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I know some people would feel a little weird, considering that Taylor and I slept together, but honestly, it was just sex. I don’t have those feelings for him, and I don’t think he ever really had those feelings for me either.
For what it’s worth, I’m glad we did because he’s here now, and today could not have been more perfect. Though I’m pretty sure I’m never going to tell him that.
I absently rub my wrist and smile. Ivy would have loved today. I have no doubt she would have loved Celeste and Taylor, too. There’s a familiar pang in my chest. So many moments that will never happen for her and me, but I have no doubt my sister had a hand in bringing those two to me.
“Happy birthday, sis. Thanks.”
7
Iwake up to Celeste curled in my arms with Taylor on her other side. Apparently, we decided that the best way to spend the evening was to drink ourselves into oblivion. Somehow, they convinced me that a sleepover for my birthday was a much-needed new tradition—popcorn, movie, and pillow fight included. Evidently, I agreed.
I look over a sleeping Celeste to the clock on my nightstand—it’s five a.m. and my body is protesting even the slightest movements. I should have had more water in between all the shots.
“Hey,” Taylor whispers. “Skip the body torture. Go back to sleep. I’ll be back to wake you guys up for orientation.” He gives me a wink and quietly shuffles out of my bedroom.
Unfortunately, though my body is dying to go back to sleep, my brain is not that easy to shut off. Fall orientation is today, and while school doesn’t start for another two weeks, I doubt I’ll be able to avoid the assholes who also happen to go to this school.
I slide off my bed and go take a shower as the dawn of a new day shines through my bedroom window. I turn the heat up as high as it will go in hopes of easing my throbbing headache and nauseous stomach. I stay in the shower until the water runs cold, but as I get out, I’m not feeling any better.
Today is going to suck.
“I thought you said you were leaving?” I ask Taylor and slide onto a barstool at the kitchen counter.
“I did.”
The cheesy, toothy grin he gives me forces an unintentional smile to my face. He is clearly up to no good.
I watch him pull out an assortment of pastries, breads, muffins, and paper plates from bags labeled with the Sugar & Spice logo.
“I thought you guys could use some extra carbs and sugar since we had so much fun in your bed last night.”
I scowl and snatch the extra-large cup of coffee from his hands. “Nothing happened, dick.”
His eyes glow with mischief. “The pics on my phone might imply otherwise. I also distinctly remember you said there was no way that I was getting both of you in bed. Well, challenge accepted and completed.”
Celeste stumbles into the kitchen looking like death, ash blond hair going in all directions.
“Jesus, can you guys shut up? I’m hearing in stereo, and it’s making me nauseous.” She ungracefully slides onto the stool next to me and puts her head in her hands.
“Probably should have laid off those extra shots of Hennessey from Evie’s stash,” he says to her, sliding her a cup of coffee.
“Whatever. It was a good idea at the time. I have zero regrets. I do want to sleep the day away, though.”
He shakes his head, preparing himself a plate of treats. “Can’t, Cele. It’s orientation, but I promise we can nap all day when we’re done.”
She lays her face flat on the cool marble counter and closes her eyes. “Dammit.”
Dammit is right.
* * *
“You two look like the broke-down version of the Kardashians with those big ass sunglasses.” Taylor chuckles as we walk out of Emily Hall.
“Fuck you,” Celeste and I both say in unison, which does nothing but make him laugh harder.
We get to Stratham Hall right as Justin is instructing the returning students to head to the commons room and the new students to follow him. It’s been a year since I’ve been here, and what a year it’s been. I wonder how much different it would have been if my sister were here.
I absently walk behind the crowd, just slightly behind Taylor and Celeste, lost in thoughts of Ivy. By the time we get to the commons room, I’ve time-traveled a full decade of my life in a matter of minutes.
