Chapter 69

I scanned the crowd again. Things felt different tonight. Normally people were saying hi or talking to me, trying to catch my eye. Tonight eyes drifted past mine without thought or interest. Things had shifted. It didn’t sting as much as I thought it would. I didn’t deserve to be noticed any more than anyone else, especially because I rarely tried to notice people back. I was still working on being better about that.

There was a group that was getting a lot of notice. I hadn’t thought Claire, Laney, and Mea would come, not after their reaction to my public apology. Dirty looks during the rally had been followed by complete radio silence since, but they had come. It wasn’t to make up with me, though, because they’d pointedly ignored me all night. And they were surrounded by people.

My boyfriend had his own graduation party tonight, and his sister, my only friend at the present time, was only a junior. So that’s how I came to be all alone at an event I’d spent the last few months of my senior year organizing. But I was okay with that.

I’d graduated after thirteen years in public school. I’d probably be remembered, but I hoped I’d spend the next thirteen years of my life on something I could be remembered for.

“Hey, tia.” A deep voice called me out of my thoughts.

I smiled. “Blake, the ice cream man. Happy graduation.”

“You too. This is a great party.”

“Thanks. I had a lot of help.”

The music stopped playing and Marcus said into the microphone, “The band is going to take a five-minute break. We’ll play some prerecorded music.”

Soon Marcus had set aside his guitar and was heading our way. I thought he was going to ask me about food or something but he just stopped in front of me and nodded. “Good crowd.”

“Thanks for playing. They love you.”

“Sure.”

“Marcus, this is Blake.”

The guys nodded at each other.

“Your band is really good,” Blake said.

“Thanks. Despite being told otherwise recently, I think we’re halfway decent.” He winked at me. “Speaking of, where are your lovely friends tonight?”

“Um.” I pointed to where Claire, Laney, and Mea were now dancing with a group of guys.

“You outgrew them?”

“I think they outgrew me.”

“I disagree.”

I don’t know why those words made my eyes sting.

Someone grabbed me from behind and I let out a small yelp. Bec came into my view, so I could only assume the arms still wrapped around me belonged to Hayden. I tipped my head back to see him.

“You chose only the most laid-back teacher to serve as the security guard at the entrance,” Bec said. She put her arm around Marcus, who gave her a side hug back.

I laughed. “You guys broke into the party?”

“‘Broke in’ is such strong wording. ‘Let in’ is a better way to put it.”

“We thought you might be lonely,” Hayden said in my ear, “but it looks like you’re fine.”

Marcus backed up while saying, “Looks like the boys are ready to play again. See you.” He paused about five steps away. “And, tia, I was serious.”

“Thanks.” Should I be thanking someone about telling me I outgrew my friends? I looked over at Mea, who was whispering something in Claire’s ear while pointing at someone else. Yes, maybe I was okay with moving on from them for now. Maybe this summer or next year Claire and I could patch things up. Claire caught my eye then before I could look away, and I thought her expression said there was hope. She gave me a small smile but then let mea lead her toward the food table.

The band started playing again and Bec grabbed Blake’s arm. “I have no idea who you are but let’s dance. I have someone I need to make jealous.” He shrugged and followed her. It was hard to tell if, sitting behind the drums, Nate had noticed Bec.

I turned to face Hayden.

“Should I be jealous?” he asked.

“Of what?” At first I thought he was talking about Bec but then I realized he meant Marcus. “Oh. Of course not.” I cleared my throat and attempted my best low, husky voice. “I want to dance with you.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Was that an imitation of a robot? No, wait. A robot who smokes.”

I hit his chest. He gave me his smoldering stare and I was so happy that I didn’t have to control my reaction this time. I grabbed a fistful of his shirt and pulled him toward me. Our lips collided.

“You don’t have to be a statue, tia. She’s not painting a portrait,” Bec said.

“Oh, right.” I adjusted my position on the stool where I sat while her mom painted.

Hayden came into the room and stood peering over his mom’s shoulder. “Are you really painting bones?”

“Bec gave me a good idea.”

“I told you she didn’t need you here,” Bec said.

“Of course I need her here. She’s my muse.”

“I actually need to steal her,” Hayden said.

“No, I’m in the zone.”

“Just for a second. Bec, take over.”

“I love how you all think anyone works as my muse,” Olivia said in a huff.

Hayden took my hand and pulled me out of the room. Out in the dim hall he pressed me against the wall and kissed me.

“You stole me for that?” I asked with a laugh.

“Yes . . . I mean no. I stole you to tell you our plan is in motion. Nate is on his way over. You distracted her long enough for me to steal her phone and text him.”