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I nod and force a smile, unable to muster a more enthusiastic response to the reminder.
Once Michael leaves, I ask the bartender for a refill. Drop a hefty tip into his jar and then abandon my spot, heading for the terrace that overlooks the ocean. I get stopped several times by friends of my family’s, but finally make it to the door.
The party is at some fancy restaurant that’s a favorite of my parents. I’m not a fan of the food here, which is filled with weird, exotic ingredients, but the view from this place is incredible. The sun set over the sparkling water a while ago, the lights from the restaurant now reflecting off the waves.
I step outside, pulling in a deep inhale of salty air as I walk toward the railing. It’s warmer here than it was when I left Washington this morning, hovering in the high fifties. And still, I can’t wait to get home.
I stare out at what little I can see of the water, entertaining the idea of going for a swim.
Enjoy imagining the looks on my parents’ faces if I returned to the party with wet hair, smelling like seaweed.
“You lost me a hundred bucks, you know.”
I turn, my fingers automatically tightening around the glass I’m holding as I watch Parker stroll toward me.
She looks absolutely stunning, her blonde hair styled elaborately and her makeup flawless. The pink gown she’s wearing literally glimmers, only outshined by the massive diamond dwarfing her ring finger.
But something about her beauty bothers me in a way it never did before.
It’s all manufactured, even the white fur wrapped around her shoulders suggesting pure innocence.
Her tone is calculated instead of unfiltered. Soft and melodic, meant to entice.
I can’t recognize the pretty girl who used to chase me aroundmy parents’ backyard laughing and barefoot anywhere in her appearance, and it adds some sadness to the resentment.
Without asking, I know what she bet on.
“You should know Lincoln better than that,” I tell her. “I could have been dying in a ditch somewhere and he would have dragged me out, shoved me into this tux, and ensured I ended up here.”
“You look good for being grievously injured.”
I don’t pay her any compliments, just sip some scotch.
“It’s nice to see you.”
Again, I don’t respond.
Her head tilts strategically as she studies me. “Jameson said you had fun in Vail.”
I scoff, then take another drink. At this rate, I’ll need another refill in a few minutes. “So did he.”
I’m sure she knows he’s fucking around on the side.
Sure enough, Parker’s expression doesn’t change. “How’s school?”
“Can we skip the small talk?”
“Sure. What are you doing after this?”
“Flying home.”
“Your mom said you’re not leaving until tomorrow morning.”
“Yeah, so?”
“So, what are you doingtonight? We could meet in the pool house…”
I stare at her, sure I’m misunderstanding. That she’s not suggesting what I think she’s suggesting.
