"I can't deny that I deserved it," Darlington points out mildly, watching the sheepish roll of Caleb's shoulder and the way he fumbles with his laces. "Though I'm thankful neither of us needed to explain why someone on a field trip decked a museum staff member without any evident provocation."

He breathes out a soft laugh. "I meant what I said that day," he says. "I'm glad Alex has a friend like you."