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I finally sit up and see he’s offering a water bottle filled with clear liquid. But I doubt it’s actually water.
“Sure.” I surprise us both by accepting. Colt hands me the bottle, and I take a large sip. Eyes watering, throat burning, I hand the bottle back to Colt. “What is that?” I choke out. I’ve never liked the taste of beer, but at least it’s never made me feel like this.
He grins. “Tequila.”
I cough. Fire is scalding my system as the alcohol works its way through my body.
“Seriously, Adams?” Luke appears, a heavy frown on his face.
“What?” Colt replies innocently, although I know he’s perfectly aware of the reason there’s disapproval in Luke’s voice. They’re obviously not supposed to be socializing with me. Or sharing alcohol.
“Isn’t this nice?” Madison asks, appearing and taking a seat directly across from me.
She’s changed since earlier, just like me. Only aside from donning leggings, she’s wearing a pair of jeans tight enough to appear painted on and a suede jacket that would be more appropriate to wear to a club than a campfire.
“It was until you showed up,” I comment.
There’s a cat sound to my left, courtesy of Jake, who’s walking over toward us. I’m suddenly surrounded by people I don’t want to be around.
“Then why don’t you leave?” Madison retorts.
Now that Caleb’s three best friends are all here, I’m tempted to do exactly that. But my insides are still burning from the tequila. And I’m too proud to let Madison think she scared me off.
“I’m good,” I reply.
“Guess you don’t have any friends to go hang out with,” Madison comments, her expression full of mock sympathy.
“Doyou?”
She waves a hand toward Colt, Jake, and Luke. “You’re looking at them.”
I’ve never really understood the dynamics among Landry High’s popular crowd beyond knowing I’m not a part of it. But I realize it’s probably true.
Jake speaks, surprising me. “No need to fight over us, ladies. There’s three of us and only two of you.”
I scoff before lying back down on the log. Maybe that will keep me from feeling like I might vomit.
I recognize a few more voices as they join our circle. Poppy and some of Madison’s other friends slash followers. Ryan James, who thankfully makes a point to ignore me. Then Will, which is a surprise. He’s the first newcomer to address me.
“Uh, Lennon, are you all right?”
I suppose me appearing passed out on a log would look a bit concerning to an outside observer. Nice of Will to notice.
“Yeah, I’m good,” I reply, moving back into a sitting position. “Just doing some stargazing.” My stomach has finally begun to settle, and the burning has abated, leaving behind a pleasant buzzing warmth that reminds me an awful lot of the way I feel around Caleb. Or used to, before dread and uncertainty took its place.
“Really?” Will looks amused.
“Yeah. Just was looking for some peace and quiet. So I think I’m going to head…”
My voice trails as soon as I see him.
Caleb walks between two of the logs on the opposite side of the campfire, taking a seat beside Madison. I got distracted talking to Will, and I missed his approach.
Caleb’s expression is impassive, but he’s exuding an annoyance that’s palpable through the flickering flames separating us. I don’t know if it’s because I’m talking to another guy, or if it’s because I’m among a group that’s mainly comprised of his friends. I’m sure the way we ended our last conversation is also playing a part.
I look back at Will to find he’s studying me with a bittersweet smile. I’m pretty sure he realizes who just stole my attention for the last thirty seconds, and why.
I scramble to find a new topic of conversation. “Uh, so is basketball still going?”
