ONE
“I’m guessing Daddy didn’t see you leaving the house like this?”
A sigh escapes me. Another party, another night of faking it with people I don’t particularly like. All because I’m supposed to be a team player—stay social so people will like me.
Cole grabs my hand as we enter the crowded house for Mikayla’s eighteenth birthday party. Considering it’s a school night, everyone from senior year is here. Apparently, the reason behind the Thursday night party is because Mikayla’s parents are taking her to Europe tomorrow. If only we all had such relaxed parents.
“He didn’t see me,” I say over the loud music. “I left before he came home.”
Cole leans in, brushing his lips against my ear.“I want to fuck you in this dress.”
I force a fake smile as we walk into the large living room, pretending the compliment makes me happy. Cole looks handsome tonight, dressed in a white tee with a gold chain around his neck. His white Nike sneakers are brand new, standing out against his dark denim jeans. He’s always been a great dresser, and his sneaker collection is next level. Cole will drop a lot of money on shoes especially if they’re rare. Luckily his parents support his expensive habit and don’t mind spoiling him.
He runs his hand through his black hair, nodding to greet people but then stops and says hello to his friends. Most of them are from the football team, jocks just like him.
Hanging out with the boys can get tedious since all they talk about is chicks they want to screw. Half the girls wouldn’t touch these guys for the life of them. The newest challenge they set upon themselves is trying to take the virginity of some new girl. All I know is that she’s quiet and keeps to herself. She does come across as nerdy with her thick black glasses and weird obsession with wearing plaid, but nevertheless, his friends have no chance.
Five minutes into hanging around the guys, and I’m already bored. This always happens so it doesn’t surprise me anymore. I excuse myself to walk around, saying hello to a few friends before making my way outside to the pool. I’m surprised by how many people are in the water and not so surprised when I see a guy throwing up on the side.
It’s a warm enough night to swim. I’m not exactly dressed for it, already pushing my limits with the dress I wear. It dawned on me a pair of jeans would have been much more comfortable, but I wanted to prove a point to myself.
Life can go back to normal.
I can move on.
It’s been months.
Near the outdoor grill is a table with drinks. It’s obvious the punch is spiked, which is why it’s popular, and people keep helping themselves. I contemplate having a drink, but my mood doesn’t call for it. The last time I drank didn’t end well. I vomited in Cole’s car, and he had to clean me up. He tried his best, but then called Ava to come help since my dress was ruined, and I wasn’t able to stay awake. She made up some lie to my parents about staying over at her place, ultimately saving me.
A set of arms wrap around my waist as the familiar cologne lingers in the air. My chest rises, then falls, remembering all the good times we have had over the last year since we started dating.
It wasn’t always bad, or maybe I mean to say—I wasn’t always like this.
“Let’s go upstairs,” Cole suggests with a flirtatious tone. “I want you alone.”
There is only so much I can say to distract him, but I try anyway.
“There are a lot of people. I’m sure the rooms are occupied.”
He leans in to whisper, “There’s a secret room no one knows about.”
My eyes wander to the pink-colored punch floating in the large bowl. With a deep breath, I pour myself a cup and drink it in one go. A rasp escapes me, the alcohol content stronger than anticipated. It’s so bad, I’m pretty sure there’s more than one type mixed in here.
Cole laughs, then does the same. Unlike me, he holds his drinks much better.
Without another word, Cole grabs my hand and leads me to a flight of stairs near the kitchen. The house is big, though not as big as mine, and I have no clue where he is taking me.
Down the long hallway, there are several doors, but Cole opens the one all the way at the end. The room itself appears to be a guest room. Its furnishings are minimal, with a king-size bed being the room’s focus.
It feels like déjà vu.
The night when my life changed, our lives changed. Though, he had no idea.
Cole closes the door behind me, leading us to the bed. He doesn’t waste any time, pressing his lips against mine forcefully. His hands wander beneath my dress, causing me to tense. Just get it over and done with, I beg of myself.
“What’s wrong?” Cole pulls back. “Why don’t you want me to fuck you?”
Another moment where I can tell him the truth just like all the other moments which presented themselves. But what’s the point? It’s over, and everything should go back to normal.