I brush it off, pushing down my feelings. There is free alcohol, so that is a plus.
I polish off my glass of wine, reaching for the bottle to top up my glass.
The feeling of disappointment fills me—disappointment that neither of them told me that they were coming together. I thought we were going to start something between the three of us, but already they are leaving me out of the loop. The threesome just became a couple by the looks of things.
I let my gaze wash over them, taking in Colt in his black dress pants and a maroon dress shirt, with an embroidered pattern onit. The material hugs his every muscle, making them look more prominent.
Theo, oh, my sweet nerdy Theo. He is dressed in brown pants and black shoes, a dark red V-neck sweater with a charcoal grey shirt and a tie underneath.
Theo must feel me watching him because he looks my way, his gaze connecting to mine, and he smiles. Speaking to Colt, they both walk in my direction, but Colt gets stopped, so he tells Theo to come to me.
The smile they share is like a sucker-punch to the gut, and I know that I should not overreact, but I cannot help it. I want these men to be a part of me, yet I feel left out. Pushed aside.
It is like the room is getting smaller and smaller with every step he takes toward me. My feelings toward them being here together and not telling me fill my senses and I snap back into reality.
“River, it is good to see you,” Theo says, stopping in front of me.
He is so close that the tips of his shoes almost meet mine.
“Theo.” I can’t keep the cold out of my usually cheerful voice.
Fuck, I need to control my emotions better. His smile drops from his face, the festive sparkle fading from his eyes, and I feel like shit. Licking his lips, he looks at the ground before bringing his gaze back to mine, and I could kick myself seeing the doubt looking back at me.
“I was hoping I would see you tonight,” he says.
“Well, you saw me. I am going to talk to the other town folks who enjoy my company.” I know I am acting like a brat but fuck me, the wine is already going to my head, and I can’t stop it before it slips out.
“What’s wrong? Have I done something to upset you?”
I sigh, the grip on my glass tightening. I know I am being stupid, but being hurt for years has left me jaded. I may comeoff as being bold, flirty, and loud, but I do have scars below the surface and right now, I am letting the pain from them show to Theo.
Licking my slips, I stiffen my spine and square my shoulders. I hate seeing the frown on his handsome face, but I put it there and right now, I am unsure how to make it better for him. My feelings are hurt, and he doesn’t even know why.
This is all on me.
“Listen, I am going to enjoy the party, network, you know. Why don’t you go and find Colt and enjoy the rest of the night?”
“The brush off—” his voice small “—Got it. It always happens. Must be a me thing.” He sighs again and the low sound is like a knife to the heart.
I stand stock still, for once unsure of what to say to him. He looks like I just kicked his reindeer, and I fucking hate it. He nods his head, giving me a half smile, his eyes showing his hurt.
For a moment, the noise of the party seems to fade into the background, leaving just the two of us and the tension hanging thick in the air. I want to reach out, say something to make it right, but the words stick in my throat, and all I can do is watch as he quietly turns away.
I turn my back, not wanting to see Colt’s reaction when Theo comes to him without me. Yet again, I have fucked up a chance at getting what I want because I felt left out.
The story of my life.
Fifteen
THEO
My stomach is in knots as I leave the room, not going back to Colt, who is deep in conversation with some men I have seen around town.
River's words and coldness seep into my bones, and I do not know how to handle it. The laughter and music from the party feel distant, muffled under the weight of disappointment pressing on my chest. I lean against the hallway wall, trying to steady my breath, but all I can think about is how upset he looks, disappointed even.
When Colt asked me to be his date for tonight, I was shocked but excited. I have never gone on a date before with a man, so this was something new for me; plus, I knew that River would be here.
My excitement built knowing that I would get to see him, but all I got from him was coldness—something that I found strange coming from his usual warm self.
