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Parker takes a step toward me, and I mimic it with a step back.
"You know why." It's a conversation we've had too many times over the past year, and my answer's not going to change.
"I don't have to see her again. You know what it's like with her. We're not together," he pleads. "We use each other. That's it."
"And that makes it better? She's one of my best friends. You became untouchable to me the moment you touched her. You know my rule."
I know what the two of them have doesn't mean anything. Nina pretty much repeats the same thing Parker just said. But they still get together, no matter how toxic whatever they have is. Respect and Confidence--like fire and an accelerant, their curses are a dangerous combination. They're constantly tearing each other apart--when they're not ... well, tearing each other apart.
He growls in frustration. "Don't start anything with my brother." His words have an underlying threat to them.
"What?! You don't have a say in that either!"
"Lana, don't ... " Before he can finish whatever asinine thing he's about to say, I clench my teeth to keep from screaming and stalk past him. "Lana!"
"Stay away from me, Parker!" I yell over my shoulder, hurriedly squeezing by people to increase the distance between us. My shoulder collides with a body.
"Lana?"
I slowly look up to find a guy with wavy brown hair and big dark eyes looking down at me. I scan the mold of the navy T-Shirt over his sculpted chest and the way his snug jeans fit perfectly. He's hot. Then I meet his eyes again and realize who he is. Holy shit.
"Mr. Garner?"
I instantly want to die. I just thought my guidance counselor was hot. But, in my defense, he looks way different without the glasses and tie. Way different.
"Isaac," he corrects quickly, looking around like we might get caught doing something wrong. "What are you doing here?" Before I can answer, he says, "Forget it. Where's Tori?"
I tip my head toward the line at the bar. He looks in her direction and nods, even though she's hidden within the crowd.
"I can't believe you're here," he says, shaking his head. "Actually, if any of my students could get into this place, it'd be you and Tori. I swear it'll be a miracle if you two graduate in one piece."
I often think the same thing. "Wasn't expecting to see you either."
"You probably don't know, but I grew up in Oaklawn. I went to school with a lot of people here."
"How old are you?" I ask automatically.
I always thought he was old, like thirty or something. Maybe it's the tie ... or seeing him sitting behind a desk, surrounded by inspirational quotes. But tonight, dressed like a normal guy, he doesn't look much older than ... Parker.
"Old enough to know I shouldn't be caught drinking with you," he replies. "I didn't see you tonight. And you didn't see me."
"I don't even know who you are," I say, which isn't far from the truth.
Isaac laughs. Even thinking his first name feels wrong. "Be good, Lana. Don't get into trouble." Then he walks off.
Talk about weird. This night cannot get any more twisted. And just as I think it, I wish I hadn't. The last thing I want to do is tempt Fate. We don't have a good history.
"Hey! There you are! I thought I'd lost you. Wait. Where are the rest of your friends? Are you lost? Do you need me to help you find them?"
I remain still, staring up at the willowy girl with bright pink hair in a turquoise bandeau and matching sequined miniskirt.
"It's Allie!"
"Umm, yeah. I remember." Like there's any way I could possibly forget. "They're in line at the bar. I have to use the bathroom."
"Me too!" she exclaims. "I found this super-secret bathroom upstairs that doesn't have a line. Wanna come?!"
I eye the football field length line waiting to get in the girls' bathroom. "Sure."
