Lorelai looked over at me, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Where is the party?”
Chapter 7
Dylan
I stepped through the front door and glanced at a group of unfamiliar faces. I probably should have brought Knox as my wingman for tonight, I thought to myself. These types of parties just weren’t my style. In fact, no party was. I preferred being with my boys over being in a room full of people I didn’t know.
I made my way to the kitchen and out onto the back deck, where I saw my father and Penelope talking with another couple. I lifted my hand and waved, letting them know I’d arrived. Then I made my way back inside.
I was still reeling from today’s meeting with the coach about the entire team’s performance at the last few games. He’d told us we had better get our shit together if we planned to make it to the playoffs this year. If we didn’t, it would be the first year in five that we didn’t make it. The entire tone of the meeting had put me in a mood that I’d been trying to shake off all day.
I made my way through the crowd of people, amazed that no one had stopped me yet. Usually, once they saw me, I was trapped. Tonight, I was on a mission, and even though I knew most of my father’s friends would be eager to talk to me, that would have to wait.
I felt my phone vibrate. Pulling it from my pocket, I glanced at the screen to see Knox had messaged. They were going to Illusion and wanted to know if I wanted to go.
* * *
Dylan: Can’t right now. Family obligation.
Knox: You aren’t any fun.
Dylan: I know.
Knox: Maybe afterward?
Dylan: I’ll message you to see if you are still there.
Knox: We will be. Clark and Harris want to blow off steam, maybe pick up a couple of chicks. You could probably use a release too.
* * *
I chuckled to myself. He did not know how much of a release I needed, but I’d already set my sights on the prize I wanted.
* * *
Knox: So what do you say? In or out later?
Dylan: I’ll message soon. I could blow off steam myself. As for picking up a chick, not my style man, I’m already working on a minor project.
* * *
I shoved my phone back into my pocket in time to see one of my father’s friends making his way toward me. He always asked me a million questions, and I was looking for any way out of the conversation when out of the corner of my eye I caught sight of Aurora. She looked perfect. Her hair hung loose down her back. She was with another girl who was saying something to her, and she turned and smiled. The smile lit up the entire room. Then she stepped into the den and out of my sight.
“Dylan, good to see you. How’s it going?”
“Good, Dixon, thanks for asking.”
“Listen, I want to ask you what you think your chances are of hitting the playoffs this year? I’ve been watching, and I’ll say I think it’s a long shot.”
“I’m happy to talk to you about this in a bit, but right now, I need to make an important call. Can I catch up with you soon?”
“Ah, yes, sure thing,” Dixon added. “I know you’re a busy man.”
I shook his hand and made my way into the den. The room was full, and I searched the crowd, finally spotting her. She stood across the room talking up a storm with the other girl she was with. She hadn’t spotted me yet, so I just took a seat on the couch and watched her.
My eyes skimmed her body. She looked amazing in the tight black tank top and white skirt she wore. I’d been waiting all week just to see her again, and I couldn’t wait to talk to her. She laughed at something the other girl said, and then she nodded as the girl whispered something in her ear. The other girl walked away, leaving her standing there, alone, holding her glass in one hand as she glanced around at the other people in the room, finally spotting me. Almost immediately her face fell.
Once the room emptied a bit, I got up from where I was sitting and made my way over to her. She rolled her eyes and looked away, fidgeting with the glass she held. I couldn’t help but smile at the light-pink hue that was rising to her cheeks and chest at my approach.
