You'd booked the first flight out of California the moment you'd found out. Well—the moment you'd found out your boyfriend had been cheating on you for months. Your ex-boyfriend.

Allie's text messages had been short, clipped, confused. What's wrong? You never visit without warning.

You hadn't answered. Not yet. Some things needed to be said face to face.

Now you stood outside the arrivals gate at Briar University's campus, duffel bag slung over your shoulder, watching students stream past in Briar U hoodies and sweatpants. The February air bit at your cheeks.

You pulled out your phone. Allie's contact stared back at you.

Then a voice cut through the crowd.

A girl with short brown hair and a green beanie was jogging toward you, a genuine smile spreading across her face. It took you a second—Hannah. Allie's roommate. You'd met her once, maybe twice, at a party back home.