The Third Best Thing (Fulton U, #3)

by Maya Hughes

the name of the girl who’d just punched a hole right through the little fantasy I’d been dreaming up in my head. “I’m Alexis. Are you lost?” The tunnel vision started, like I’d been punted down the deepest well on campus. ‘Alexis’ came out slowed down, like someone was playing the entire world at half speed. This was Alexis. This was the girl I’d baked a cake for. The girl all the guys said was bad news, but Berk kept talking to. All through our letters, after the engagement party and after two nights ago he was still not only talking to Alexis—but apparently banging her too. He’d stood me up last night to bang his ex—or current—girlfriend. I couldn’t breathe. Air stalled in my lungs like my head was being held underwater and I was clawing for the surface. The burn was sharp and slamming at my ribs. A small wheeze made it past my lips. She slipped out of bed with her arms crossed over her chest. She was small. Skinny with long legs that made her appear statuesque even at her height. And she looked totally pissed off that I was there. “Who are you?” My chest was so tight every attempt to breathe created a new crack. If I moved too quickly I was going to shatter. I needed to get out of there before my humiliation was complete. “I’m no one.” I spun around and rushed back down the hallway. The bathroom door opened as my foot hit the top step. I wouldn’t break down. Not here. I’d save that for once I was on the other side of the front door. A complete collapse of the brave Jule...