“There will be plenty of parties if that’s what you’re worried about,” I say, trying to reassure her. “Enjoy the time with your family.”
“Okay.” She nods slightly, as if convincing herself she is making the right decision to see her family. “Thank you.”
“Anytime.” I give her a pat on the arm. “We are thrilled to have you on the team.”
Chapter twenty-nine
Laur
Lucas’ backyard buzzes with music, chatter, and plenty of people when I walk through the gate. Two kegs sit on the patio with people I don’t recognize surrounding them. Groups of people stand on almost every inch of the grass.
“Do you see any of the new girls?” I ask Libby, thankful we came together because I don’t see any of our friends or anyone from the PR team either. Everyone seems to be a stranger.
“No,” Libby confirms, standing on her tippy-toes trying to peer around the backyard. “But let’s go to the kegs. I’m sure there’s someone we know around there.”
“You made sure to tell the newbies not to come alone right?” Anxiety takes root in my stomach thinking about the new girls walking into this party full of people they don’t know.
Libby huffs dramatically. “They’re adults. I’m sure they wouldn’t come alone anyways.” She starts walking towards the patio and drinks. “Especially since they don’t know anyone but each other,” she mutters under her breath.
The sass Libby gives off radiates heat. I swear she used to be more chill and down to earth.
“I see Blaine!” Libby yells, grabbing my hand and weaving through the crowd waiting by the keg.
“Blaine,” Libby squeals like a schoolgirl, throwing her arms around Blaine’s neck. “Congratulations! I’m so proud of you, boo.”
Libby takes Blaine’s face in her hands, and plants a quick, mischievous kiss on his lips. Henoticeably winces.
Before Blaine says anything, she rushes off. “We aren’t waiting in this shit,” she calls back to me, “going to grab a beer inside for us.”
Blaine’s eyes fill with wonder and confusion, seemingly stupefied by Libby’s kiss as he watches her abruptly run off. Now, I can see a harsh cut running across his bottom lip.What the hell happened?
“What the hell was that?” Blaine mumbles, his stunned gaze meeting mine.
“Your guess is better than mine,” I respond, truly unsure what Libby’s intentions are with Blaine.
“But you live with her,” Blaine mutters into his solo cup before taking a drink. “You know her better than me.”
With a sigh, I explain, “Trying to understand Libby’s romantic life is like trying to understand . . .” I pause trying to find the words.
“A maze with no exit? The Matrix movies? Why people like football more than hockey?” Blaine ponders.
“All of the above,” I giggle. “But I was going to say rocket science.”
“Ah well, I’m going to be a rocket scientist if hockey doesn’t work out,” Blaine says with a cheeky grin. “So women are much more confusing to me than rocket science.”
A gleam of intrigue lights my widening gaze. “Oh,” I stammer, at a loss of words, “I didn’t know.”
“That’s because I’m kidding,” he chuckles. “Last I saw Lucas, he was over there.” He points to the left.
My face turns red, embarrassed at how gullible I was, but I mumble my thanks. Wanting to ask about his lip, I finally remember this party is for him.
“Congrats, by the way,” I stumble over my words, dumbfounded that it took me this long to say it. “You deserve it.”
Blaine nods in thanks.
“I mean it." I bite my lip knowing I’m about to say too much. “Lucas knew at the beach it would be you and Keith. You earned it, Blaine.”
Patting him on the shoulder, I whisper softly, “Just don’t tell him I told you that.”
