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He smiles as he laces our fingers together. "I guess we'll just have to wait and see."
"I guess so."
I bite my lip to contain my grin. The thought of spending the rest of my life with Holden is perfection. He's the only person who has ever made me feel like I'm not just a broken mess lying on the floor. Since last October, he has done nothing but make me realize that my life matters, and that I'm important – no matter what my anxiety may tell me. He's the best thing to ever happen to me.
THANKSGIVING IS FILLED WITH loving family and happy memories. Seeing Holden's grandparents again is great, and not having to correct everyone when they refer to me as his girlfriend makes it even better. Before I know it, it's Saturday night and Brandon, Holden, and I are getting ready for a party at their friend Alec's house.
"Please tell me you're coming." I beg Josephine, hoping for a familiar face.
She smiles sadly. "Sorry babe, I'm heading to my friend Fallyn's house."
I pout for only a second before Holden comes up behind me with Brandon in tow. "You ready?"
After nodding, we say goodbye to Heather and Dan, and the three of us leave. The party isn't far, and the house is just as massive, if not bigger, than Holden's – and it’s definitely fancier. The whole thing is overwhelming and as we're walking up the steps, I pray to get through the night unscathed.
Once we're inside, someone comes and takes our coats. Another person is walking around with glasses of champagne and Holden grabs one for each of us. I take it hesitantly, but ultimately throw caution to the wind and drink it. To say I need a little liquid courage right now, would be an understatement.
Holden introduces me to a few of his friends, but the only thing I can focus on is the number of beautiful women walking around. They're all around our age, and everyone seems to know each other. Without even realizing it, I wrap my arms around my stomach out of habit.
"Oh, no you don't." Holden whispers into my ear, grabbing my hands and undoing my defenses. "You are the most gorgeous woman here. Don't let your insecurities convince you otherwise." I look down at the ground and smile shyly, before he pulls me toward the dance floor. "Come."
He wraps one arm around my back and lifts my hand in his. The two of us glide around the floor elegantly, and I feel like I've fa
llen asleep and woken up in some alternate reality. It's as if we're royalty, and the only thing that matters is each other. Every time I start to get in my own head, he distracts me – making me laugh and focus solely on him.
A LITTLE MORE THAN an hour later, the two of us are getting drinks when Holden keeps glancing at a girl who will not look away from him. Just when she starts to walk toward us, he grabs my hand to lead me to the back door, claiming to want to get fresh air. However, when the girl calls his name, he stops and cringes before turning around.
"B, nice to see you again." He lies.
She steps closer and places a friendly kiss on his cheek before looking me up and down. "Oh, hello. I'm Bianca."
"Kayleigh." I respond politely, taking a moment to study her appearance. Her long black hair falls perfectly against her silver dress, and her bright blue eyes put mine to shame.
Faking a smile, she brings her sights back to Holden. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were avoiding me."
"Nope. Just spending the night with my girlfriend." He looks around uncomfortably, tightening his grip on my hand and trying to find an escape.
"Girlfriend?" She questions, surprised. "Wow. You move quick these days, don't you?"
I look at my boyfriend with utter confusion. "Holden, what's she talking about?" He swallows as he avoids eye contact with me.
"Oh!" Bianca exclaims. "This is the same girl you dated last year!"
"I'm sorry, you seem to know who I am, but I don't have the slightest clue who you are."
Her expression changes to a look of confidence that sends a chill down my spine, and she extends her hand. "I'm the girl who picked up the pieces of the mess you left him in May."
"Bianca." Holden hisses.
"What?!" She snaps. "You can fuck me all summer, and then return to her like I never existed? I made you, and then fixed you all up when you came home from college all sad and pathetic because some druggie shattered your little heart."
My whole body goes numb and I rip my hand from Holden's as if I've been burned. He turns to me with wide eyes as Bianca smirks, knowing exactly what she just did. When he reaches for me, I take a step backwards.
"I'm sorry, I have to go." I whisper brokenly, holding in the tears.
I push past Bianca and head straight for the exit, hearing Holden follow closely behind me. Once I get out the front door, I'm relieved to see several cabs lined up on the curb. Just as I start to walk toward one, Holden grabs my wrist.
"Kayleigh, wait."
