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He seemed genuine, and she didn’t wish to be mean to him. “Okay, fine. I’ll agree to this.”
Blake held her hand as they walked into the cafeteria. She ignored everyone, very much aware of some of their stares. They were burning a hole right through her back. It was somewhat disturbing and a little scary.
“Right, John, do me a favor, and keep an eye on my girl while I go and get lunch.”
She dropped into a chair, pulling her lunch out of her bag. This wasn’t bad at all. The table had gone completely silent. Great, just what she needed.
“So, party at my house this Friday. The parents are out and I think it’s only fair I raid their liquor cabinet. They’ve had a fresh new delivery,” Rebecca said. “What do you think?”
“If there are chicks, I’m in,” John said.
“What are we in for?” Blake asked, returning to the table with his tray piled high with food. He picked up a burger and took a large bite.
“Party, my place, and you can bring your girlfriend.” Rebecca smiled. “I don’t think you’ve ever come to one of my parties.”
She shook her head. “And I’m not his girlfriend. We’re not even friends.”
The table laughed. Clearly, they didn’t believe her.
“Do you want to go? We can do something different.” Blake took another bite of his burger and then offered her some.
“No, thanks. It’s fine.” She had no intention of going to a party in the first place. Eating her pasta salad, she tuned out the boring banter, wishing she had her own company. By the time the bell rang to give the first initial warning lunch was nearly over, she was so happy to be out of there.
Without waiting for Blake, she took off to her locker, put her bag with her empty lunch container inside, and grabbed the books she needed.
For the rest of the day, she was able to avoid Blake. Rather than take an empty table, she sat next to someone with only one available seat. Blake took note and smirked at her. For the rest of the week, she did that and left to get to school early as well.
She’d found a shortcut that meant she could also walk home without him offering her a lift. Her car was in the shop and since she didn’t want her parents to buy her a different car, she had to wait until the parts arrived.
On Friday night, her parents had a date night. She intended to have a television marathon of one of the dramas she loved to watch, but the doorbell rang.
Opening the door, she went still as Blake stood there in jeans, a crisp white shirt, and a denim jacket. His hair still hadn’t been cut, and it fell even further into his eyes, which he pushed back by running his fingers through the long length.
“What are you doing here?”
“Rebecca’s party. You agreed to come.”
“Oh, I didn’t mean— I wasn’t going to go.”
“You know going to a party and having some fun won’t kill you. It might even make you happy.”
“I doubt that.”
“You’re not very good when it comes to relaxing.”
“I can relax.”
“Then come to the party. Make a believer out of me, Leah.”
“I…” She glanced back into the house. There was nothing for her to do other than watch television. She’d completed all of her homework. All that remained was to do nothing. “I will go to this one party if you promise you’ll stop stalking me. Do we have a deal?”
“I’m not stalking you.”
“You could have fooled me. It feels a lot like stalking.”
“Okay, I’m trying to be your friend and make up for being a dick to you these past few years. That’s all it is. Honestly, friends.”
She took a deep breath and sighed. “Let me grab my jacket.”
He chuckled.
Grabbing her jacket and keys, she quickly turned off the television and then made her way outside. His car waited in the drive.
“Let’s go.”
“Just a warning, some of these parties can get pretty rowdy, but I’ll protect you.”
“Good to know.” She climbed into his car, knowing this was going to be the biggest mistake of her life.
****
The drinks were flowing.
Music playing so loud she couldn’t hear herself think.
Couples making out.
It was all happening.
Blake put his arm around Leah to keep her close, not that he was worried about anything, but he wanted her to feel safe.
They headed into the kitchen where John handed out beer. “It’s about time you showed up. All the hot babes are in the pool.”
He glared at him and pulled Leah in close.
“Oh, hi, Leah.”
“Hey.”
John offered them a beer.
She took it.
“That’s my cue to leave,” John said.
“Wow, I’ve been at a party for less than five minutes and already he’s uncomfortable. Do you want to go see all the hot babes in the pool?”
