I fought every instinct not to roll my eyes as Maya perched on the steps like a lap?dog waiting for its treat. She was practically pathetic, only tolerable because she makes me look infinitely better by comparison. Nobody could pretend I wasn’t the golden child just because I’m “friends” with her; it’s all charity, not some deep?seated bond she even imagined when she first strutted into school. If only she knew her only friend did so out of pity it would crush her, god I would love to see that. Ugh, she’s relentless.

  “Maya!” I called, plastering a practiced smile on my face so I could pass as the “nice girl.” I leaned in for a hug, trying not to gag at the lingering scent of cheap powder on her skin, she’s finally discovered the whole “dusting” thing, even if she still smells like a freshly?scented hallway. I forced a bright grin, looped my arm through hers, and dragged us through the front doors. The sooner we’re near the boys, the better; Maya is at least tolerable in a group.

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  Noah and Maya were already deep in some geek?culture debate, while we all clustered by Liam’s locker. Liam is the only one who doesn’t annoy me; his “perfect” vibe matches mine, which is why we’re basically the ideal power couple. From here on out, life is a smooth cruise: college, him in a frat, me in a sorority, studying finance or business, whatever makes his bank account explode. Months after graduation we’ll get married, I’ll become an influencer, and we’ll spend our free time jet?setting on a yacht (obviously a wedding gift from daddy). Perfection, right?

  “Hey, babe.” I leaned in for my morning kiss, flashing that flawless, effortless smile. Yeah, it’s perfect. And if anyone doubts it, they’re just not on my level.