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I was stuck in this hellhole and the most exciting thing that ever happened to me was the rare late night study session at the local coffee shop/restaurant Griffin’s, with Rowan.
I used to be okay with that, but not anymore. I wanted a life, not…whatever this was.
I lay across my bed with my head propped against my hand. I’d finished my homework hours ago and had nothing else to do. I wondered how different my life would have been if Graham had lived—if he hadn’t wrapped his car around a tree.
I’d never know though.
My phone chirped with a text and I rolled over to retrieve it from the table beside my bed.
I opened the text from Rowan.
Get your ass out of bed. We’re going to a party.
No way. I typed back.
Yes u r. Don’t be stubborn. I need u 2 go so I’m not alone.
I sighed. Parties weren’t my thing and I knew they weren’t Rowan’s either. I needed to get out, though, and this looked like the only way.
With a huff, I typed, Ok.
I’m sure Rowan was surprised I caved so easily. I wasn’t the most agreeable person in the world.
We’ll be there in 5. Was her reply.
Since I was chilling in my pajamas, I scurried around to change. I didn’t have the wardrobe for a party, so I had to make do. I shimmied into my favorite pair of jeans and put on a plain black long-sleeved t-shirt. It was nothing fancy, that was for sure, but I didn’t care. At least I’d be comfortable. I dabbed on a bit of makeup, not much, but enough to not look like I’d rolled out of bed, and braided my hair.
My dad wasn’t home, and since my mom was practically comatose it wasn’t like I had to worry about sneaking out. Besides, I was twenty-two so technically I was free to do what I wanted, so why did I feel so caged?
A familiar black Dodge Challenger was parked by the mailbox. It was Trent’s—Rowan’s fiancé—car.
As I approached the parked car, Rowan hopped out and moved the seat so I could slip in the back.
“Evening, lovebirds,” I commented.
I might joke about Rowan and Trent’s deep love for each other, but those two had been through a lot and I truly was happy they’d been able to work it out. Rowan used to be so anti-love but after she almost lost Trent she turned into such a sap. If they weren’t so perfect for each other I would miss the old Rowan.
“Nice to see you too, Tate,” Trent chuckled, pulling away.
Like I always did, I looked back at my house. I didn’t know why, but I felt like one day it might not be there to return to. It shouldn’t have even mattered to me, since it hardly felt like a home.
“So,” I swiveled forward, “where’s this party?”
Rowan looked back at me, sweeping her long sandy hair over her shoulder. “Well, it’s at Jude’s.”
“Are you fucking kidding me?”
Rowan flinched at my words and tone. I rarely ever cussed, and when I did it usually involved Jude in some form.
“I wouldn’t have come if I knew it was at his place,” I grumbled, crossing my arms over my chest. My lower lip threatened to jut out like a pouting child. “I already spent all afternoon wi
th the guy, and now you expect me to spend the night with him too?”
“Not the whole night…unless you want to.” Trent winked as he looked back at me from the rearview mirror. Rowan smacked his arm.
“It’s a party, Tatum,” she sighed, exasperated with my behavior. “You might not even see him.”
“Why are you guys going?” I asked. “Don’t you have something better to do? Like sit around and stare into each other’s eyes? Or plan a wedding?”
