The only reason I even got invited here.
Ever since she started showing up to my swimming classes, she’s made a habit out of staying longer than she needs to, always finding something to talk about, like she’s trying to turn something simple into something more.
I don’t mind. She’s attractive—petite, with shoulder-length blonde hair, big boobs, and a nice round ass, the kind of body that gets attention without trying too hard, and she carries herself like she knows it, like most of the girls around here who grew up with money and never had to question where they stand.
Still, that’s about it.
There’s nothing there that makes me look twice, nothing that sticks once I move on, and no matter how often she shows up or how easily she fits into this whole scene, she doesn’t manage to take up any real space in my head.
Because she’s not her. And no one else has managed to stay in my head long enough to make me forgetherfor even a second. Especially not her cousin, even if she’s nowhere near as entitled as my girl.
I keep moving through the crowd, still scanning faces, taking my time like I’m not really in a rush, even though at this point I’d rather just find her and get this over with.
I’ve never been a fan of this kind of thing anyway, and tonight isn’t doing much to change that.
Same people.
Same attitudes.
Most of them are the same bullies I knew ten years ago, just dressed better and pretending they’ve grown into something more, when in reality not much has changed beyond the price tags on what they’re wearing. If anything, they’re just louder about it now.
“Hey, handsome. Glad you decided to show up.”
The voice hits something familiar before my brain fully catches up to it, and I’m already turning toward her with the beginning of a smirk pulling at my mouth.
“Hey, shorty.”
I take a second, not rushing into anything, letting my eyes move slowly over her in a way that looks intentional, like I’m actually taking the time to appreciate the effort. When she steps closer, I reach for her hand without hesitation, guiding her into a slow spin, watching the way she follows along easily.
“Wow… you look incredible, Tess.” I bring my hand up toward my mouth in fake admiration.
I give her a quick wink, and it doesn’t take more than a second for the reaction to show, a soft blush creeping into her cheeks as she tries to play it off like it didn’t affect her.
“Thank you,” she says, running a hand through her hair. “And? Have you seen anyone you know yet, or did you come with someone?” she asks, her tone casual, but there’s a hint of curiosity there, like she’s trying to figure out where she stands without making it too obvious.
A quiet chuckle slips past my lips.
“Just a few students.” My attention drifts briefly around the room before settling on her again. “But no… I came alone.”
I can practically see it click for her, the way her expression softens a little as she steps closer, closing whatever space was left between us.
She reaches for my hand, pressing a couple of pills into my palm like it’s nothing.
“Maybe we can have some fun later.” Her tone stays casual, like the suggestion means nothing at all.
My attention drops to them briefly before returning to her, but just as I’m about to respond…
“Hey, Tess. Kinda rude not to introduce me to your friend, don’t you think?”
There she is.
The life of the party.
The most popular girl back in high school… and soon enough, mine to break.
Sierra hasn’t changed at all. Still just as perfect. Those big blue eyes, bright like the sky, framed by that long black hair falling effortlessly down her back, those full, bratty lips… and that body… Oh, that perfect fucking body.
I let my attention wander over her slowly, making no attempt to disguise the fact that I’m appreciating every second of it.
