"You know, you're an asshole," I say aloud as soon as I step past the elevator doors.

"Good morning to you too," Trevor pours himself a cup of coffee.

"You hijacked my win because you weren't nominated."

"Well, you know that had to have been a mistake— I'm always nominated."

"Natalie said you lost points."

He smirks and looks down the hall toward his room. "Clearly not that many."

"Who's back there?"

"Hazel."

"Of course," I shake my head, "should've expected that."

"You know what I didn't expect?" He asks deviously, so I don't bother with a response. "She walked in here a virgin."

"I thought you were done with virgins."

"Yeah, well, one every here and there cleans the palate."

Hellfire, Trevor.

"You are a bad bad man."

"Hazel would disagree," he shrugs. "Why are you here? You didn't seem too upset about my little stunt. I'm sure you got some condoms out of it."

"I did."

"And you used one?"

"No."

Trevor furrows his eyebrows, "Did you...want Hazel?"

"Not my type."

"She's lovely."

"I don't want lovely."

"Okay, Goldilocks, what's your bowl of porridge?"

"Not too lovely, not too...Audrey. I'm starting to understand why I've never been able to settle down before."

"You were willing to settle with Alison before I got to her."

"Hardly— she's too gentle, I think I just felt bad."

"Do you have someone in mind then, Petruchio?"

"Do you remember Elizabeth?"

"Sexy snappy assistant?"

"That's the one."

He laughs arrogantly, "I knew you'd end up doing her."

"I haven't yet. We came close, but— I'm making her wait it out until she's so desperate she's unzipping my pants with her teeth."

"Carey, Carey, Carey," he shakes his head in amusement. "It makes me sick that I'm beginning to envy you. How the hell did that happen?"

"You fell in love with a high school girl."

"I never said I loved her."

"...right."

"Are you in love with Miss Elizabeth?"

"I can definitely stay interested in a woman like her, believe me," I sigh— I can still feel the stinging on my hand, oh, how my heart loves the pain.

The door opens behind us, and a woman walks in with Mr. Bailey.

"Trevor," he says when he sees us. "I didn't think you'd be awake this early."

"Oh, goody, you're back," Trevor rolls his eyes.

"I told you we'd be back today." Mr. Bailey sighs as he looks around, "I'm glad the house is clean, no thanks to you, I'm assuming. I'll have to pay Harry more for dealing with you."

"Honey," the woman places a hand on his arm, "how do you know the house was ever dirty?"

"I can tell by the looks of him that he's entertaining guests," he explains to her. "And I don't mean Ethan, I mean the overnight kind."

"You know me so well, father," Trevor says with a fake smile. "She'll leave as soon as she wakes up."

"What about breakfast? I can cook something for all of us," the woman suggests.

"You cook?" Trevor and his dad speak simultaneously.

"Yes, I do."

Trevor smirks, "I like that."

"Uh—" she stammers nervously, "I'm going to see what's in the kitchen."

Mr. Bailey nods, "Let me help."

I scratch my head awkwardly and give Trevor a questioning look as they walk away.

"What?" He replies though I can tell he knows what.

"Why am I getting the impression that I'm not the only one dabbling in older women?"

"I resent that accusation," Trevor says in false offense, unable to hide his smile, "that is the future Mrs. Bailey you're talking about."

"Yes, but the future missus to your dad or you."

I furrow my eyebrows at the tv. She said she likes this show...

"Why is everyone being so dramatic?"

"For the wholesome ending," Heather replies.

"The unrealistic ending?"

She laughs, "the parents will ask them if they were drinking, and they'll promise they would never do that...and then they'll all hug and kiss and say goodnight."

"Those kids," I point to the tv, "would get beat up— every day."

"Leo," Heather turns to me, "you would beat them up?"

"Well, not me, but this show is leaving out the fact that they're easy targets for good old fashion bullying." I mean, come on, the minister's kids?

"Because who would want to watch that? No one likes bullies."

I snicker, "If no one liked bullies, I'd be out a girlfriend."

"Excuse me?" She says in shock, "I am not a bully."

"That's not how I remember it. What'd you say again? Leo Rylin is miserable and penniless?"

"Oh, no, hush." She tries to cover my mouth, but I move before she can.

"No, it was great-" I laugh, "he's not worth the ink in this pen.' That was it, right?"

She climbs onto my lap, continuing to try to get me to stop. "That was awful," Heather cringes. "Forget it ever happened."

"You were so proud of yourself. 'Don't feed the pigeons, Tony'," I continue.

"Why did I say that?" She groans in embarrassment.

"It's not clever now?" I tease, "because you're here on top of me?"

"It was never clever. I'm so sorry."

"So I've heard," I smirk, despite her not seeing the humor in this.

"Say something mean back."

"What?"

"Do it, it's only fair."

I raise an eyebrow, "Are you sure?"

"Yes," she takes a deep breath.

"You can't back out, I've been waiting to do this."

"Go ahead," Heather nods.

"Alright," I say smugly, "you-"

"Mm," she buries her face in my shirt.

I laugh, "So much for payback, huh?"

"No, do it," she says, her face still hidden.

"Okay— first off...I love you." Heather picks her head up cautiously as if she's afraid this is a trick. "You're surprisingly cooler than anyone would think. You're fucking gorgeous...and way too nice. You're funny...sometimes. And, I don't know, you kinda make me happy," I shrug.

"Leo," her hand rests on my face, "you should've said something mean." She leans in to connect our lips— gently, soft...like saying 'I love you' without all the words.

Yeah, what type of idiot boyfriend would say something mean and miss this?

I pull away until she's looking into my eyes, "I like the way we started, I wouldn't change it even if I could."

"Why, so our biggest fight will always be before we were actually dating?" She says jokingly.

"No, but that's a plus..." I chuckle. "I think it's cool that you went from being bitchy to me, asking if I was going to fight back— to being in my room, on my lap, knowing that I wouldn't."

She pulls me in for another quick kiss.

"You're free this weekend, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I'm off house arrest in time for your birthday."

"I want to be with you. That's all I want for my birthday."

"Done. Where do you want to go?"

"Anywhere— as long as I have you for the day."

I smirk, "sounds like a day that will turn into a night that you get me to sleep over, and I get grounded again."

"Then tell me no."

"I can't."

She smiles and puts her arms over my shoulders, "Have I ever told you how much I love that?"

"You would, you're spoiled."

"Now who's a bully?"

I smile and my lips hover over hers until she's too tempted not to kiss me again.

"Jellybean," we hear from outside the door, and Heather quickly moves away from me before it opens. "Sorry to interrupt-" my mom starts to say but stops at the sight of us, "so much for studying, where are your books?"

I motion toward the TV. "We're taking a break. It's a process."

"Don't waste her time, Leo."

"Heather always lets me have breaks. We do this all the time."

"Whatever you say. I just wanted to let you know that I'll be leaving soon, and I'll bring back dinner."

"Where are you going?"

"Oh, nowhere special. I'll be back around 8, so don't leave unless it's to pick up milk."

"Alright, I hear you."

I wave her off, and she gives me a stern look before closing the door.

"We were so obvious," Heather whispers.

"Yeah, we've got to get sneakier when she's around. That was too close," I sigh. "I'd lock the door, but that would be just as bad as her walking in on us kissing."

"We have to tell her by spring break."

"Don't worry, butterfly, we'll tell her soon. But sneaking around is kinda hot, don't you think?" I pull her closer to me, making her smile when I nuzzle against her neck.

"Leo," she says. "Maybe if she was seeing someone herself, she'd be more inclined to be okay with us?"

"But, she's not seeing anyone."

"Right..."

"Heather," I give her a skeptical look, "you know something."

She hesitates, but breaks at the eye contact, "I saw her with a guy at a restaurant."

"What? When? What guy?"

"It wasn't that long ago, and I don't know. I didn't interrupt them."

"I'm going to ask."

"No, you're not," Heather pulls me back and holds me against the headboard. "She'll tell you when it gets serious."

"How do you know? I'm serious about you, and she has no idea."

"Yes, but she's the adult here."

"An adult who's hiding things."

"Well..." She smirks, "sneaking around is hot."

Natalia sighs in disappointment when I let her into my room. "Audrey! I called twice. You're still in bed?"

"I don't feel like getting up."

"But you have to. What's the fun of staying in?"

"Fun," I roll my eyes and walk back over to my bed while she stands in front of my mirror touching up her makeup.

"Yes, and speaking of, last night was amazing. I adore your school now."

"It's okay, I suppose."

"I talked to my parents about possibly transferring next year."

"Transferring to be closer to Alison?"

"Sure," she shrugs, "I told you I prefer your friends to mine."

"So you're together now?"

Natalia laughs, "Audrey, sweetheart, Alison is straight."

"Who knows these days?"

"You do, remember? You've known her much longer. It just so happens we have a bit in common. She was good company."

"She likes to take things from me."

"Am I a 'thing' to be taken?"

"No," I roll my eyes, "but you were my friend, and now Alison thinks she can call you and make plans for the two of you as if-"

Natalia turns her head to look at me. "She said this?"

"No, but she's thinking it."

"Audrey, I still am your friend. Alison was just there so I wouldn't have to bother you and Tony, remember?" A sly smile appears on her face. "You two looked very cozy."

"Cozy," I nod, "right."

"You still haven't given me details. Do I have to imagine?"

"We kissed, that was all. Tony is nice, I like him."

"Well, I knew all of that already."

"He's more confident now which is good...I can't be with anyone I can walk all over."

"So, it's settled, you're going to start dating him."

"I-" I shake my head in frustration, "what does that matter, Natalia? We talk about him too much. We're not on a dating show, the masquerade ball was not some sort of ploy to find a lover. There is no reasonable explanation as to why you're so caught up on Alison."

"Have you completely gone insane?" She narrows her eyes at me, "What is the matter?"

"My mother is coming down next week, and she's taking me back for spring break— I can bring someone, and I was going to choose you, but-"

"But?"

"I'm assuming you have prior commitments now— which is fine with me, I can always ask someone else. It won't make a difference who I'm there with."

"Well, if it won't make a difference," she says nonchalantly.

"Well, if you have prior commitments..." I leave room for her to tell me she doesn't, but she stays silent. "...Do you?"

"Not that I know of."

"Oh," I smile, "good then...you'll come?"

"Ask me nicely, you monster."

I cross my arms, "that was nice."

"Only in your world, darling. But— fine, will it just be us on this trip?"

"Yes...why?"

"I know a few people who also do spring in the Hamptons, and if you're not taking your own group-"

"Because I'm too horrible for you to be alone with," I roll my eyes.

She laughs, "someone's extra needy today."

"I don't know who you're referring to because it certainly isn't me."

"I'm the middle child, Audrey, if anyone knows what a cry for attention is, it's me. My brother is proudly my parents' favorite."

"...I didn't know you had siblings."

"Why do you think I never invite you over?"

"I didn't think."

"My brother will be in the Hamptons too, you can meet him."

"...it's his group you mentioned?" I say a little guiltily.

"Yes, though you had the impression that I knew better people I could ditch you for," she teases, and I look away in mild embarrassment. It's disgusting— I was this way about Alison in junior high. I have the uncontrollable need to keep the people I like in a chest on my shelf. "It's okay, honey," Natalia says assuringly, "I can deal with temperaments."

"I'm sorry."

"Did Audrey Michaels just apologize?" She raises an eyebrow in surprise.

"It's nauseating how often I'm doing this now."

"Get ready world, the new Audrey is sickeningly sweet."

"Yeah, right," I scoff.

"She spreads love and joy." Natalia comes over to me and engulfs me in her embrace. "She'll bathe you in hugs and compliments," she says, and I fall over with her arms around me.

"Ugh," I groan through laughter, "That's the last time I tell you I like what you're wearing."

"No, it's not. We have the same taste," she winks.

Matt sits up, hovering over Leo's seat, "How long until we have to take you back?"

"I don't know. I think as long as I get milk like she asked, I'm probably okay," Leo shrugs.

"Would you sit back before you go flying through the van and bruise your ribs some more?" I say to Matt.

"They healed already."

"What the hell happened to your ribs?" Leo asks in confusion.

He shrugs, "stuff."

"Stuff," Leo mimicked.

Matt nods, "Like Danny's eye."

"You guys show up with so many fucking bruises, I hate to ask."

I narrow my eyes at him, "Why's no one beating you up?"

"I'm too handsome," he smirks and I punch him in the arm. He hisses in pain, "fuck you."

"Let's go in," I place a cigarette between my teeth and get out of the van.

Everybody hanging outside of the house waved or nodded at the sight of us, but mostly crowded around Leo since he's been M.I.A.

I slip past them and through the door. There's usually less people here when the sun's still out, but of course, everyone wants to be here when I want to be

"Ugh, that's fucking gross," I turn away in disgust.

AJ and Cherry are on the sofa trying to see whose tongue can get furthest down the other's throat.

"You're fucking gross," AJ reels his tongue back in enough to talk.

"Go get Angela, " I say when Leo walks in, "tell her there's something dirtier than my shoes on the couch now."

Leo laughs before fist-bumping AJ. "What's up, man?"

"Val is here, right?" I ask aloud to anyone who could answer me.

Cherry rolls her eyes, "Leave her alone, Danny."

"Leave me alone, Cherry."

I head to the back and find Val talking to some guy who also smokes cigarettes, drinks beer, and is probably no good for her.

I knock to get her attention. "Hey."

Her expression changes when she sees my face— and I don't know if that's a good thing.

"Daniel."

"It's been a while, huh?"

"I guess so."

The dude sighs and gets up, "I'll catch up with you." She nods and gives him a sympathetic smile.

You don't have to feel sorry for him.

"Do you want to sit?" Val motions toward the spot next to her.

"Yeah, yeah," I join her, "How've you been?"

"I've been fine."

"That's good."

"What about you?"

I shrug, "surviving."

"Danny I-"

"Listen I-" we glance up at each other and laugh. "Sorry, go ahead," I tell her.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry...I still worry about you, you know? I get so sad thinking that you might not be okay."

"I'm not your problem. I never was...I'm sorry for leaning on you so much. I have to figure shit out on my own. It's rough, but I've got it."

She sighs and frowns a bit. "Still makes me sad."

"I want you to know that I get why you broke things off. I'm a dumbass, a complete jerkoff, I didn't deserve you."

"I'm not arguing."

"I figured you wouldn't," I chuckle. "I won't date Kat, though. I know you thought I wanted to, but I don't. You probably don't care now, but I still wanted you to hear it— and I want us to be friends too...if that's alright with you."

Val smiles, "yeah, we can be friends Danny."

"That's good," I pull her in for a hug, "real good."

I hear her laugh while her head is against my chest. The smell of that stuff she's always using in her hair fills my senses.

She still smells like coconut, and I've never felt sadder.

"Alright, bye," I step back from her fast and don't give her a second glance as I'm leaving.

Friends. Friends. Friends.

I have to be her friend.

"We didn't know you were so emotional, Danny," Matt sniffles.

"You two were listening?" I glare at them.

Leo nods with a sly look on his face. "And we're touched."

"My heart," Matt adds in a fake cry, "that was beautiful."

"Shut up," I walk away from them.

"You can't get back with her. I don't wanna be the only single dude in the group again," Matt chases behind me.

"Zach's single."

"Then why am I selling to Evan?" Matt said in defeat.

I scrunch my face in confusion, "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Evan?" Leo says in surprise, "what happened to Aaron?"

"The car dude?"

"Wait— so you know?"

"Yeah, I know, you know?"

"Yeah, I knew first."

"Know what?" I interject. They look at each other before avoiding eye contact with me. "Fuck you guys, I'll ask him myself."