Chapter 2

I packed until 5 a.m. last night.

My head is splitting.

I walk past the Starbucks to grab a coffee and I hear them before I see them — Gavin's friends, all sitting together near the gate.

"Where's Aria? Why isn't she with you guys?"

"They're fighting again. She's threatening to walk out again."

A short laugh.

"Before the trip even starts? What is it this time?"

"He didn't save her the seat next to him."

"That's it?" Someone shrugs.

"Honestly, dude. Only you could put up with her."

Gavin pushes his hair back from his forehead.

"Yeah, I need a minute. I'll deal with her once we hit Cape Cod."

Another guy chimes in.

"Aria's only like that because you let her be. You made your bed."

"Honestly? Lily's a way easier kind of girl. Sweet. Chill. Hey Lily, what's your type? Could you go for a guy like me?"

Lily covers her mouth and laughs. Looks like Gavin already smoothed things over with her.

Before she can answer, Gavin kicks the guy's shin under the table.

"Back off."

Then he turns to Lily, softer now.

"Stay away from guys like him. He's burned through more girlfriends than he can count. If he tries to add you on Instagram — don't accept it."

The whole group erupts.

"Damn, Gavin. A little protective?"

"You bring her along but won't let her near any of us? What's your deal?"

"Saving her for yourself?"

Lily blushes hard.

"Guys, stop. Even if I liked someone like Gavin — he wouldn't go for me."

Every head turns toward Gavin.

He just smiles. Says nothing.

Lily laughs at herself.

"See? He's not denying it. So fine, guys — someone set me up, please."

Then Gavin says, slow and easy.

"I never said that."

Someone whistles. The whole group cracks up.

"Oh — wait. Oh no."

Lily suddenly counts heads on her fingers. Pulls out her phone. Her face changes.

"God. I underbooked the rooms."

"I just looked at the headcount when I booked. Four guys, three girls. I only got three rooms…"

She scrolls fast.

"Everything's sold out now. What are we gonna do?"

She looks up, sees me, and walks straight toward me.

"Aria, I swear I didn't do it on purpose."

"The hotel next door still has one room. It's like a thousand dollars more — but Aria, you're richer than me, right? Could you grab it?"

I look at her flatly.

"You messed up. Why am I paying for it?"

Her face crumples.

"Aria… I'm just an intern. I'm not even out of school. I don't make much…"

I cut her off.

"You're the one who insisted on booking everyone's rooms. Everyone paid you. If you can't handle it, don't volunteer for it."

She drops her head and starts crying.

"Enough." Gavin walks over, voice light.

"It's just a room. Just book another one. Aria, you're not a kid. Relax."

I smile.

"Relax while your intern walks all over me?"

Lily looks up at Gavin through her tears.

"I swear I didn't mean it."

Gavin lowers his voice and turns to me.

"Aria. Lily's not playing games. You're being unfair to her."

"I'll book you a sea-view room. End of discussion. Drop it."

"I'm the one who needs to drop it?" I laugh again. Louder this time.

My phone rings suddenly.

I turn to walk away and answer it.

Gavin grabs my wrist.

Hard.

"Aria." His voice is low now.

"We got through seven hard years together. And now you're throwing a fit over a seat?"

My skin goes pale where he's holding me.

I yank my arm free.

A red mark blooms across my wrist.

I stare down at it. I see it clearly.

Seven years.

I wasn't his girlfriend.

I was his charity case.