Ten years ago. The first post-grad get-together.
I was half an hour late because of traffic.
I pushed the door open and walked straight into Ethan’s voice—bragging to the class sweetheart.
“I did what you said. Switched her apps. No one’s gonna know. Once the letters roll in, she’s shipped off to Crestwood. We’ll be at Lakewood.”
“North and south from here on out. You won’t have to worry about her getting in the way ever again.”
My brain just went static.
Ethan Hayes and I grew up together. He’d told both our families a hundred times he was going to marry me someday.
Sophomore year, he asked me out officially.
We swore we’d go to Lakewood together. I dropped my favorite electives—creative writing, AP History—just to match his schedule.
Everyone assumed we’d get married right after graduation.
And now he’d changed my applications?
For Naomi Hart, who’d been here one semester?
I opened my mouth, but my throat was sandpaper. Nothing came out.
The room erupted.
“Ethan, you legend!”
“Man really said screw the childhood sweetheart just so he could shoot his shot with Naomi out in the open.”
“Honestly? I’ve been dying to say this. Nora’s nobody. She thinks just ’cause her GPA’s solid and she’s known Ethan since forever, she gets to act like his keeper. I can’t stand that clingy, no-boundaries routine.”
“Right? Naomi’s way better. Sweet and gorgeous.”
“Stop it!”
Naomi scolded them, but it came out like a purr. She leaned into Ethan’s chest, her expression pure smug delight.
“I mean, I am the one who came later,” she sighed, playing it up.
“So what? Ethan still chose you.”
Chloe Reed laughed, teasing.
Naomi blushed, resting her head on Ethan’s shoulder. He gave her this fond, indulgent smile.
Then he remembered to add a warning.
“This stays between us, got it? Don’t breathe a word. The application portal closes tomorrow afternoon. I don’t need any surprises.”
“Also…”
He paused, the corner of his mouth lifting.
“I’ve gotta figure out how to handle her first. Nora’s always been a crybaby. Easy to calm down. But we’re still getting married someday, so I don’t need drama with the parents.”
Everyone got the message instantly.
“Relax, our lips are sealed.”
“Damn. Nora’s lucky Ethan even thinks about her like that. Getting your apps changed and shipped off a thousand miles away? Totally worth it.”
Another wave of laughter.
Naomi gazed up at Ethan like he was a god. He looked down at her, completely oblivious to anyone else.
I couldn’t stop the tears.
I knew, right then—I’d never, ever take Ethan Hayes back.