s fluffy blond mop. Willie leans against Hunter like a pleased puppy.

“Yeah,” Mason sighs, elbows on the table. “Somehow, I’ve got a weird boy-crush on you too.”

Grey giggles. Willie flushes, sticking his tongue out at Mason. Something cold flicks over Hunter’s eyes but he hides it with a lazy laugh.That’sdefinitely new.

“So.” Grey crouches, like she’s planning a big secret mission to help Emir. “Who’s gonna do it?”

“Not me,” Mason insists.

Willie shrugs. “I’m out.”

Hunter’s frustrated groan prevents attention from falling on Sebastian. He’s grateful. He’s on the verge of a heart attack, sweating as though he’s just finished a lap around the pitch.

“You allsuck,” Hunter announces. His chair screeches as he grabs his plate of food.

Sebastian’s still learning things about Hunter. His parents are intensely religious. He’s an AP student and sits with the geek squad during lunch. But he’s been friends with Willie since sophomore year. Also, he’s in good standing with Zach and his cronies. In fact, Hunter’s well-liked by a lot of students; he once got his name on the ballot for class president.

Hunter is bold, too, a fact proven when he crosses the room and parks himself in an empty chair at Emir’s table.

“Oh, shit,” whispers Mason. “He’s gonna die.”

“Itrulyliked him.” Grey sighs, as if she’s imagined a black ensemble to wear to Hunter’s funeral. She rests her cheek on her knuckles.

Sebastian sits very quietly. He’s trying to maintain a blank face. This could go perfectly or end in blood. He doesn’t know. But he doesn’t want anyone connecting him and Emir.

Emir startles, then frowns at Hunter’s presence. Hunter, with his winning smile and electric eyes, talks as if they’ve known each other for years. Maybe they share AP classes, since Emir’s a brainiac too. Maybe they just haven’t been project partners or discussedBig Bang Theory-genius stuff.

“There it is,” Mason hisses.

Emir squints at Hunter, then returns his attention to the book he was reading. Hunter’s face falls. Another person Emir’s shut out.

“Okay, boys, wrap it up! Bright and early tomorrow!” Coach Patrick booms from the entryway and claps his hands.

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