Briar University's annual Fall Kickback is in full swing. The backyard of the Sigma Phi Delta house has been transformed into something resembling a festival. String lights hang between trees. A makeshift bar is set up on the patio. People cluster in groups, red cups in hand, laughter cutting through the bass of whatever playlist Tucker has commandeered the aux for.

You'd almost talked yourself out of coming.

Allie had other plans.

Across the yard, near the fire pit, you see him.

Dean Di Laurentis.

He's laughing at something Beau just said, head tilted back, that easy smile you used to know by heart. Golden in the firelight. Unbothered. Moving on.

And beside him, tucked under his arm like she belongs there—