This time when I clutch the chair, it’s not out of rage but helplessness.

“The prosecutor will recommend ten years. And if you’re good, no fights, no altercations of any kind, you could be out in five.”

My throat is dry and my tongue feels three sizes too big. I have to force the words out. “And if I don’t plead?”

“There are about fifteen states in the union that have abolished the death penalty.” He pauses. “North Carolina isn’t one of them.”

24

Ella

Steve and I have just finished eating dinner when my phone buzzes with a text from Reed. It takes all my willpower not to snatch up the phone and read what it says, but I know I can’t do that in front of Steve. He has no idea that I spent Friday night (and most of Saturday afternoon) in bed with Reed, and I’m not about to tip him off.

“Are you going to check that?” Steve asks as he sets down his napkin. There isn’t a trace of food left on his plate. In the week I’ve lived with him, I’ve discovered that Steve is a voracious eater.

“Later,” I answer absently. “It’s probably just Val.”

He nods. “She’s a nice girl.”

I don’t think he and Val have ever exchanged more than ten words, but if he approves of her, I’ll take it. God knows he doesn’t approve of Reed.

My gaze darts to my phone again. Willpower. I need willpower.

But I’m dying to know what the message says. I didn’t see Reed at school today, not even at lunch. I know he was there, because his suspension is over and I caught a glimpse of him on the practice field this morning. I think he might be avoiding me, but I have no idea why. When I asked Easton about it, he just shrugged and said, “Playoffs.”

As if that explains why Reed hasn’t called or texted me since Saturday night. I get that the team is focused on winning the championship, but Reed’s never let football distract him from our relationship before.

Some tiny, insecure part of me wonders if maybe he didn’t enjoy the sex as much as I did. But that can’t be true. I know when a guy is into me—and Reed was very, very, very into me this weekend.

So it must be something else. It has to be.

“Mind if I go to my room?” I blurt out, then curse myself for sounding so eager to get away.

Lately, things with Steve have been…okay. He still doesn’t want me seeing Reed, but I think he’s happy I’m part of the dance team now, and he’s been really nice to me since I got back from Gibson. I don’t want to threaten this fragile trust we’re building by revealing that I’m lying to him about Reed.

“Homework?” he asks with a chuckle.

“Tons,” I lie. “And it’s all due tomorrow.”

“All right, have at it. I’ll be upstairs if you need me.”

I try to look as casual as possible as I walk away. It isn’t until I reach the hallway that I start sprinting. In my room, I devour the sight of my phone screen.

Can I see u 2nite?

My pulse instantly races. God. Yes. I totally want to see him tonight. Not just because I miss him, but because I want to know why he’s been avoiding me.

However, Steve’s rules are clear when it comes to Reed. Meaning, I can’t see Reed outside of school. Ever.

Yes! But how? S won’t let me come ovr. And my curfew is 10.

Reed’s response makes my eyebrows soar.

I’ve already worked it out. Tell him u have a date 2nite.

Confused, I hurry into the bathroom and blast all the faucets before pulling up Reed’s number. Hopefully the running water will muffle my voice if Steve happens to walk past my room.

“Who do I have a date with?” I hiss after Reed picks up.

“Wade,” he answers. “But don’t worry, it’s not a real date.”

My forehead crinkles. “So you want me to tell Steve I’m going out with Wade tonight?”

“Yeah. It can’t be an issue, right? I mean, he said you’re not allowed to date me. Not that you’re not allowed to date anybody.”

True. “Okay,” I say slowly, wondering how I can swing this. “Maybe I’ll play up the reverse psychology thing?”

Reed snickers.

“No, seriously, it’s genius. I’ll tell him that somebody else asked me out, and how I really, really don’t want to go because I’m not over you, yada yada.” I grin to my reflection in the bathroom mirror. “I bet he’ll beg me to go out with Wade.”

“That’s evil. I love it.” Reed chuckles again. “Text me if it’s a go. Wade can pick you up at seven. He’ll sneak you in here and then drop you back at the hotel before curfew.”

“What’s in it for Wade?” I ask suspiciously. When Reed hesitates, I know I’m right to be distrustful. “Oh no—what did you promise him?”

“Val,” Reed admits. “I told him you’d talk to her about forgiving him.”

I stifle a sigh. “I don’t know if that’s possible.”

“They hooked up this weekend,” he points out.

“Yeah, and she was kicking herself for it afterward.” Her exact words had been I’m such a stupid stupid-face! “She doesn’t want to be one of Wade’s girl toys.”

“She’s not,” he assures me. “Seriously, I’ve never seen Wade Carlisle go to this much trouble for a chick. He really likes her.”

“Are you just saying that so we can see each other tonight?”

“No way. Honest, babe. You know I’d never put your best friend in a situation where she’s going to get hurt. Wade wants to make it right. He feels like shit for the way he treated her.”

I lean against the vanity and tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. “Let me call her and see if she’s willing to talk to him. If she says no, then we have to respect her wishes.” Even if it means that Wade backs out tonight. But I’m hoping he’ll still help us even if Val isn’t part of the equation.

Reed’s tone turns serious. “Try to make it happen, babe. I…” There’s a pause. “I really need to see you.”

An alarm bell goes off in my head as we hang up. Is he breaking up with me?

No, of course not. That’s crazy.