We go out to the driveway and slide into the back seat of an Explorer. Brooke was right because we’re only in the SUV for a few minutes when we get to the party. “We could’ve walked.”
“No, we couldn’t have. Walking isn’t safe even in this area. Don’t get out by yourself, Ivy. It’s not a good idea.”
This area is beyond upscale compared to my old neighborhood. She’d freak if she saw the areas I previously called home. Even if she doesn’t consider herself one of the preppy, sheltered kids, she is around them and only in their world all the time.
As soon as we enter the house, Brooke finds where they’re serving drinks and grabs us both one. I take a few sips before downing the rest as we weave through the crowd. The house is crammed with people from wall to wall. It’s making me regret being here even more until we get to the backyard where it’s not as jam-packed. Brooke dances to the blaring music as she grabs my hand and twirls around.
“I’ll pass. Have fun.” I move to the side, seeing another drink table. So, I head over and refill my cup as my phone dings with a message from Everett.
Everett: I miss you.
Ivy: Miss you too.
Minutes later, I’m watching Brooke yell along with the song and bounce around as I feel my phone vibrate again.
Everett: I’m outside your door. Let me in.
Shit.
Ivy: I’m not home.
Everett: Where are you?
Ivy: Party down the street.
Everett: Send me your location.
I glance up, seeing Brooke still swaying along before I send Everett my location. It’s about ten minutes later when I see him step out the door into the backyard. He scans the crowd as I wave to him before he finally sees me. Before he reaches me, he says, “I thought you didn’t feel like going to a party.”
“I didn’t. Brooke talked me into coming out.”
“Ah. So new friends have more pull.”
“It’s not like that.” I take another sip before I tell him. “Being at a party with all the old friends feels heavier. I just want to relax and not be the girl with the dead mom.”
“I get it, Ivy. But I’ve missed you. I hate that we’re missing out on our senior year together. It was supposed to be us against the world.”
“I know. Only it’s not anymore. Things changed.” Everything changed in a split second.
“It doesn’t have to be this way” He wraps his arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. “Just promise me you’ll stop pushing me away.”
“Okay,” I agree but don’t return the hug before he releases me.
“I’ll get us some drinks.” He glances around before I point him in the right direction.
He disappears as Brooke returns, plopping down beside me. “It’s so hot out here.”
When Everett returns, she sees the drink in his hand and grabs one. “Thanks, dude. You read my mind.”
Everett just smiles as I introduce them before he says, “You’re welcome.” He takes a sip of the one in his hand before passing it to me. “I’ll grab a few more. Seems like we might need them.”
“For sure,” Brooke hollers.
He returns with three more drinks as Brooke downs another and goes back to the dance floor. When a slow melody comes on, she calls us out there before she wraps her arms around some dude’s neck who I don’t recognize and sways to the music.
“Dance with me?” Everett asks.
We’ve danced before, but something makes me say, “I’d rather skip this one.”
