I found Lia where I'd left her, still on the dance floor, hair slightly damp at her temples, completely in it. She saw my face when I got close and slowed.
“Why’d you take so long in the bathroom?” she asked. “Everything okay?”
I felt my face get warm. “All this dancing made me feel like I was overheating,” I said. “I just needed some time to cool down.”
It wasn’t a great lie. She gave me a look.
Before she could press further, I said. “Anyway, I have to go. I’m sorry.”
She raised an eyebrow. "Now?"
"Connor texted,” I said. “And I know it's our night out, Lia. But I really want to see him."
She looked at me for a moment, eyebrows knitted together. Then she sighed and clamped her hands tight on my shoulder.
"This Connor," she said, gritting the words out, "is really getting in the
