“Brooke’s not a party person.”
“Yes, I know.” Her eyes rolled, then she turned toward one of the guys, took his phone, checked the time, and gave it back. “Aw, I thought she’d made it at least an hour.”
“You can stay, but I’m taking Brooke home.”
“No, it’s alright. St. Trewery guys are weird anyway.” She gestured for me to lead the way, so I did. “They’re so… touchy.”
“Juilliard guys are that different?”
“Nope.” She hooked her arm into mine so she wouldn’t lose me. I wanted to rip my arm out because a woman other than Brooke was touching me. But I wanted to get the fuck out of there. “We don’t have much time for parties. Sure, one of the more popular students throws a party maybe once a month, but?—”
I tuned her out, not because I didn’t necessarily care about what she said—I didn’t—but because I was far more concerned about the looks filled with sympathy I was getting as I walked past other students.
Guess they heard the rumors.
I was going to fuck up Fynn’s face the next time I’d see him.
26
BROOKLYN
Erik
Good luck tomorrow
Istared at Erik’s text as if it came from an alien. The only times he ever sent me messages were when he thought I was interested in his opinion about my on-ice performance. Or my eating habits. Or my relationship status.
Yet, I replied.
Me
Thanks.
Erik
I don’t think you’ll make it far without me, but I thought I should at least wish you good luck
Now, that sounded way more like the Erik Reed I knew.
Just as I was about to type out my opinion for once, Ming pulled on my arm. “I think I see Reece!”
I looked up, scanning the crowd for my fiancé. And there he was, forcing himself past multiple drunk, dancing people. Rina followed close behind, though Reece had to pull herafter him every now and then because she seemed to get lost every time someone glanced her way.
“Such a bummer that we’re leaving already. It’s just getting good,” Ming said, sighing deeply. I think. It was pretty difficult to hear over the loud music.
My head was already throbbing, and I hadn’t even been here for very long. I was starting to get thirsty, though, which wasn’t good. The likeliness of finding some water at a party was somewhere in the negatives.
“Yes, a bummer,” I replied sarcastically. I couldn’t wait to leave this goddamn place. I didn’t even want to be here in the first place.
Honestly, I was happy with a calm evening inside. Maybe doing some skincare with Reece, lighting some candles, and watching a movie before going to bed. It was my ideal night, but instead, we were here. In between drunk, sweaty people, some who were screaming, some who were almost stripping off their clothes on the stairs, and some who looked like they were seconds from throwing up.
“Hi.” Reece sounded almost relieved when he stood before me. He gave me a soft smile, then cupped my face with his hands. “Are you alright,mi princesa?”
“Oh, my God.” Ming dragged out a sigh. “It’s official. I’ll die before I could ever have a girlfriend. All because of you two.”
I ignored Ming, as did Reece.
“I’m okay,” I replied. “Are we going out of he?—”
