I convince Cassie to let me treat her to breakfast the next morning. It's the least I could do considering she stayed up until 4 am waiting for me to get home.

We drive to this quaint café with outdoor seating called 'By the Shore'. When we get there, the hostess takes us to our table and hands us both a menu. But before I have a chance to skim it, Cassie starts with the questions.

"So, remind me again. Why were you at the warehouse last night?"

I sigh and lower the menu from my face so that I can see her better. "I don't know. I promise, I don't. I left the carnival with Noah and he told me where to drive to. When I tried asking him where we were going, he refused to give me an answer."

Cassie skews her lips and gives me a look like I'm lying.

"How do you know about the fight anyways?" I ask, hoping that switching the focus onto her will serve as a distraction.

She drops her elbows and sighs like this conversation is the last thing she wants to be having right now. "Everyone knows about Noah's fighting. How else do you think he was able to kick Kyle's ass last night? Practice makes perfect."

"Is Kyle okay by the way?"

"He's fine. He's got a couple of scratches on his face and a bit of a bruised eye, but I went to visit him and they looked like they were healing pretty well. If anything, he's more upset that he couldn't make it to practice this morning."

"Can I get you two anything to drink?" the waitress interrupts before I can ask Cassie another question.

"I'll have a Bloody Mary, please," Cassie says, and I shake my head playfully at her. "What?! They're known to cure hangovers." She pauses to think about her statement. "At least the virgin versions are."

I direct my attention back to the waitress. "Uh, water's fine. Thank you," I tell her before she scurries off. "Doesn't anyone ask for IDs around here?"

"Hello! It's called a 'fake'," Cassie chuckles. "Anyways, I think I'm going to go with the avocado toast. Should we share an appetizer? Maybe the tuna tartare?"

"Cass," I give her a look like I'm not dropping this. "Who started the fight?"

She pouts her lips at me. "Neither. Gosh, why do you care so much, Fee? Is it Noah you care about, huh?" I chew on my lip and Cassie lets out a deep breath. "Listen, I should've told you this a long time ago, but what the hell? Justin and I dated for a few months last year. Obviously, this was before Kyle, but our relationship didn't end on the greatest note. I know what you're thinking — me and Justin, right? Turned out, Justin and I were in most of the same classes during Junior year. We started getting close when he asked me to tutor him in Calculus. Clearly, he was hitting on me because everyone knows that I'm a 'D' student. Anyways, one thing led to another, and we started dating...secretly. No one knew. Not even my parents. He told me it was better that way. Little did I know it was because he didn't want his pretentious friends knowing about us. I mean, we were from two different social circles. I guess having more money than them doesn't matter; you're either popular or you're not. And you know me, 'popular' just isn't my speed."

"We only dated for a few months, but I really fell hard to the point where I lost my virginity to him. After that, he told me loved me, and I said it back. Evidently, that wasn't enough because things carried on like they did before we slept together. He would ignore me at school, but then come over and tell me how much I meant to him. It got to a point where I just couldn't take it anymore. I realized that I deserved better, so I told him we needed to end things. He didn't take it well at all. He practically begged me to take him back, and I told him I would if he was able to make the changes that I needed him to make. I didn't need him to shout from the rooftops that he loved me, but I did need him to not be afraid to hold my hand in public. As much as he promised me that he would change, he couldn't stick to it, and by our third breakup, I was at my breaking point. He never really got over it, even though I moved on."

I see her start to tear up, so I reach for her hand. "Ugh, Cass."

"Being with Kyle made me realize that he's the kind of person I deserve. Someone who isn't ashamed of me. Someone who will love me unconditionally. And, apparently at the carnival, Justin said something to Kyle along the lines of being the first one to...well, you know...," she presses her lips together and tilts her head. I get it; she doesn't need to fill in the blanks. "After Justin did that, Kyle just lost it, and rightfully so. Justin's intentions aren't always pure. He knew what it would take to crack Kyle, and he went there. The problem is that Justin can't fight his own battles. He never did. He never does. He doesn't have it in him. That's where Noah comes in. He sees a fight and it just triggers him, especially when it comes to protecting the people that he cares about. With Noah, though, one fight always leads to another until he feels fulfilled, which is probably why he took you to the warehouse."

I nod as I process this information. It's the only thing that I can do before coming to the realization that I probably should say something, and quick. "Thank you for telling me that. I know that you didn't have to, but it really means a lot to me that you did. I'm always here for you no matter what, and I'm so proud of you for knowing what you deserve, Cass. You're the nicest, funniest, most genuine person that I know who will put everything on hold for the one she loves, and you deserve that and more in return from the person you choose to give your heart to. Justin's an idiot — I don't have to tell you that — and he clearly acted the way that he did because he knows he messed up. He knows that he lost the best thing he'll never have. I know you feel so lucky to have Kyle, but he should feel just as lucky to have you. You're an amazing soul, Cassie. Really, you are."

"Thanks, Fee." She picks up the napkin and presses it to her face, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Okay. Enough of this sob-fest. Let's eat!"

***

"You really didn't have to," Cassie says as the waitress comes back with my credit card and receipt.

"It was my pleasure," I say as I sign my name on the dotted line of the bill.

"So, where to now?" she crosses her messenger bag over her shoulder and asks.

"Well, I have about an hour to spare until I have to meet up with my brothers. Should we walk around for a bit?"

"I'm down. I actually need to stop for shoes. You mind?"

"Let's do it."

We walk into Cambridge's, a family-owned shoe store that sells mostly high-end styles like Christian Louboutin and Chanel.

"Nice to see you again, Miss Monroe," the elderly, white-haired saleswoman greets Cassie, who tries on six different pairs of shoes before finally purchasing three.

"Are you sure you didn't need anything?" Cassie asks as we walk out.

"I'm sure," I tell her.

"Boy, for someone with lots of money, you sure don't spend like it."

We circle around town, making a pit stop at Starbucks for iced cappuccinos. "Oh no," Cassie says, looking ahead. I follow her eyes to find Justin walking out of the bank wearing dock shorts, a plaid, button-down collared shirt, navy leather boat shoes and a pair of aviator sunglasses. He looks like the biggest tool if I ever saw one. I might be biased now because of what Cassie told me, but I don't care. Now that I know what I know, I can't look at him the same way. Just when he was starting to get on my good side...

"I really don't want to see him," Cassie desperately says, but it's too late. Justin's already walking towards us with a seemingly apologetic look on his face.

"Cassie," he states as he comes to a halt in front of us.

"Justin," she says back, crossing her arms and trying her hardest to avoid eye contact with him.

"I know you hate me right now, I would hate me too, and I'm probably the last person you want to talk to or look at, but I just want to sincerely apologize for last night. I was out of line, and I'm sorry."

Wow, I wasn't expecting that, and neither was Cassie by the look of her expression. I expect Cassie to go off, but am surprisingly relieved when she doesn't.

"Thank you. I accept your apology," she says and Justin smirks, knowing that he's somewhat cleared the air with her.

"Well, uh, I've got to go. I told my dad I'd meet him at the country club, but I'm having some people over tonight. You guys should come."

"Uh, I don't think that's a good idea," Cassie answers for the both of us.

"C'mon, Cass. You can bring Kyle. In fact, please bring him. I'd like to apologize. It would mean a lot to me if you could make it," Justin says before turning to me. "You too, Sophia."

I grin at Justin but leave it to Cassie to make the final call.

"Okay," she finally agrees. "But no more fights."

"No more fights," Justin promises before walking away.

I grab Cassie's arm, bringing her closer to me. "Did you really just agree to that? Especially after what happened last night?"

"Listen, I think it could be good for Kyle. He's not one to forgive easily, and I trust Justin when he says that he's going to apologize, so this might be the only way for them to clear the air once and for all." I don't say anything back and stare straight ahead with a blank expression on my face. "Oh, c'mon, Fee, you can't leave me to fend for myself. You have to come tonight."

"I don't know, Cass. What if Noah doesn't want me there?" I'm not going to lie, I was slightly disappointed when I woke up with no text from him.

"What does Justin's house have anything to do with Noah?" When I look shyly at Cassie, she presses. "Oh my gosh, Sophia Grace — spill." Gosh, I hate when she uses my middle-name to get information out of me.

"Noah and I sort of kissed last night."

"Sort of? As in you kissed?!" Cassie shrieks, and I just nod, trying to mask the giddy smile on my face. "I knew that boy wanted you the second I saw his eyes on you."

"It's not like that, Cass."

"Fee, don't play dumb. You're allowed to be wanted. I just beg of you, please keep your guard up when it comes to Noah."

"Cass..."

"Okay, okay, I'll shut up. But we have to go to Justin's now!"

"But wouldn't Noah tell me about it if he wanted me there?"

"Not exactly. It's not his house. Plus, Justin made it sound like it was only going to be a few people. Listen, I told my mom I'd meet her at her hair appointment, so I've got to go, but I'll pick you up after dinner and we'll head to Justin's together."

"Alright. You good to drive?"

"Yeah, I actually want to. No drinking for me, tonight. If anything, Kyle's going to need it."