ELOISE
"I’m telling you, El, Marcus is a total sweetie," Tasha said for the third time, adjusting her gold hoop earrings in the reflection of the off-campus lounge’s glass doors. "He brought his teammate, Trey. Trey plays wide receiver, he's premed, and most importantly, he doesn't act like he owns the university. Just relax and have fun. You deserve a normal night out."
I forced a small, tight smile, smoothing down the front of my black fitted dress. "I know. I'm excited."
It was a lie. The heavy, sickening truth of what I had overheard in the administrative wing hours ago—Mike, his father, and Coach Vance discussing underground point-shaving—was still burning a hole through my chest. But when Tasha had insisted on setting me up on a double date to celebrate our new friendship, I co
