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I love my sister, but sometimes she can be shortsighted when it comes to shit like this. She doesn’t think about how much I hate parties or what happened at the last one I went to. She doesn’t think that a party will trigger bad feelings for me—it’s not the party that was bad. To her, parties are always fun.
Then again, Sarah is worrying me today. This morning she was distant and off but told me she didn’t sleep well, even though I could easily tell that was a lie. She worked today, so I haven’t seen her much, other than when I first got here and she kept saying she was fine. She seemed wild, though, and I think I saw her swipe some flavored vodka before she went upstairs with Mackie to get ready.
There’s a knock on the door, and then Aaron’s voice. “Hey, you okay in there?”
I swing the door open and he drinks me in. The slightest smirk twitches before he pushes it away.
I step forward and grip his arm as I flirtatiously say, “All good. Just getting pretty.”
“You’re always pretty,” he says, almost trance-like.
He seems to realize, then steps back.
Give into me, damn it.
“I thought I wasbeautiful,” I purr.
He stares at me for a beat, seeming surprised. Then he smiles softly and says, “Always. So, are you sure you’re going to be okay tonight?”
Right, the party.
I give his arm a squeeze, trying to reassure him and myself, too. “It’ll be okay, Ace. Jenny is hosting this one, and it’s supposed to be all girls. Either way, Greg is right next door. These are people we know and trust. It’ll be fine.”Famous last words.
He braces the wall and dips his head down to meet my eyes. “Maybeitwill be fine, but will you?”
Damn it. Why does he have to be so sweet and protective? I want to jump him.
“I hope so.” I shrug. I won’t know until I try, but I can’t hide in my cave forever.
“Maybe I should come with you. You can dress me up like a girl,” he says with a smirk.
I playfully shove his shoulder. “Not sure you could pass for one with biceps like that.” I give one a squeeze. He smiles at first, but then shakes his head slightly and steps back yet again.
Okay, he’s definitely shutting down his feelings.
I wish I could say I appreciate it, but I don’t need that from him anymore. I just need him.
“Rae baby!” Sarah yells from the front of the house.
I slide past Aaron and give him a small smile. “I promise I’ll keep you updated and let you know if we need anything. Okay, Ace?”
He stares at me intensely for a moment. “Yeah, okay.”
“Rae!”
It’s gonna be a long night.
“I’ll see you later.”
I turn to walk away, but he gently grabs my arm. “Please be safe. I need you… safe.”
Swoon again.
Calm down ovaries. You aren’t getting near that any time soon.
I don’t think.
“I will be. Love ya.”
