“Damn it,” I mutter.
“I know, man,” he nods in agreement. “Jared’s trying to handle everything to keep everyone out of her business. Just let him handle it.”
“I need to look for her,” I say, my mind racing. “I’ll catch you later.”
“Ty!” Beckham calls for me, but I hurriedly make my way back inside. My eyes frantically sweep across the room, searching for my girl. My heart pounds with a mix of worry and urgency, I finally catch sight of Serena near the corner of the room with her group of friends.
Good, she’s not alone and no one is bothering her.
I weave through the crowd to get to her and there’s this weird vibe. People shoot glances at their phones and whispers are spread through the crowd. It’s like a bad subplot in a teen rom-com, but I can’t figure out the plot twist.
I reach Serena at the same time as Alli, who hands her a chilled water bottle. “Here, drink this.” Alli takes the red cup away, making Serena pout at the removal. “You’re done, I’m cutting you off.”
“But–”
“Serena, stop drinking your emotions away.”
“You’re drinking again?” I ask, concern etch into my tone. “You said you were stopping earlier.”
“I need to not feel anything.” Serena says softly as she tries to reach out for the red cup again but stumbles in the process.
Grant and I catch her swiftly and steady her up. “Hey, hey, you’re okay, you’re with me,” I say, holding her gaze.
“I’m taking you home,” Alli says while reaching out for Serena.
“You’re homecoming queen, you should stay. We can stay.” Serena insists.
“Serena, we’re not staying here with these whack ass people. We’re leaving.”
“But–”
I pull Serena into my arms and wrap my arm around her shoulders, “I’m taking you home.” I turn to look at her friends, “I can take her home.”
Alli opens her mouth to interject, but Grant shoots her a look that settles the issue. “Alright, but straight home and please be careful. Text me when you get there.” She says as she asks for my phone and adds her number in it.
I nod at the group to say goodbye and we disappear into the crowd for the exit. People are staring, and by people, I mean everyone.
“That’s her?” Someone whispers as we near the exit.
Serena’s entire body tenses up and tears flush her eyes.
“It’s okay, you’re safe with me,” I whisper into her ear.
And so, I only have one thing on my mind: getting Serena the hell out of this party.
Chapter 32
Serena
I was fine. I was having fun with my friends. I was drinking. I should be on cloud nine, feeling exhilarated and carefree. But I couldn’t shake off the mixed emotions I had after seeing my mom and her child.
I couldn’t wrap it around my head. The woman who birthed me, who then walked out on me, suddenly pops into my life. This isn’t like how I imagined running into her would be like after all these years. I always pictured it a bit more formal like picking up a coffee at some overpriced local shop. Of course it had to catch me off guard.
To add the cherry on top, I met herdaughter. She has a daughter. The question screams at me,was I not good enough?
I knock back another shot, the liquid burning to my core, momentarily dulling the ache inside. But the more I try to bury those feelings, the stronger they seem to resurface.
Seeing the person who walked out on me wasn’t even the worst part of my night. Tonight, all of my demons are out to getme. When I circled up with Tyler, I already had way too much liquor coursing through my body and I’m fully aware I told him I would stop drinking. But I need to forget everything tonight. I need to forget people.
