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I pulled my sister back down into her chair. “It’s fine. I’m glad he let me know before the night even began. Now I can relax and enjoy being a bachelorette.”
“You don’t feel pathetic, being here by yourself?”
I snorted. “Well now I do!”
“Shit, sorry! I didn’t mean it like that. I’m just glad you’re doing so well, given the circumstances.”
I glanced over to the right, where Jack and Liam and a few other guys were standing in a circle, laughing. “Yeah, me too.”
Brandi grabbed me by the arm and leaned close. “But next time, tell me the truth. We’re sisters, Alyssa. We’re twins. You don’t have to try to protect my feelings.”
“I just didn’t want to bring you down on your special night with Kyle.”
She let out a rich laugh. “I’m just losing my virginity tonight. It’s not like I’m going to marry him.”
Kyle returned with punch for both of us, and then he and Brandi got up to dance. I watched them from my seat. Kyle was extremely respectful, holding my sister by the waist and leaving about a foot of space between them. After one song, Brandi moved his hands to her lower back and leaned in close until their bodies were completely touching. She gave me a wink as they disappeared into the dancing crowd.
I sipped my punch and wondered if I would see Mark at the dance. I fantasized about making a scene. Dumping punch over his head until his tuxedo was pink rather than white. What was he going to do about it? Hit a girl? It wasn’t like he could make my life any worse than it already was.
My clutch vibrated, and I pulled out my phone.
Mother: You’re just going to run off without a word?
Mother: I hope you know that you’re just like your father. Selfish and cruel.
Mother: Even though you’ve never met him, you have his poison blood running through your veins.
Mother: Now you’re not answering me?
Mother: I’m locking all the doors tonight. You can explain to your sister why I won’t let you inside. Sleep in the bushes for all I care.
Mother: And don’t think you can sneak in your window. I know your little trick. As soon as you move out next year, I’m painting that goddamn window shut.
Mother: I still can’t believe you’re not answering me. You’re so manipulative, you know that?
Mother: I’m not going to let you do this to me. I don’t even care.
Mother: Bitch.
“Hi there,” came Liam’s bright accent. He was standing in front of me, hand extended. “Care to dance?”
I blinked up at him. He was cute, but I never expected him to ask me to dance. Especially since he lived with Jack. “Really?”
He tilted his head at me. “Sure. Why not?”
“Won’t your date get jealous?”
Liam grinned. “Maybe! But that’s her problem. It’s just one dance. If that makes her mad, then that’s her problem. Come on, then. The next song is about to start.”
He took my hand and pulled me toward the dance floor. I looked around, hoping for Mark to see. I wanted him to know I wasn’t as pathetic as he made me out to be.
I didn’t see him, but I did spot Jack coming out of the men’s restroom. He was snarling to himself, and holding his hand like he had injured it. What was that all about?
“Do you watch Formula One?” Liam asked me as we reached the dance floor. “That’s what I want to be when I grow up. An F1 driver. I’ve got really good reflexes, which you need when you’re going a few hundred kilometers per hour.”
It was only one dance, totally innocent and without deeper meaning, but it made me forget all about the date that had stood me up.
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