My eyes widen. “What boy?”
“Ryder. He’s been camped out there for the last two days.”
My chest tightens, but I refuse to let myself feel anything but anger. Felicity climbs off my bed and opens my curtains. I hiss like a vampire, for effect, and she throws a discarded pillow at me. She’s right, and I know I can’t miss school and risk my scholarship. I am stronger than that.
* * *
Ryder has been AWOL all week after my aunt threw him off my lawn. Porter and I settle into a cordial rhythm which works for me. He apologizes every chance he gets, and I chose to accept it. I don’t know why his betrayal doesn’t cut as deep.
“Did you talk to Porter about photos for tonight?”
I nod, munching on a fry. Marcella is throwing a party, so I can’t really escape it. Felicity is at a music festival this weekend, so she has free rein.
“Good. We also need to make sure the caterers set everything up by seven. The invite says nine p.m., but I don’t think we’ll get started till ten.”
I nod along. The good thing about being in my house is that I can lock myself in my room, hide on my roof nest, and avoid seeing anyone for most of the night.
I’m walking down the hallway to get to my next class when I’m pulled by the arm and dragged into an empty classroom.
“What the hell?” I shout and my heart skips a beat when I realize it’s Ryder. “Oh, it’s you. What do you want?”
“To talk.”
“Well, you could just act like a normal person and not corner me to do it.”
He’s so close, I can smell his intoxicating cologne and see the darker gray ring around his pupils.
“I don’t know how to act normal around you.” He spits the words. “Tonight. Can we talk tonight?”
My eyes shut and I let out a groan. “Fine, whatever. I’m late for class.”
I shove against his chest, and he backs away.
“Tonight!” He shouts when the classroom door closes behind me.
I haven’t seen him for days and now he wants to talk, and I hate that I want to hear what he has to say.
* * *
The party is in full swing downstairs. I’m on the rooftop listening to music and enjoying being away from everyone. After thinking about it, I decided not to talk to Ryder. My emotions can’t be trusted when it comes to him.
There’s been a couple of knocks on my door, and every time my heart tries to beat itself out of my chest. I’ve held my stance that I will not leave until nature calls. Now, nature is striking back with a vengeance.
Marcy and I share a bathroom, but I don’t think I want to chance opening that door after hearing slamming against it earlier. Pulling a jacket over my tank top, I sneak out, pushing through the crowd lining the corridor toward the no-entry zone, Felicity's room. How on earth does the word about these parties get around? I’m glad everyone is too drunk or making out to notice my candy-striped pants.
I open her door and slip in, locking it behind me to avoid someone barging in and making out on my aunt's bed. Flipping on the light switch, I turn and let out a small gasp when I spot Ryder sitting on her armchair. What the ever-loving fuck?
“What are you doing here?” I tug my jacket tighter around me, wishing I’d had the sense to change.
“We have to stop meeting like this.” He offers me a devilish grin, and my thoughts flash back to the night at the frat party.
“My aunt’s room is a no-go zone. You shouldn’t be in here.”
He shrugs. “I didn’t know that until now.”
“Well, get outta here before Marcy finds you. She’ll flip.”
“Oh, I think your cousin is too busy playing hostess. How come you’re not at the party?”