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“Ten,” I say while slowly opening my eyes.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror. By everyone’s standards I’m young and attractive. My dark hair is styled perfectly, my tux looks immaculate. I look like I have everything, like I’m standing at the top of the world.
But I feel like I’m flailing. I feel like I am falling from the top to my death and no one is there to catch me. My hands shake as they grip the sink, my nails digging into the marble. I have nothing. I am nothing without my father, without the Brent family name to hold onto.
The thought makes me want to grab something and throw it into the mirror, watching it crack and shatter into tiny pieces.
The door opens and I straighten, watching Alex come into view through the mirror. He stands behind me, crossing his arms and watching me with worry filled eyes. “Is everything alright?” he asks, yet the tone of his voice implies he knows the answer.
I nod while turning around to face him, leaning against the sink. “I’m fine.”
“You want to talk about it.”
I scowl and push away from the sink. “No.” I stalk towards the door.
Alex grabs my shoulder before I can reach for the handle. “You can talk to-”
I smack his hand away. “I’m fine,” I say harshly, my gaze darkening. “There’s nothing to talk about.”
“Lucas-”
“Alex, shut the fuck up, and leave me the hell alone.”
I shove him away from me and throw open the door, pausing in the doorway when I see Rachel waiting outside for me. She’s holding a nearly empty glass of champagne. Her gaze widens on me, her brows pinching in worry. I don’t know why, but it angers me even more. I shouldn’t be angry. Not with her at least, but it still doesn’t stop me from stomping past her and towards the entrance.
I need to get out of this place. I need to get some fresh air and calm down. If I’m around her, or anyone, I know I’m going to explode, and I can’t do that. I must remain in control. I can’t let anyone see me lose it.
“Lucas,” I hear Rachel, but I ignore her as I hand my ticket to the guy in the front.
I snatch my jacket and run out the door, hearing footsteps following me, but not caring. The streets are busy with cars zipping past and limos pulling up to the venue. I feel as if hundreds of eyes are watching me and I can hear the gossip whispering to me:
“Did you see the Brent boy?”
“Yeah, didn’t he leave early?”
“I wonder why. Do you think he’s on drugs?”
“Poor Christina. She really tried with that boy, you know.”
“And he still turned out like that. Completely rude and thoughtless.”
“Lucas!”
I feel a hand on my shoulder and whirl around, finding Rachel standing in front of me with glimmering eyes. Alex is several feet behind her, slowing his pace, looking at me as if I’ve totally lost it.
“What’s wrong?” she asks softly.
I hate the quiver in her voice. I hate the way she’s staring up at me, with pity and remorse. “Nothing,” I say harshly, turning around, but before I can move she grabs my hand and pulls me back to her.
“Please, tell me what’s going on? Why areyou-”
“Why am I acting like this?” I shout, shoving her hand off me and taking a step back. “Just leave me alone, Rachel. You shouldn’t be around me right now.”
“But why?” she asks while stepping towards me, a tear slipping from her eye. “Just tell me what’s wrong. Maybe I can fix it.”
I laugh bitterly. “You? Fix it?” I hate the way her bottom lip trembles, the way she sniffs and wipes her eyes, smearing her mascara. I hate the way I still find her so attractive when I know deep down this will never work. My parents will never allow us to be together. “You can’t fix anything.”
“What happened? Was it that guy you were talking to?”
