He smiled. “I thought you might. So”—he rested his elbow on the back of my seat—“still wanna catch a movie?”
I gave his arm a glance, then moved my attention to his face.He’s cute with his sandy hair and upturned eyes.
“It’s that new sci-fi one everyone’s talking about.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “And I really don’t want to go by myself.”
Ishouldgo see the movie with him.Paxton barely said two words to me today.It’s not like we’re dating. One kiss doesn’t mean anything.
My stomach clenched.
Mick watched my face, hope or eagerness shining from his gaze.
“Uh…my foster brother has this thing tonight I didn’t know about, so actually, I need to show him some support.”
Mick’s smile turned to a frown. “Sure thing.” He started the car. “Need me to drop you off?”
“If you don’t mind.”
He shrugged and started the ignition. “Nope. I’m glad you came with me tonight. Maybe we can catch a movie some other night.”
“Yeah. That sounds fun.” I could suck it up and ignore the bitches who would be at the party because I wanted to watch Paxton on a stage. I’d seen him plenty of times at home with his guitar, but tonight would be different. He’d been there for me when I made a complete ass of myself in the cheer tryouts, so it was the least I could do by being there for him tonight.
Chapter seventeen
Paxton Ross
Jay’sparentswereona weekend getaway and the party was in full swing by the time I arrived.
After parking my new ride, I ducked into the backseat and retrieved my guitar. As I shut the door, Katrina sauntered toward me in nothing but a bikini. Actually, bikini implied there was cloth on her body. Strings strategically covered her crotch and boobs, leaving nothing to the imagination.
“Hey there. Bout time you got here.” She handed me a plastic cup. “Come on. Jay’s just about got everything set up.” She slid a hand through the crook of my arm and pulled me toward the side of the house, opening an elaborate iron gate.
Laughter and music blasted from speakers and carried through the night.
I thought about carefully extricating myself from her grip, but what did it matter? She and I weren’t a couple, we’d neverbea couple no matter how many coy glances or subtle hints she threw at me.
Katrina, though pretty, had a streak of meanness and pettiness that didn’t sit well with me. I’d seen how she treated others, especially Terri. I just needed the connections she and Jay had so I could get out of here someday.
We wound around an enormous pool, the stone pavers wet and shining with the glow of the strung lights overhead. About twenty or so people splashed or swam in the water, and farther out were several patio tables and loungers mostly filled with couples making out.
“Hey, man. You made it.” Jay’s voice pulled my attention toward the pool house.
Next to the building, a small stage rose about three feet from the ground. A mic stand, an amp, and his drum set already completed it. Two spotlights had been mounted on poles to shine directly on the area. In front of the stage, a wide grassy lawn gave plenty of room for people to stand and cheer on the performers.
“Nice setup.” I sniffed the drink in my hand, inhaling spicy alcohol. “Is there liquor in this?” Looking at Katrina, I raised an eyebrow.
She laughed. “Of course. It’s not a party without the booze, right?”
“I’ve never drank this stuff before.” Uneasiness stirred inside me. I was only sixteen, way underage. Plus, I associated anything with the ability to alter consciousness in the same category as drugs. And I’d seen what those did to a person. I moved the cup toward her. “Think I’ll pass.”
“Don’t be such a pussy, man.” Jay nodded. “Besides, you really wanna play in front of this crowd cold sober?”
I glanced at the rowdy students.He does have a point.
“Yeah, Paxton.” Katrina trailed her fingers up my arm. “It’s only one drink. It’ll help you perform better. I promise.”
Pulling the cup back, I nodded, then took a sip. “Ugh. It tastes terrible.”
Jay and Katrina laughed. “Trust me, after a few more sips, it doesn’t taste so bad.” Jay slapped me on the back. “Come on, let’s start jamming.”
