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“Sia.” A voice rang out and Tristan stepped away from me, putting distance between us.
Too much distance.
A cold shiver went through me.
“There you are.” Bella appeared. “I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I’m sorry for being—Tristan?”
“Bella.” He gave her a curt nod. “Enjoying the party?”
“What are the two of you doing out here?”
She glanced between us, eyes narrowed in accusation.
“I needed some fresh air.” I forced a smile. “Tristan followed to make sure I was okay.”
“Oh okay, well, you have to come back inside. Joe is looking for you. He wants to dance. And I think Uncle Toni is going to make a speech.”
I looked over at Tristan, not wanting to leave. Wanting to continue our conversation. Desperate to know what he was going to say.
But his silent gaze seemed to say, ‘you need to go with her.’
Reluctantly, I did. Bella laced her arm through mine, pulling me back inside the hotel.
But this time, Tristan didn’t follow.
* * *
Tristan didn’t seekme out again. For the rest of the party—while trying to dodge Joe and Kye’s advances—I searched for him, trying to get a glimpse. But Tristan remained out of sight, and the knot in my stomach only intensified.
For two years, I’d believed he avoided me because he couldn’t stand being the object of my affections. That he was distancing himself in hopes I would realize the truth—that nothing would ever become of my infatuation.
But what if…
What if he was avoiding me because he also felt something for me?
A dark thrill zipped down my spine as Bella draped herself over me, forcing me to dance to some popular song.
“I love you, Sia,” she slurred, thanks to all the covertly acquired glasses of champagne she’d drank.
“I love you too, drunken girl.”
“I am not!” She grinned, waggling her brows. “You know it wouldn’t hurt you to let loose and have some fun. High school is over, baby.”
Yanking my arm, Bella flung herself out and twirled back into me. I glanced around, shaking my head at her antics.
The party was winding down though. Nicco and Ari had left earlier with Nora and Enzo. Nora was exhausted and Lucia was refusing to settle for Janelle, Luis’s partner who sometimes babysat for my brother.
“Oh God, Matt is coming over here. Hide me.” Bella ducked behind me and I frowned.
“Seriously, Bel? I can still see you standing right there.”
“Oh, hey, big brother.” She stepped around me. “You’re looking very handsome tonight.”
He narrowed his eyes. “And you’ve been drinking.”
“I had one, maybe two glasses of champagne.”
“I won’t tell, if you don’t.” He grinned. “Just came to say goodnight. Me and Caitlin are heading out.”
