Total pages in book: 169
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 162138 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 811(@200wpm)___ 649(@250wpm)___ 540(@300wpm)
“Dude, you rendered him speechless.” She opened her eyes wide, the way she did when she wanted to get a point across. “He looked like he was going to have a heart attack right there on that couch. He didn’t take his eyes off you.”
“It doesn't matter.” I shrugged. “What would have happened if he hadn’t seen me? Would he have hooked up with her?”
“No,” she said plainly. “I just told you, he hasn’t done that in a while. Look, I completely understand where you’re coming from, and you’re right to be upset, but I know for a fact that he really likes you, and that’s unheard of. Lach doesn't even like any of the girls he’s ever taken home.”
“Whatever, it doesn’t matter. There’s no point to this.” I looked out the window and saw some people playing beer pong before looking at her again. “We’ll be parting ways soon enough, and I don’t want to bring attention to him. I can’t.”
She sighed heavily and shook her head. I knew exactly what she wanted to tell me — that the point was for me to do something that brought me happiness for once — but I also knew that she wouldn’t go there. As it was, I hated myself for being this consumed by him. I replayed what just happened, and my stomach felt hollow again.
“Another shot?” Marissa asked.
“Fuck it, why not?”
She laughed. We took another shot.
“You know what the worst part about this is?” I asked. “I’ve never cared about shit like this. Ever.”
“I know.” She nodded gravely. “That’s why I think you should keep an open mind here.”
“I hate this. I fucking hate feelings.”
“I know, babe.” She wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. “Anyway, let’s move on. I love you so much. Thank you for being here. And for letting me play dress up with you.”
“I love you, too. Thank you for always being there for me. Even when I feel numb and impossible to be around.” I pulled away from her.
“You’re never impossible to be around,” she said, searching my eyes. “You’re my sister and you’re going through a lot of shit. I’ll always be there.”
I swallowed. “Please pour the shots before I cry in front of people.”
“Oh, God. We wouldn’t want that.” She grinned, poured the next shot, clinked my glass, and we downed hers. “Should we stop?”
“Stop?” Both of my eyebrows raised. “This is the only thing that’ll keep me here, laughing and being social and shit.”
Marissa laughed loudly. “Two more?”
“One more,” I said. “For now.”
“Good idea.” She poured another, we downed them, and she closed the bottle. “I’m going to hide this.”
She hid it in a cabinet and threw an arm over my shoulders. “God, I missed this, Lyla.”
Me too. Me freaking too. The Lyla she was referring to partied and had fun. She’d never been jealous, though. I took a breath and grabbed Marissa’s hand as we walked out of the kitchen. Making our way through the sea of people was challenging. We froze by the door when we stepped outside, taking in the yard. They’d set up balloons on the fence that read, “Happy Birthday, Mar.” There were two beer pong tables. I didn’t normally drink beer, but I freaking loved beer pong and had mastered the game. I was too competitive to do anything half-assed, so senior year of high school, I’d made Luke and Prescott practice with me until I felt like I got the angle and flick of my wrist just right. As Marissa walked around and said hi to people, I stood next to her, pretending to listen to her sorority sisters talk about a barbecue they were planning. Prescott, Mason, and some other guys were at one of the beer pong tables. The shots had seeped in while I’d been standing there, and I felt tipsy enough to join in on the fun.
I leaned into Marissa. “I’m gonna go play beer pong with Pres.”
“I’ll find you later.” She pulled me into another tight hug. “Seriously, love you.”
I kissed her cheek and smiled as I stepped away and walked to the beer pong area. When Prescott saw me, his jaw dropped. It was his reaction when he saw me anywhere these days, but I was sure that wearing this outfit like this to a crowded party was the main reason for his disbelief. He ran around the table and lifted me in the air, like we were in Dirty Dancing, before setting me back on my feet.
“Damn, Marissa really went all out this year.” He eyed me up and down, shaking his head. He pulled me into a side hug. “Are you abiding by the rules? Smiling, socializing?”
“If you keep going, I’ll have no choice but to sit in the corner sulking.”
“Shutting up now.” He pressed two fingers together and gestured like he was zipping his mouth.