Chapter 4

That Friday, Liam dragged her to a massive fraternity party at the Lacrosse House. "Come on, Ava, loosen up. Everyone will be there."

She didn't want to go, but arguing felt more exhausting than just enduring it.

The music was deafening, the air thick with stale beer and sweat.

And then she saw her. Jessica Hayes.

Holding court in a corner, surrounded by her own clique, looking radiant and proprietary. Liam' s eyes kept flicking towards her.

Later, someone – probably Chad – initiated a game of "Never Have I Ever."

The questions started innocently enough, but soon, they were clearly directed at Ava.

"Never have I ever hooked up with someone way out of my league," Chad announced, staring pointedly at Ava.

Liam smirked, taking a drink. Ava felt her cheeks burn.

"Never have I ever been so good in bed I made a quiet girl scream," Brody followed, winking at Liam.

Liam laughed, a loud, booming sound. "Guess I drink to that one."

Ava wanted the floor to swallow her. She kept her eyes down, focusing on a crack in the floor.

Then, a question from one of Jessica' s friends, aimed at Jessica but clearly referencing Ava' s presence: "Never have I ever felt threatened by a nerdy scholarship case."

Jessica' s smile faltered for a microsecond. She looked uncomfortable.

Liam, who had been laughing moments before, suddenly surged to his feet.