“Makes sense,” Raven says.
“All we need to do is find you a guy,” Addie tells her. “Then all of us will have boyfriends.”
I give her a look. “Maybe it’s best you stay out of our love lives.”
“Rude,” she grumbles.
I lift a brow. “You were wrong about Damian.”
Her mouth opens and closes and then she crosses her arms over her chest. “Fine.”
“Besides, Raven has Camp Lover Boy,” I tease.
“Oh my gosh, I do not!”
My phone beeps with a text. “Axel will be here in five minutes. Someone do my hair and makeup!”
When all that is done and I look like a princess, I grab my coat and rush down the stairs and out the door.
Axel stands outside his car, and as soon as he sees me, his jaw nearly reaches the floor. “Sophie, you look amazing.”
“Thanks.”
He glances down at his T-shirt and jeans. “If I knew you’d dress up, I would have worn something nicer.”
“It’s okay.”
He gestures to the car. “Ready to go?”
“More than ready.”
He smiles and opens the door for me. After we get in and he heads for Justin’s house, he says, “We’re going to have so much fun tonight.”
His excitement makes me even more excited, but where are the butterflies?
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sophie
This party is even more packed than the one at Julio’s.
When Axel and I got out of the car a short while ago, we just stood outside staring at the mansion. It’s probably the largest one I’ve ever seen in my life. A person can tell just by staring at it that Justin’s family is even wealthier than the other rich families at my school. I was nervous because I thought Axel might feel out of place here, but he wore a humongous smile on his face, slid his hand into mine, and led me inside.
Again, I thought he would feel uncomfortable by the throngs of people and the loud music, but he continued to lead me inside, his eyes roving over every inch of the place like he’s never been in a mansion before. Maybe he hasn’t. I certainly hadn’t been until I attended some of these parties.
“Sorry about the loud music!” I yell. “Maybe we can find a private place to talk later.”
“What?” he calls back.
“The music. Sorry it’s so loud.”
He smiles. “Do you think only loud music plays at these kinds of parties? You should see the parties some of the kids at my school throw. I swear I lose my hearing every time.”
“No, thanks,” I say. “Parties really aren’t my thing. I prefer to stay home and read.”
He laughs softly. “Same. But it’s good to get out of the house sometimes, too. My parents are always on my case, claiming I look like a vampire because I’m not getting any sunlight.”
“Did you remind them it’s in the middle of winter and there’s barely any sun?”
