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Trevor was cute, and maybe Roxie was right? I needed to spread my wings and try my hand at dating. But the idea of going out with anyone who wasn’t Adam made something inside of me feel wrong.

“Why not? You’re gorgeous, crazy smart, and hilarious. I like hanging out with you. I was about to ask if you wanted to go for a drink a couple nights ago, but your roommate showed up.”

“Roxie.”

“Right. She showed up and, full disclosure, babe, I’ve seen you around. Before this class put us together.”

“Before?” I asked, a little surprised he’d even noticed me.

“You’re Adam Marquez’ bestie, no?” he asked, and it hit me. He knew who I was because of Adam. “Or were you his girl? Some of the guys on the team aren’t really sure.”

“On the hockey team?”

“And I have some buddies on the baseball team,” he shared.

“And these guys care because?”

“Because he’s been a major asshole since you two stopped being spotted together.”

“Spotted—“ I wasn’t going there. “We’re just friends.” Just friends. The words tasted heavy and slightly acidic on my tongue.

I’d wanted to be so much more than friends with Adam.

He had been everything to me. Still was in a way, if I was being honest. I missed him like a part of me had been taken away since that stupid fight where I got jealous. Even if I wanted him, even if I was in love with Adam, it didn’t make him mine.

That night at that party had been a reminder.

My gaze drifted to the pretty girls, who were now pretending to work out while they snuck glances in our direction, and their talking had been taken down to a hushed whisper. They were the kinds of girls Adam would end up with one day.

Pretty and sweet and always put together.

The kind of girl who could base her life on a man and his career. Adam had a bright future ahead of him, and I wanted more than to be the girl waiting for him to come home. I was going to be an attorney and help people. Not that he even wanted me like that. I was just his friend.

“Still just friends?” Trevor’s words snapped me out of my thoughts, and I glanced back at him with a sad smile.

“Adam will be my friend for the rest of my life,” I admitted. “Even if we don’t talk.” I shrugged.

“Gotcha.” Trevor’s eyes roamed my face, and I wasn’t sure why. “You guys grew up together, right?” My brow rose. How does he know all this? As if reading my thoughts, he leaned forward. “Again, full-disclosure, Adam’s a friend,” he explained. “We might not play the same sport, but we’ve had classes together. During the summer we’ve worked out together and shit. He talked about you. A lot.”

“He did?” He nodded. I tried to pretend I was calm, that my poor, hopeless romantic heart didn’t skip a beat at the knowledge. “He’s a great guy,” I said, smiling tightly.

“So, about our date?” he circled back. This time, a light of amusement brightened his blue eyes.

“Our date?” I rolled my eyes and pushed off the counter, reaching behind me to grab a towel.

“Tomorrow. I’ll pick you up. You live off campus, right?” A slight shiver of something uneasy washed through me. How did he know so much?

Trevor was a nice guy, but he knew way too much about me for a guy who shared one class with me. Even if he was friends with Adam, something didn’t feel right. I was glad I had my back turned to him as I picked up the spray cleaning bottle.

Is that normal? Trying to date your friend’s friend?

“You sure you’re not asking me out because you need help on the final?” I said, trying to buy myself some time while I figured out how to get out of this. Trevor was cool, but if I was honest, as pathetic as it might make me, I wasn’t interested in him. Not like that. Not like I was in Adam. Jesus, I am hopeless.

“No. I think you’re great, Callie.”

“Great, huh?” I laughed. “You know I already told you I would set up a study group. You don’t have to wine and dine⁠—“

Someone cleared their throat behind Trevor.