6
It was already nine o’clock in the evening, and she still wasn’t home.
Earlier today, Emma had texted me that she’d be home late. She didn’t say much—just a quick heads-up so I wouldn’t show up at her place at seven like I usually do.
Hey, don’t wait up. Will be out for the night.
That was it.
And of course, I replied. Text me when you get home.
But she hadn’t.
Not a single word since.
I knew she didn’t owe me explanations. She wasn’t mine.
It wasn’t her job to tell me where she was or who she was with.
Still, the silence made my stomach twist in that irritating way I’d been trying to ignore lately.
Would it kill her to say something like, Hey, I’m on a date tonight, or Out with some friends, don’t freak, or even Dude, I’m not your girlfriend, so chill out?
Ugh. I had to stop torturing myself like this.
“Honey, could you be a dear and grab my purse?”
My mom’s voice broke through my thoughts, and I blinked as I came back to reality.
She and Dad were heading to a funeral—I think one of their friends passed away early this morning.
I wasn’t entirely sure. Maybe I should listen better when she talks instead of zoning out, preoccupied with thoughts of the girl next door.
“What time will you be home, Mom?” I asked, more out of habit than concern.
“Don’t wait up, honey. We’ll be late for sure.”
I almost laughed. Don’t wait up. Sounded familiar. Apparently, it was the phrase of the night.
I looked at the clock again—9:20.
I’d already had dinner. I didn’t feel like watching TV. And the silence in the house was starting to close in on me.
I grabbed my car keys and headed to the garage.
I hadn’t driven my car in two weeks, and I didn’t even know where I was going. I just knew I needed to get out of the house.
Six blocks later, I was about to make a U-turn when I spotted a familiar figure waiting by the curb.
I couldn’t help the grin that stretched across my face as I honked and rolled the window down.
“Saaaaaaaaaaam!”
She jumped and clutched her chest like I’d just fired a gun. “Holy shit, Jen! You scared the hell out of me!”
I stepped out of the car and gave her a quick hug.
I looked her over and smirked. “Damn, you’re dressed up. You heading to a Bible study?”
That earned me a punch in the arm.
“There’s a party around the corner,” she said, cheeks already pink. “A friend invited me.”
“A friend?” I arched a brow, poking her cheek repeatedly when she didn’t immediately answer.
“Okay, okay!” she said, flustered. “I met him last week at my cousin’s birthday party. We got to talking, and he invited me tonight. I’m actually waiting for him now.”
Ah. That explained the blushing.
“Hey, it’s cool,” I said. “I’m not gonna tease you. Much.”
She rolled her eyes, but I could see the gratitude in her smile.
“Well, I’ll leave you to it. But promise me one thing—you’ll introduce me to him?”
“Why don’t I do that now? He’s coming.” She nodded toward someone behind me.
I turned to see a tall guy with brown hair approaching us. He was good-looking, I had to admit.
“Hi,” he said, looking between the two of us.
“David, this is my friend Jen. Jen, David.”
He reached out his hand. “Hi, Jen. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s really nice to meet you.”
“Oh, really?” I shot a look at Sam, who just giggled.
“Well, I heard you’re off to a party, so I’ll get going. Don’t drink too much, Sam.”
I was about to climb back into my car when David stopped me.
“Why don’t you come with us? It’s my best friend’s birthday. He won’t mind if I bring another guest.”
I hesitated. I checked my phone. Still no message from Emma.
Of course.
Honestly, what else was I going to do—go home and sulk in my room while waiting for a text that might never come?
I quickly typed a message to my mom, letting her know I was going to a party.
“Yeah,” I said. “What the hell.”
Two minutes later, we pulled up in front of a house I didn’t even know existed until now. It was huge. Lights were glowing through the windows, and the bass of the music shook the pavement.
“Let’s go!” Sam grinned, grabbing my hand and pulling me inside.
The noise hit me like a wave. People were dancing, drinking, shouting, making out—some of them barely standing. It was pure chaos.
I froze. My eyes darted around the room. Was this normal? Was this what teenage parties were supposed to look like?
Sam must’ve noticed the discomfort written all over my face. She leaned close to my ear. “Come on, let’s get you a drink.”
She dragged me into the kitchen and poured two red cups of water. I took one and stared at it.
“Sam,” I said, barely audible above the music. “I think I should go.”
She grabbed my hand with her free one.
“Jen, please stay. I know this isn’t your scene. It’s not really mine either. But we’re teenagers. We’re supposed to go to stuff like this. Just for once, please?”
She hit me with her best puppy-dog eyes.
“Ugh, fine.” I sighed and took a sip.
We found a spot on the couch in the living room. People were still grinding and flailing like their lives depended on it.
“See? Not so bad, right?” she shouted in my ear.
I just gave her a thumbs-up. Yeah, not so bad—if I ignore the smell of beer and hormones. Or the possibility of accidental pregnancy by proximity.
“Do you mind if I leave you for like two minutes? I just want to find David.”
I nodded, grateful for a moment alone.
But I didn’t get two minutes.
Barely ten seconds passed before someone plopped down beside me.
I didn’t look right away. I was too focused on getting some of the mystery girl’s hair out of my face.
I turned, ready to politely ask for space—when my eyes widened.
“Kate?”
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