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Charlie brightens and smiles widely at Jason. “Me? I’m the cafe hottie?”
Jason rolls his eyes and turns around.
I chuckle. “I better get back to work. Text you later.”
I watch Charlie twiddle her fingers while heading towards the back of the cafe. My frown deepens when she disappears from my view, unable to stop the unease settling onto my shoulders.
9
ALEX
Ishovemyhandsinto my leather jacket’s pockets, trying to prevent myself from picking at my nails in worry. It’s Friday night. I’ve survived my first week at Aurora University. The days flew by. Meeting Rachel in my French class was a nice surprise, and I couldn’t believe I actually had the guts to ask for her phone number. However, I haven’t been able to bring myself to call her. Something about it seems wrong. She’s Lucas’s girlfriend. I shouldn’t be trying to get in the middle of them.
But you’re not, I remind myself.You’re new and need to make friends.
Then why don’t you call Lucas up?An irritating voice whispers in the back of my head, making me grimace in response.He’s your friend.
I shake my head and focus on the upcoming houses, passing a mailbox with the number 202 engraved in its wood. Number 204 follows shortly after. Mike, a junior on the track team, invited me and several others for a house party. I’m expecting Seth to be there. Most likely he’ll be standing in a corner, scowling at me from across the room. Honestly, I expect at least that much. Maybe some cursing and a few threats.
I’m kinda looking forward to it.
I stop in front of the mailbox labeled 210 and stare up at the two-story building in front of me. There’s a couple sitting on the sweetheart bench on the porch, their heads bowed to each other as if they’re conspiring to steal all the booze from inside. Their giggling wafts towards me, making my insides churn for something I wish I could have.
“Alright, Goode,” I mutter to myself. “You can do this.”
A window opens on the top floor, and I’m immediately greeted by the sound of chatter and loud music. Something breaks and laughter quickly follows the sound. From the sounds of it, everyone is already pretty drunk. I wrinkle my nose in distaste and look at the time on my cellphone. It’s only ten. I’m not that late, am I?
My fingers slide over the buttons, temped to shoot Rachel a text, see if she wants to join me. It would be good to have a friendly face around. I press my contacts, scrolling until I see her name staring up at me. My fingers stall.This is wrong, I tell myself, shoving my phone back into my jacket. She has a boyfriend. I will just talk to her in French class.
Nothing can happen between us.
Straightening my back and squaring my shoulders, I force a smile, hoping I appear confident as I stride towards the house and throw open the door. The smells of liquor and smoke immediately nauseate my senses. The music is so loud inside, I can barely hear myself think and the smoke is so awful, it sends me into a coughing fit.
So much for confident.
“Hey! Goode decided to show!” I hear Mike’s booming voice. I blink back tears as an arm is tossed around my shoulder, and I’m pulled into something hard and boney. As soon as the fog leaves my vision, I see Mike’s bloodshot eyes trying to meet mine. His gaze is crossed, and he wobbles on his feet, nearly stumbling into me.
I chuckle while trying to stabilize the both of us. “Hey, Mike,” I say as charmingly as possible. “I see I got to the party late.”
“Nah!” Mike bats a hand. “Party’s just gettin’ started. Am I right?” he shouts while raising a fist in the air.
No one responds, and I bite my lip to keep myself from laughing while looking around at the people talking amongst themselves. Mike’s hand slips from my shoulders and he stumbles forward, nearly slamming into two girls standing in the hallway leading into the kitchen.
“Let’s go, bro,” Mike mumbles while sidestepping the girls. “Let’s get you a drink.”
My smile is beginning to slip, and I don’t know how long I can hold onto the small amount of confidence I have. Already, I’m beginning to feel queasy. I don’t know anyone. I thought there would be more guys from the track team, but, honestly, the only one I recognize is Mike.
“Chug, chug, chug, chug!” I hear men shouting from within the kitchen.
Upon entering, I see Seth, holding onto the grips of the keg, his legs being held by Chris and Nick, two sophomores on the track team. My gaze lands on Rachel, holding the valve with a large smile on her face. Time seems to stop as I stare at her, and all sounds completely evaporate. My feet slowly close the distance between us, but I stop myself from proceeding any further when Seth taps the keg. Rachel stops the spout while Chris and Nick lower Seth’s legs.
Seth wobbles for a moment before throwing his fists in the air. “Me!” he shouts while stumbling towards Rachel and throwing his arms around her. Rachel giggles and something deep and dark boils within me when Seth nuzzles his nose against her hair. My hands fist at my sides and my whole body shakes, trying to contain the anger brimming within.
How dare he touch her like that?
Isn’t he friends with Lucas? Shouldn’t he know that she’s taken?
I try to simmer down my rage. Who am I to tell Seth and Rachel what to do? I hardly know them. Rachel’s eyes meet mine, widening briefly in shock and horror, as if noticing for the first time how close Seth is to her. She pushes him away, and I notice the confusion on his face. Seth follows Rachel’s gaze to me, narrowing into a dark scowl.
