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“Do you even remember anything from the last party?” I ask. “You sure this has nothing to do with your desire to see Justin?”
“Pffft. No.”
“Fine. Taylor, then.”
“Oh, for fuck’s sake. There’s nothing going on with me and Taylor,” she snaps.
I can’t help the chuckle that escapes.Sure, there isn’t.
We make our way through the front door, and I have to admit the place is as beautiful as it was last year, even with the tacky fraternity banners and all the accessories of the elite.
Celeste follows me as I head straight to the bar and order two shots of Hennessy, a rum and coke and a Long Island Iced Tea—the latter for her, the rest for me. I take the two shots in quick succession in an attempt to calm my nerves and rub my neck while I discreetly look around.
“Come on. They’re gonna start the announcements soon.” Celeste urges me to move towards the stage that’s been set up out back.
“And this hasnothingto do with Justin—sure.” I roll my eyes, knowing damn well she couldn’t care less about who’s being inducted, and follow her through the sliding glass doors, anyway.
As soon as I cross the threshold, I am instantly aware of the Knights’ presence well before I see them. My skin prickles while my eyes scan the crowd, and I’m greeted by a pair of piercing gray eyes.
The music fades into the background, and for a moment, it’s just us. In my mind’s eye, images of the boy who used to race me on the beach and steal mini bottles of my favorite liquors is the one staring back at me.
“What happened to you?”I question silently as we continue to stare at each other. My heart aches for the kids we were.
His eyes stay on mine for a few seconds longer before Caleb pats his back, getting his attention and effectively bringing him back to the present and shattering the bubble we were just in. I watch as the entourage of pretty girls surrounds him, making me want to throw up.
I take a deep breath in and turn to Celeste for a distraction, only to find her staring at Justin in much the same way I was staring at Elijah. I wonder if her heart hurts as much as mine.
“You guys made it!” Taylor nearly shouts from behind us. He comes up and wraps his arms around both our shoulders.
I chuckle under my breath at his ‘perfect timing’. He always manages to be exactly where he’s needed. Whether he knows it or not, I’m not sure, but I’m starting to believe that he’s much more perceptive than I ever gave him credit for.
We both greet him and simultaneously shrug out of his touch, each for different reasons. Her because of whatever was in her head when she was staring at Justin. Me because I’m still a little sore about his comments the other day, despite his apology apologized. Logically, I know he didn’t mean it, but constantly being smacked with the truth of how damaged my world is hurts.
Once the announcements are over, the DJ starts to play “Machine Gun” by Yungblud, signaling for the party to begin. The faculty take it as a cue that it’s time to go. I nod my head in distant greeting when I catch Dr. Lewis looking at me before she heads out with Professor Wessex. It must really suck to work with such a grumpy and disgusting asshole.
Speaking of, I’m still waiting on Dr. Weaver’s decision on whether he’s going to let me stay at Stratham. I sent him a well thought out argument via email as to why I deserve to stay, and I called his office twice since I met him in his office, but he hasn’t replied. I hate that I’m in a perpetual state of fear that he’s going to kick me out at any moment.
All the more reason to be here tonight, I suppose. Might as well try to enjoy it while I still have the chance.
“Wanna go dance?” Celeste asks, interrupting my thoughts.
“I’m gonna stay out here for a while. You guys go ahead,” I offer, and she pouts.
“You got me here, Cele, but there was no requirement for me to stay inside.” I say, giving her my biggest, cheesiest smile as she narrows her eyes on me.
“I won’t leave,” I relent. “I just need some air. I’ll be inside in a minute, and we can dance our asses off for as long as you want.”
Taylor grabs her elbow, wiggling his eyebrows. “You can dance with me, buttercup. I’ve got all the moves.”
She fake gags. “Oh God, Eves. Save me from the train wreck.”
I smile at her, this time genuinely, and watch her walk away.
I laugh out loud as I watch Taylor struggle to figure out where to put his hand as they walk towards the dance floor inside. He keeps moving it from her shoulder to the middle of her back and back up again. I wonder how long it’s going to take for them to get together, because I have no doubt in my mind that they will. It’s only a matter of time.
I make my way to the gazebo, enjoying the cool night sky and the firelight coming from the tiki torches. Leaning my head back against one of the wood posts, I stare into the universe. The stars are out in full force tonight. These are the moments that remind me of nights at the beach in Rose Bay when I was younger—the good nights.
I close my eyes and let fond memories of conversations long forgotten play like a movie reel until they’re interrupted by voices to my right. Not wanting to move from my position, I crack one eye to see Genna in her burgundy Valentino cocktail dress walk around the corner with Caleb in tow. I swear, that girl sounds exactly like Ariana Grande.
