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A guy, maybe a little older than I am, leans casually against the wall I’m standing near. Sophia has disappeared with her guy and Alice is on the hunt for her play toy for the night—though I’m convinced that given the chance, she’d take Sophia over any guy right now.
“Yeah, I am, thanks.” I give him a small smile. “Great party, huh?”
“Freaking awesome.” He smiles at me. “I’m Alan. I’ve seen you around school but we’ve never had any classes together,” he explains, running his hand through his thick blond hair. I don’t remember seeing this guy. Ever. But other people seem to know him, and so long as Jamie’s not bothering me, I’m happy.
“Do you want another drink?” he asks, nodding to my empty can.
“Sure.” I smile at him and we walk into the kitchen.
While he’s getting me another soda, I take the time to check my phone for messages, hoping that Eli has texted me. Considering how badly he didn’t want me coming here tonight, I’m surprised there are no texts from him.
Alan hands me my drink and we walk back out to the living room. I take a sip and it’s revolting. I put it down to the fact that it’s warm. Still, I’m thirsty so I force myself to drink.
“So, are you seeing anyone?” Alan says. He leans in, touching my hair as he tucks it behind my ear. I begin to feel uneasy.
“Yes, I’ve got a boyfriend,” I reply, without thinking. “But it’s not anyone from school that you’d know,” I quickly add. “College guy.” God, I’m babbling.
I’m swaying to the music when I start to feel dizzy. My hands sweat as the room spins around me, but I feel cold. Really cold. Discarding my drink on a table, I wrap my arms around my waist and scan the room for my friends. When I can’t see them anywhere, I start to panic. I feel like I’m going to be sick.
Alan leans in, concerned, his arms steadying me. “Are you okay? Come outside and get some fresh air.” He takes my hand and leads me toward the door and I let him.
Fresh air is a good idea.
We get outside and I keel over. I’m unsteady on my feet and my heart is pounding in my head like a freaking jackhammer. I’m doing my damnedest not to pass out.
I’ve taken a hold of Alan as he walks me down the steps. We walk away from the house and I want to stop, but I can’t get the words to form. My mouth won’t work. The feeling of nausea hits my stomach and I know there’s something very wrong with me.
I slump against his strong arms and stumble to the ground before my world goes black . . .
Chapter Twenty-One
Eli
I’m lying on the sofa watching some shit movie, thinking about Jill. I wish she were here with me. I’ve avoided texting her all night because the last thing I want is to feel like an overprotective father. She’s in high school, and partie
s go with that. It’s not my place to tell her she can’t go.
Fuck, how am I going to handle having a girlfriend in college?
I glance at the clock for the fucking fifteenth time this hour. It’s 2:45a.m. Two minutes later than the last time I checked.
My phone rings, making me jump. I snatch it up, not recognizing the number.
“Hello, Eli speaking.”
“Hi, um, Mr. Anderson? This is Sophia, uh, Jill’s friend?”
Her voice comes out like a squeak. She sounds terrified and right away I’m worried so I don’t even pretend to try and put on a professional ‘I’m just her teacher’ charade. The last thing on my mind is why she knows about me and Jill. For her to be calling me at this time, something has to be wrong.
“What’s wrong?” I demand. “Where’s Jill?”
“She’s here, but . . .” Her voice trails off, giving way to sobs. I hear muffled voices and then another voice comes over the line.
“Eli, this is Alice. You need to come and get Jill now. She’s passed out and I think someone might have drugged her.”
“Where are you?” I ask, my voice hoarse. I’m already out the door and halfway to my car. She gives me the address and I hang up.
Everyone at this fucking party is so off their heads I can slip around unnoticed. Not that I give a damn right now; the only thing on my mind is Jill. I spot Sophia standing near a bush at the front of the house. Jill is sitting on the ground, another girl with her arms around her. I storm over. She looks disheveled, but at least she’s dressed. I had no idea what to expect after the call came in. I take her hands in mine. She’s fucking freezing and drifting in and out of consciousness. I need to get her to the hospital.
