Chapter 7: A Chance Encounter

But life’s got a wicked sense of humor.

Orientation week, sunset at Lake Lagunita. I stood by the water, hugging my notebook, breathing in eucalyptus and hope. Maybe this was my reset.

A group of freshmen drifted past, laughter echoing. Then a familiar voice behind me: “Excuse me.”

I turned. Ryan. White shirt, tall and lean, hair falling into his eyes, gold from the sunset.

He looked at me, lips curving. “Excuse me, how do I get to the freshman dorm?”

The words blurted out: “Why are you coming to Stanford’s freshman dorm?”

As soon as I said it, I regretted it. Ryan arched a brow. “Oh? Freshman knows me?”

My brain scrambled. “I’m from Lincoln High too. Ryan’s kind of a legend there.”

“You’re also from Lincoln High—” He drew out the last word, studying me. “Then do you know a girl from your year named Elle Monroe?”

…Elle Monroe. The fake name I used to catfish him.

He’s with Chloe now. Why’s he looking for me? Is this revenge?

I shook my head. “Sorry, never heard of her.”

Ryan studied me, silent. Then he took out his phone. “Thanks, freshman. Mind if I add you on Instagram?”

“I… uh, left my phone upstairs.”

He shrugged, “No problem. Give me your number, I’ll add you.”

Panic prickled. I couldn’t think of an excuse.

Just then, my roommates called out, “Ava, orientation’s starting!”

I shot Ryan a grateful look. “Sorry, gotta go. Next time!”

His eyes followed me all the way to the student union.