Zoey's POV

I woke up to sunlight streaming across my face.

When the scattered rays hit my eyelids, I squinted and rolled over—only to freeze at the unfamiliar surroundings. My consciousness slowly caught up with reality.

Last night... I'd eaten way too much.

Ophelia pushed the door open, holding a glass of water. "You're up? Drink this first. I told you not to inhale all those desserts, but did you listen? And now look at you. If I'd known your stomach was this sensitive, I never would've dragged you to that café."

I managed a small smile. "I don't usually eat sweets."

"True." Ophelia paused, like she'd just remembered something. "Oh, right—we ran into Lawrence's brother last night. You two seemed to get into it, but he didn't seem to take it personally."

I tried to piece together the memory. Last night, my blood sugar had been low, my head fuzzy, my stomach upset—and then Gavin had said something that made me snap back at him. But the exact words were hazy now. All I remembered was that my tone hadn't been kind.

I shook my head, letting it go. Whatever I'd said, it was over now.

Seeing I wasn't going to elaborate, Ophelia didn't press. She held out my phone.

"You might want to check this."

I glanced at the screen. Dozens of missed calls. Over thirty unread messages.

All from Lawrence.

The messages ranged from [Zoey, why aren't you picking up?] to [Are you okay? I'm really worried] to [Are you still mad at me?]

I stared at the screen, my emotions tangled.

Since we'd started dating, I'd never ignored him. Yesterday was the first time. It hadn't been as hard as I'd expected.

"Look who's suddenly so concerned." Ophelia's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Funny how he didn't seem worried when he was at that party with Florence."

I knew she was just looking out for me. After a long hesitation, I pressed the call-back button.

He picked up on the first ring.

"Zoey!" Lawrence's voice was thick with relief and anxiety. "You finally called back. Please don't be mad, okay? Let's meet up—I'll explain everything."

I didn't want to explain. I didn't even want to talk to him. But I kept my voice steady. "I was with Ophelia last night. Celebrating... my first-place finish."

Lawrence went silent.

When he finally spoke again, his voice was careful, tentative. "I'm so sorry, Zoey. I forgot yesterday was your competition. Can we have dinner tonight? Let me make it up to you?"

I fell silent too. Beside me, Ophelia was shaking her head, but I felt like I had to see him. To say what needed to be said.

"Okay. Where?"

We agreed on a time and place. I hung up and sank back into the couch.

Ophelia watched me. "You're really going to meet him?"

"I need to make things clear." I closed my eyes.

"Can you, though?" Ophelia stood and walked to the door, glancing back at me. "You've always made excuses for him. Are you really going to wake up this time?"

I didn't answer. My mind was a mess. I was used to the way Lawrence treated me, used to having him around. But Florence's sudden appearance had changed everything.

By noon, I'd arrived at the restaurant. Lawrence was already there—unusual, since he normally showed up right on time.

"Zoey, you're here!"

Lawrence looked nervous. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to forget about your qualifier. And I didn't mean to just leave you alone at my house."

I cut him off. "It's fine. It's over."

Lawrence seemed surprised by my tone. He kept apologizing. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault."

I looked at him and suddenly felt exhausted. Before, I'd needed his apologies so badly—but Lawrence had never offered them. I'd had to make excuses for him instead.

Now that I didn't need them anymore, he was finally willing to say the words.

Lawrence continued, "Don't take what Gavin said to heart. You could tell my parents really liked you that day..."

"Lawrence." I interrupted him. "What exactly are you trying to say?"

When I cut him off again, I saw his smile crack. But he quickly plastered it back on.

"I'm saying... I really don't want to lose you. I've been reflecting on my behavior these past few days. I know I messed up. I'm hoping you'll give me another chance."

He placed his hand over mine. I looked down at it, feeling nothing.

"So you've finally learned how to apologize."

A familiar voice came from beside me. Gavin appeared next to our table—I had no idea when he'd arrived. Remembering last night, I calmly looked away.

"Gavin? What are you doing here?" Lawrence seemed caught off guard.

"Getting lunch." Gavin's eyes flicked to me. "Happened to see you two."

I assumed he'd leave in a moment, so I turned my head away. Instead, he sat down.

After taking his seat, he didn't speak right away. I glanced over in confusion, only to meet his gaze directly.

Gavin looked at me briefly, then turned to Lawrence. "Where were you the day of your girlfriend's qualifier?"

My fists clenched involuntarily. Was he... standing up for me?

"I'm asking you—where were you?"

Lawrence's face flushed red. "I was with Florence—"

"I don't care who the girl in your story is," Gavin said, his voice still calm. "I asked where you were when your girlfriend had her qualifier."

His words carried weight. Even I didn't dare breathe too loudly. But at the same time, something in my chest felt lighter.

Gavin continued, "Your girlfriend was feeling sick last night and nearly passed out on the side of the road, alone. Does that sound safe to you?"

I hadn't expected him to bring that up. Lawrence looked just as surprised, turning to me with wide eyes. "You weren't feeling well last night?"

I didn't answer.

Lawrence's expression shifted, his emotions rising. "You were alone? Why didn't you tell me?"

I stayed silent. Gavin spoke again. "Tell you? So you could solve the problem? Someone who can't even remember when his girlfriend has a competition—why should anyone trust you?"

I had to admit, Gavin's sharp tongue, when aimed in the right direction, was oddly satisfying.

"I understand." Lawrence lowered his head, too meek to argue back.

Gavin stood and left once he'd made his point. I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

But Lawrence immediately turned back to me. "Zoey, you weren't feeling well last night? Was it because of the competition?"

I almost laughed. He was actually asking me 'why.'

"Let's just eat."

I was so tired. Ophelia's words echoed in my mind: 'You need someone you don't have to make excuses for.'

And right behind that thought—Gavin's face.

Why was I thinking about him? I ate in silence, my mind drifting far away.

Maybe it was time I really thought about what Ophelia had said.