Seizing the moment, I shoved Dean back. “Mandy,” I choked out, forcing my breath steady. “He—”
“Some friend you’ve got.” Dean cut in, eyes flicking to Mandy, whose face had gone pale against the white wall. “She dragged me in here. Begged me to kiss her.”
My stomach turned. “That isn’t—”
“How could you?” Mandy’s glare sliced through me as her fists clenched. “You’re supposed to be my best friend!”
Dean smirked, smug and satisfied, then slunk off. Of course. A coward like him would start shit and leave me to deal with the wreckage.
I stared at Mandy, disbelief hollowing me out. He cornered me like a predator—and she blamedme? After twelve years of friendship?
“How couldI?” I stepped toward her. “Hecorneredme, and he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”
“That’s why you didn’t want me to date him.” Mandy crossed her arms, sniffling. “You wanted him for yourself. I’m such an idiot. Why did I trust you?”
“Are you serious right now?” My voice climbed. “Why would I ask him to kiss me when I can’t stand him? I want nothing to do with that creep, and you should stay away from him, too. He’s disgusting.”
Mandy swiped her nose with the back of her hand. “He’s disgusting because he turned you down? Forget it. Ask someone else for a ride. I’m done.”
Done? Just like that? So much for friendship.
She spun away, ready to leave.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this,” I called after her. “You’d really believe him over me?”
“We aren’t friends anymore.”
Her words cracked like a whip before she stormed off, leaving me alone in the hallway. I sagged against the wall, trying to breathe through the ache. Mandy and I had our fights, but I never thought she’d take some asshole’s side so easily.
I couldn’t stay here. Not in the same house as Dean.
Back in the living room, my short black dress rode up with every step, drawing a few stares. I ignored them, scanning for Mandy, but she was gone. Kyle lounged on the couch.
I drew a steadying breath and walked over.
“What’s up?” he asked, brow furrowing. “You okay?”
“Just wanted to tell you I’m leaving.”
“Oh.” His brows knit tighter. “Want me to find you a ride? Dean, or—”
Dean?I’d rather face a pit of alligators. “No, thanks. A friend’s picking me up.”
At this point, I didn’t trust anyone here. Most were drunk, and some were high.
I waved goodbye and slipped out. Cold night air hit my face, loosening the knot in my chest. I leaned against the side of the house, staring up at the sky.
I needed a cab, but the thought of a stranger driving me home made my stomach churn. There was only one person I could call.
What happened between Asher and me still haunted my nights, but I couldn’t blame him. It wasn’t his fault. The more I read about his dad, the more I understood the weight on his shoulders—pressure to be just as good, to prove himself.
After a moment’s hesitation, I dug my phone from my purse and dialed.
He answered after two rings. “Peque?”
Music thumped faintly in the background. My gut twisted. He must’ve been out. With another girl, maybe—like that time at the club.
“Kaia?” His voice sharpened with worry. “Are you okay?”
