Liam's text sits on my screen.
We need to talk. Now.
I stare at it for a full minute.
He has the photo. Has to. That's why he's texting.
Me: about what
Liam: Don't play dumb. You know exactly what.
Me: i'm busy
Liam: Make time. Unless you want me to send what I have to the dean.
There it is. The threat made explicit.
Me: fine. where
Liam: Coffee shop. Corner of Westwood and Wilshire. 30 minutes.
Me: i'll be there
I set my phone down.
Riley's watching. "You're meeting him?"
"I don't have a choice. He has the photo. He's threatening to send it to the dean."
"So call his bluff—"
"What if he's not bluffing? What if he actually does it?"
"Then Ethan loses his job and you get expelled. Which is what's going to happen anyway if you keep meeting with Ethan in his office."
"I know."
"So maybe it's time to stop. To actually listen when Ethan says it's over. To protect yourself before there's nothing left to protect."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
