Sutton
What party?
Izzy’s?
Sutton
Oh. Yeah. Didn’t feel well.
Unless she took a turn in the past two hours, Sutton wasn’t sick when I saw her. She’s lying, she didn’t know about the party. Why would Dylan or Izzy not invite her? It’s not like Sutton to forget something.
I run a hand through my hair and decide to head home. There’s no point in me being here.
I’m going to head out. Need anything? Mom’s soup?
Sutton
You should stay.
Hang out with your friends.
I end up having a Diet Coke and then decide to head home. Before leaving, I dip into the bathroom.
I’m washing my hands when the door opens.
I could have sworn I locked it.
Through the mirror, I spot Izzy. A tiny bandage dress—honestly it might be a stretched-out tube top—and hair tied back in her signature bow. Her makeup is overdone. Our eyes lock and I can easily tell how glassy hers are.
She steps up beside me. Izzy is about a foot shorter than me. Fingers walking along the porcelain and up my hand white-knuckling the edge.
“Cooper. I’ve been looking for you.” Her fingers creep up my forearm and I hate the sensation. It’s as if a spider is crawling over me. “I was happy when I saw you gesture to the bathroom.”
Gesture? “Huh?”
She’s made her way to my chest, spinning her pointer finger and thumb into the fabric and pulling me to her.
“You wanted me to meet you in here,” she slurs her words.
“No. No, I didn’t.” I try to take a step away from her but am surprised by her strength.
“Yes. Yes, you did.”
“Seriously, Iz, Iwouldn’t.”
She pulls away from me, disgusted. “Wouldn’t? What is that supposed to mean? Because I’m not a curly redhead that wears stupid overalls or skirts and plays hockey, I’m not good enough?”
Izzy sways. She’s more than tipsy. In this moment, I hate that it’s an involuntary movement to steady her.
“Come on. Let’s go upstairs and get you some water.” I reach for her hand and she swats mine away.
“No.”
“Iz,” I warn and plea.
“You know she doesn’t even like you, Cooper, but I do. And I’m here with you now. Not her.”
“Izzy.”
