“Why?” I ask.
“Because he doesn’t want to come out in college. He feels strongly that just because he likes guys it doesn’t mean he should have to tell the world.”
I understand what she’s saying and why Oliver feels that way, and I agree. “It’s his thing to share, but I talked to him about it. He said it was okay for me to tell you. We don’t want you in the dark anymore, and now I can explain why I didn’t tell you what’s been going on.” That makes it sound like she was planning on telling me the truth before Max sold her out to me. Knowing that makes me feel a bit better, but the fact she kept it from me to begin with still stings.
“What does Oliver being gay have to do with the fae?”
“It doesn’t, exactly. Oliver doesn’t know, but he wasn’t the only one using our relationship as a cover.”
My brows tug together. “Are you telling me you’re gay? Fae aren’t allowed to be gay?”
She laughs, but it’s uneven, different from her normal laugh. “No, I’m not gay. I don’t think the fae care about that. Love is love.”
“Okay. What did you need the relationship to hide?”
She hesitates. “The guy I am seeing,” she says in a timid voice.
“Who are you seeing, Allison?” I press.
“His name is Evan. He’s a fourth year, like us, and he’s fae.”
I’m missing something. So far, her explanation has yet to provide a real reason for her getting into trouble with Tristan.
“I still don’t see the problem—other than the fact that the guy you loved realized he doesn’t like girls. I can’t imagine how that made you feel.”
She shrugs. “It hurt at first, but I get it, and I don’t blame him. He didn’t do it to hurt me. He didn’t know what he wanted at that point. We’ve gotten past the awkwardness, obviously, considering what we’re doing for each other now.”
“Now you’re going to tell me what the problem is with you dating Evan, right?”
She wraps her arms around herself. “Well, Evan is light fae . . . and pretty close to their leader, Jules, who is Tristan’s enemy.”
A weight settles in my stomach. “This sounds more dangerous than you’re making it out to be.” I’m sure she can feel the concern pouring off of me by now.
She sighs. “We care about each other, Aurora. I tried to explain that to Tristan, but you know him well enough now to know how that went. There’s a chance, if I refuse to walk away from Evan, that’ll I’ll be incarcerated for treason.”
My stomach drops. Do the fae have their own type of prison in the human world? “What? No. I’m not going to let that happen to you.”
She almost smiles. “Thanks, but there’s not much you, or even I, can do. I understand the rules. They are in place to keep our people safe.” She blinks a few times. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispers.
I run my fingers through my hair and let out a slow breath, trying to ground myself so I can think about this situation rationally. “Is it worth it?” She looks offended by the question. “I’m just saying, this could cause a lot of trouble for you. Tristan won’t accept that you’re—for lack of a better phrase—sleeping with the enemy. I don’t know much about the whole thing, but I know that it’s serious.” Tristan’s unease during the phone call this morning, and his responses during the conversation we had afterward tell me enough to make that statement.
“I know that,” she mumbles. “I don’t want to lose him.”
“Tristan said light fae are killing dark fae. What if you become a target?” I grab her hands and squeeze them gently. “I can’t stand the thought of you getting hurt.”
“I . . .” She looks away. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Did you know he was light fae?”
“I did,” she says. “And before you ask, yes, he knew I wasn’t, but we decided that it didn’t matter.”
“I think it matters more than you want to admit.” Everything I’ve heard about the light fae urges me to be wary of them. Especially when my best friend is involved.
She scowls, pulling her hands from mine. “How the hell would you know?” My eyes widen at her sudden sharp tone. That went from zero to one hundred way too fast.
I stand there for several beats. Allison never snaps at me. I don’t think I’ve ever heard her raise her voice at anyone. It’s clear she’s not about to apologize for it. “You’re right, I don’t know everything about the fae, but I will do whatever it takes to make sure you’re okay. Even if you’re pissed at me now, you’d do the same for me.”
She blinks a few times, her expression softening. “I would and I love you for caring so much, I do, but I need to figure this one out on my own. I’ll be careful, I promise, but please don’t be mad at me for this.”
I don’t want to be angry, but it takes some effort to push those feelings down. Maybe I’ll feel better about the situation once I’ve met the guy. I decide to reserve my judgment until then.
“Okay,” I say. “I need a coffee. You want to join?”
Her shoulders easing, she smiles. “Thank you. I’ve got to head to class, but I’ll catch you later?”
I nod, leaning over to hug her. “Sure.”
At the cafeteria, I’m standing at the self-serve station putting a lid on my cup when Oliver walks over with his own. By the looks of his eyes and messy hair, it isn’t his first. You can always tell when it’s midterms around here. Hell, I’m surprised he’s wearing jeans and a T-shirt instead of pajamas. I would be if I hadn’t been at the hotel this morning.
Oliver blows out a breath. “It’s just after noon, and I’m ready for bed.”
“Do you have time for a break?”
His eyes widen. “Break? You’ll have to explain that foreign concept to me.”
I giggle. “Well, we can sit and talk about something that has nothing to do with study cards or assignments. I’ve heard it’s enjoyable.”
“Let’s give it a go,” he says.
We pay for our coffee and find a quiet spot in the corner of the lounge attached to the cafeteria.
“Listen, there’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you for a while now.” He fidgets with his hands in his lap. “Did Allison talk to you?”
I smile. “She did. I understand why you guys kept it from me. I’m not mad.” I’m a bit upset with the whole situation, but that’s my issue to deal with.
He nods. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you. I’ve felt so terrible about it, especially for Allison. I never meant to hurt her. She’s been so amazing about all of it.”
“Don’t apologize, Oliver. You shouldn’t have to say anything. In my mind, you dating guys is no different than you dating girls.”
His face relaxes. “Thanks for being cool about this.”
“Of course.” I give his shoulder a gentle punch. “So, are you seeing anyone?”
He scratches his head. “Not officially. I’m not broadcasting my relationship status publically, but I’m sort of hanging with someone on and off.”
I press my lips together, hesitating before I ask, “Do your parents know?”
He offers a weak smile, and my chest tightens.