Ever since my birthday, Harry and I have barely spoken. It's a heavy, uncomfortable silence.
What's worse is that he and I are the main talk of the school; everyone is buzzing about that kiss, which feels ridiculous considering we aren't even on speaking terms.
My life feels like it's moving at a hundred miles per hour, and I'm just trying to keep my head above water.
I found it impossible to concentrate in class today. The teacher's voice sounded like a drone in a different language.
I felt moody and on edge—I couldn't tell if it was my period or just the crushing weight of being ignored by the guy I actually like.When the bell finally rang, I practically ran to my locker.
Brianna and Hailey were already there waiting, looking like a scene from a movie in their winter coats.
"Hey," I said, pulling them into a quick hug.
"Why the smug face?" Brianna asked, leaning against the cold metal lockers.
"That class was horrible," I pouted. "Probably because you guys weren't there to distract me. I think my brain actually melted."
"C'mon," Hailey said, linking her arm with mine. "Let's go eat. You need a distraction and some serious caffeine".
We made our way to the cafeteria, the heart of the school's social chaos. We headed for the large circular table where the guys were already seated.
I felt Harry's gaze on me the moment we approached, but I pointedly ignored him, focusing on the strap of my bag."Took you guys long enough," Logan said, sliding over to make room for Brianna. He reached out and snagged a fry from her tray before she even sat down."Get your own, Logan!" Brianna laughed, swatting his hand away.
"So, Christmas break is coming up," Noah suggested, leaning forward with a spark in his eye. "I say we host one last legendary party before the break. My parents are heading to the Hamptons early."
"Now that's what I like to hear," Henry agreed, nodding enthusiastically.
"Since we're all spending the holidays in Italy, one more New York ringer wouldn't hurt. We need a proper send-off."
Italy. My heart sank. They were all going?
"Wait, you guys are all spending the whole holiday in Italy?" I asked Hailey, needing to hear it for myself.
"Yeah, we go almost every year," she said, her voice softening when she saw my expression. "My dad loves the country home there—the De Luca estate. He wants the whole family back, and the guys usually tag along or stay nearby."
"So what am I going to do without you?" I asked, feeling a genuine sting of loneliness.
"It's going to be terrible here. Just me and the snow."
"Aww, Andrea," Hailey cooed, leaning over to hug me and plant a kiss on my cheek.
"What, are you guys lesbians now?" Benjamin chimed in from across the table.
He was smiling at Hailey, but when his eyes hit mine, his expression soured instantly. I truly don't know what I did to make that guy hate me so much.
"Grow up, Ben," Logan muttered, rolling his eyes. "They're best friends. Some of us actually have those."
"I'm just saying," Benjamin shrugged, looking back at his phone. "It's a lot of affection for a Monday."
I shot Benjamin a look that clearly said I hate you too, while catching Harry staring at me again.
He looked like he wanted to say something, his mouth opening slightly before he closed it and took a long, aggressive sip of his water.
"Don't worry, Andrea, you'll be fine," Hailey reassured me, squeezing my hand.
"You have Layla, and I think Brianna is staying in town for at least the first week, right?"
"Yeah," Brianna confirmed, leaning her head on Logan's shoulder. "My mom wants to do the whole 'Big Apple Christmas' thing this year. We can have our own mini-parties, Andrea. Movie nights, baking, the works."
"I'll probably be around too," Noah added, winking at me.
"If I don't get dragged to the Hamptons for the full three weeks. We won't let you rot in that big house."
"I'll hold you to that," I said, trying to force a smile.
I looked over at Henry, who was busy trying to convince Logan to help him prank the gym teacher before the break.
"If you get caught, don't mention my name,"
Logan was saying, though he was clearly interested. The banter of the group usually made me feel included, but today, the thought of the long, cold holiday without Hailey—and without knowing where I stood with Harry—made me miserable.
When I finally got home, the house felt even bigger than usual. I showered and fell into a deep sleep, waking up only when the sun had started to set, casting long, orange shadows across my room.
I checked my phone and saw a notification from an unknown number.
"I never got a thank you for my gifts."
My heart leaped into my throat. I knew exactly who it was. I was tempted to reply with 'How did you get my number?' but I decided to play it cool. I saved the contact as Antonio.
Andrea: Thank you very much. I actually loved it.
Antonio: That's good.He replied almost instantly. I couldn't help myself; I had to know if he was part of the Italy exodus.
Andrea: Are you going to Italy too? The whole school seems to be leaving.The typing bubbles appeared immediately.
Antonio: Any problem?
Andrea: Nahhh. I just wanted to know. It's going to be quiet here.
Antonio: No. I am not going to Italy. I have work to handle here.
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding. I felt a wave of relief wash over me. At least I wouldn't be completely alone in New York. I sent back a happy emoji and headed downstairs, feeling a sudden spring in my step.
I joined Martha in the kitchen to help with dinner. The smell of roasted chicken filled the air, making the place feel a bit more like a home. Dad and Layla arrived shortly after, and for once, the dining room didn't feel like a museum.
"So, I've been thinking," my dad said during dinner, looking at Layla with an expression I rarely saw—genuine warmth. "Layla, why don't you move in with us? Permanently".
"Yeah! That would be amazing," I added, looking at her hopefully. "This house is way too big for just me when Dad is working. It gets boring, and Martha needs someone else to boss around."
Layla laughed, looking touched. "I'll think about it. It's a big step."
"Think fast," Dad teased. "I've already cleared out a closet."
Having her around would be lovely. She was like a mix of a mother and a big sister, and I loved the relationship she had with my dad. It made me feel like we were a real family.
The rest of the school week dragged on. Winter had officially tightened its grip on the city, and it was biting cold. I bundled up in extra-thick sweatshirts and my favorite long boots every morning.
After school on Thursday, Layla and I went grocery shopping and picked up some new clothes. When we got back, she dragged me to the home gym.
"So, how's the situation with Harry?" she asked, her voice steady as she powered through a set of squats.
"Horrible," I replied, increasing the pace on the treadmill until my heart was pounding.
"What happened this time? I thought the birthday kiss changed things."
"He kissed me in front of everyone, yeah. But when I asked what we actually were, he said he didn't know," I said, the anger bubbling up again. "Like, why even do it if you're just going to be weird about it?"
"That's bad," Layla said, wiping her forehead. "That's why I always say go for older men. At least they usually know what they want and they don't play these high school games.
"I bit my tongue hard. I wanted to tell her about Antonio, but I held back. If she knew I was talking to Harry's older brother, she might not think it was such a great idea.
"Don't worry, you'll be fine," she added, stepping off the squat rack. "You're beautiful, Andrea. Men will always come your way. Don't let one boy's confusion ruin your mood."
"I just don't get why he's so inconsistent," I muttered."He'll come around, or he won't. Just give it time," Layla said. "I had a relationship like that in college. Eventually, I just got tired of the games and moved on to someone who actually showed up. Best decision I ever made."
"I want this one to work," I admitted softly. "Without having to force him to care."
"Everything will be fine, Andrea. Enjoy the break. Focus on yourself for a bit."We kept chatting as we finished our workout. Talking to her always made the world feel a little less chaotic. I was really glad she was moving in; I was going to need her perspective if things with the De Luca brothers got any more complicated.