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I couldn’t tell Teagan what had happened because I didn’t know. I was pretty sure I’d hallucinated right before I blacked out and Jagger only existed in my imagination.
“Let’s get ready for the party. I need to blow off some steam.”
“Oh, hell no. You’re not going. In fact, I’ll stay home with you.” Teagan’s tone was firm, as if she were scolding a five-year-old.
“I’m going. End of discussion.” Once I talked to Anderson, I could clear up my brain fart. There was no way Jagger Whitlock was alive.
ChapterNineteen
Ariana
“IWanna Be Your Slave” by Maneskin reverberated through the speakers, and college students danced throughout the house. The corners were filled with couples making out, and a game of beer pong was in full swing near the kitchen entrance. Since I had passed out earlier, I wanted to arrive fashionably late, hoping I wouldn’t attract a lot of attention. Fielding questions wasn’t on my to-do list. The only reason I showed up at all was to find Anderson.
Gabby, Leighton, and Everlee approached Teagan and me near the staircase.
“How are you feeling?” Everlee asked, slipping her arm through mine. “You scared the bejesus out of us. We had no clue you had even gotten a concussion!”
“I smacked my head really hard and I never said anything because it was a stupid accident. You have my word that I’m fine. I promise.” I gave her a reassuring smile.
“Please take care of yourself. I would be devastated if you died.” Everlee threw her arms around me.
“Everlee, don’t make it worse,” Gabby gently chided. “Phoebe, you do need to chill for the weekend though.”
Teagan gave me a disapproving frown. “She shouldn’t even be here.”
Everlee released me, still looking worried.
“What are you doing here?” Gabby asked, wiping her palms on her black jeans. She looked as gorgeous as always, her teal crop top flattered her flawless complexion.
“I need to talk to Anderson, then I’m dipping. Netflix is calling my name.”
“Good. And I can help speed things up,” Leighton said. “He’s in the kitchen playing quarters. The last time I talked to him, he was drunk, so keep that in mind.”
My new silver Apple Watch caught the lights, reminding me it was there. Teagan’s idea had worked well, and I liked the features and the bit of security the updated device offered.
“Thanks. I will. I’ll catch you all at home.” I gave each of the girls a brief hug and thanked them.
I nudged my way through the crowd with Teagan on my arm. It was a little more challenging to navigate, but before we left our house, she explained if I passed out again, she would be able to cushion the fall if we were connected. Since this mansion had marble floors, I was good with it. Cracking my skull a second time didn’t sound like a good time. Anger flared up inside me, then was quickly replaced by fear. This situation was all Peter’s fault. My gut churned with the mere thought of him. He’d been eerily quiet, which messed with my head way worse than if I knew where he was. Before I addressed that problem, I needed to talk to Anderson.
“Phoebe!” Anderson yelled as soon as I entered the kitchen. “You look fucking hot for passing out a few hours ago.” He frowned as if he just remembered what had happened. It was as if his brain were trying to catch up with his mouth. “Are you okay?” he slightly slurred.
Anderson walked away from his game then affectionately squeezed my shoulders. “Concussions are serious, really serious. Football players die every year. Don’t die, Phoebe. I like you . . . a lot.”
Teagan elbowed me in the side, grinning.
I hugged Anderson and whispered, “I need to talk to you outside.”
He wrapped me in a warm embrace and pulled me against his muscled and toned body. “I’ll give you anything you want. Just ask.” He gave me a loud kiss on the cheek. “I know where we can talk in private.” He took my hand and led me through the people in the kitchen, swaying slightly every few steps.
I glanced over my shoulder at Teagan. “I’ll wait here!”
Nodding at her, I returned my attention to Anderson, who had opened a back door for us. The crisp air was a breath of sunshine compared to the smell of sweat and booze in the house.
Anderson led me down the sidewalk, then through the pool gate. “There are a few chairs here.” He pointed before he proceeded toward them.
“Sit.”
“You don’t have to be so bossy, ya know.” I sat down, my anxiety kicking up a notch, a slight dizzy feeling creeping up on me.
