Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95950 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 480(@200wpm)___ 384(@250wpm)___ 320(@300wpm)
“Sorry,” a girl from my AP psych class mumbles, tipping the red cup to her lips and draining it.
It’s definitely time to get out of here before this party spirals any further out of control. I’ll use the bathroom and then tell Austin I’m ready to go. This kind of thing has never been my scene, and it’s nice that it isn’t his either. It doesn’t take long to find one of the first-floor bathrooms. The line, on the other hand, is at least ten deep. By the time I take care of business, it feels like twenty minutes have slipped by. As I retrace my steps to the kitchen, a couple girls stare when they realize whose sweatshirt I’m wearing. I hunch my shoulders and force my way through the thick press of bodies. It’s just another reminder that I don’t fit in with these people. They will never be my friends. And nothing will change that.
I pass by the massive stainless-steel refrigerator that looks more like it belongs in a fancy restaurant and realize just how thirsty I am before beelining for the appliance. I’ll grab a water and then find Austin. One peek inside shows that all the non-alcoholic beverages have disappeared. If I want to quench my thirst with a beer, there are plenty.
Looks like I’m out of luck.
As I maneuver my way to the door, I bump into Aubrey. When I hung around Sloane’s group, we were never close but always friendly. After all the issues with Jasper, I’ve gone out of my way to steer clear of her.
So it’s a surprise when she flashes a smile. “How’s it going?”
It’s tempting to glance over my shoulder and make sure she’s talking to me.
She usually takes all her social cues from her bestie. There’s a hierarchy to the group. Only Sloane is allowed to think for herself. She’s the brains of the operation. If she snubs someone, her girl gang doesn’t need a reason to fall in line and follow suit.
“Umm, good. How about you?”
Maybe she’s drunker than I realized.
The wattage of her smile increases. “Amazing. This party is so much fun. I love when Kingsley invites people over.” There’s a pause before she adds, “I gotta tell you—we’re all so proud of Austin.”
I blink, thrown for another loop.
Have I somehow entered a parallel universe where nothing makes sense?
Because that’s exactly how this conversation feels.
“Really?” Shock weaves its way into my tone.
One hand smooths over the short skirt of her cheerleading uniform as she nods. “Who knew that he would turn out to be such a superstar?” She glances around before leaning closer. I can’t help but mimic the movement. I have no idea what’s about to tumble out of her mouth, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m curious. “Don’t tell Jasper I said that. He’d be so pissed.”
That’s an understatement.
The thought of his rage is enough to turn my mouth cottony. I can’t help but remember the way he’d been staring outside and a shiver slithers down my spine. Any hope I’d had that we could peacefully co-exist has disintegrated.
“I won’t say a word.” I take a quick step in retreat, only wanting to find Austin and get out of here. I’m about to lift a hand and say goodbye when I spot the bottle of water hanging from her fingers. “Where did you get that?”
“Sorry, girl. I just grabbed the last one.” She leans toward me again before dropping her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I’m trying not to drink so much this year. I need to get my grades up, otherwise I won’t get accepted to college.”
I’ve had several classes with Aubrey and grades have never seemed important. Apparently, now that we’re in the final stretch of high school, she’s decided to buckle down.
Better late than never, I guess.
“Bummer about the water, but good for you.”
Just as I’m about to swing away, she says, “Wait!”
I stop and cock a brow as she thrusts the bottle in my direction.
“You can take this one.”
My gaze drops to her outstretched hand before I wave her away. “It’s all right. No worries.”
She jiggles the container. “Go ahead, I just opened it. Never even took a sip. It’s all yours.”
When I hesitate, she rolls her eyes and cocks a hip. “Seriously, Delilah. Just take it. I wasn’t that thirsty anyway.”
Indecision swirls through me. “Are you sure?”
“Of course.” She flashes that same bright smile. “I wouldn’t have offered if I didn’t want you to have it.”
Even though I’m reluctant to take anything from her, I relent. She’s being so nice. “Okay, thanks. I appreciate it.”
She presses the plastic bottle into my hand. “No problem. Enjoy.”
Feeling parched, I twist off the cap and tilt the opening to my lips before guzzling down a third of the cool liquid.