“Is that necessary? How many of us are there?”
“I think twelve? Wait, eleven, since you don’t have a date.” Gucci slapped me on the back and headed toward the limo. “Come on, Solo, let’s do this. I need a drink.”
Sighing, I twisted the hat in my hands and joined the rest of the group.
It was strange. I wasn’t a fucking wallflower. I thrived on the social scene, especially with a few drinks in my system, but as we drove off and I cradled an untouched rum and Coke, I felt more alone than ever. Even with the blaring music and dancing and animated conversation that I didn’t even bother to join.
Gucci must’ve noticed, because he sat beside me and reached for a bottle of liquor. “Let’s do a couple shots.”
“Nah, I’m not really feelin’ it.”
“Which is exactly why I need you to get liquored up. It’s not like you to sit all quiet in the corner.”
“Gooch, I don’t think it’s a good idea.”
He sighed and lowered the bottle between his thighs, his face growing serious. “Look, man, I get it. I know it sucks, but trust me, that’s why you need this. To get through tonight.”
I stared at my friend, who obviously saw right through me, and felt my eyes begin to sting.
Shit, what is going on with me?I scrubbed a hand over my face until the prickling behind my lids went away, and then I groaned and laid my head back against the seat.
“Yeah, you’re right. I think I do need that drink.”
Gucci gave me a sad smile and clapped his hand on my shoulder. Then he poured us both a couple of shots, which I chased down with my rum and Coke. I didn’t want to get sloppy, since we’d be watched closely tonight, but maybe this would at least take the edge off.
All too soon, the massive Hummer limo pulled into the convention center, and I readied myself for having to walk in there alone.
“Damn, it’s packed,” Phantom said as we all peered out the window to see the parking lot jammed full. We weren’t technically late, since the ball didn’t start for another five minutes, but since military time was to be fifteen minutes early, we were probably one of the last ones to make an entrance.
They all filed out, all the couples dressed to the nines, while I brought up the rear, hoping no one would notice I was even there. It was maybe the only time in my life I’d ever wanted to blend in instead of stand out, and as we entered through the front doors, the commotion I’d expected to see was nonexistent. The lobby was decorated in Navy colors, and while there were a few stragglers lingering, most everyone had already entered the main hall.
Yep, we were late.
As the rest of the group hurried across the lobby, I took my sweet time, adjusting my hat and sleeves, anything to drag out having to be inside with everyone. It was then that I saw him.
Leaning against the wall in a shadowed corner of the room, Panther watched us—watched me—and like a magnet, I was drawn to him.
A hand grabbed my arm as I changed direction, and I looked back to see a small smile on Gucci’s face. “See you in there?”
I nodded, and he let go of me to join the others, and once they were inside, I turned around. Panther stayed still and silent as I closed the distance between us, and when I stopped a couple feet away, he pushed off the wall.
With his coal-black hair perfectly swept back, and with him in the same dress whites I wore, his blue eyes were more piercing than ever. He always looked handsome, but tonight, there was something more I couldn’t put my finger on. A touch of sadness lurking behind his gaze.
He gestured toward me with his hat. “You look…really good.”
“So do you.” I tried for a smile. “Good enough to eat.”
Instead of the laugh I expected, Panther’s mouth turned down and he looked away.
“Hey,” I said, taking a step toward him, but still keeping out of his personal space. “What’s going on? How come you’re out here instead of in there?”
“I—I can’t do this.”
My heart stopped. “You can’t do what?”
“I can’t pretend anymore. I can’t go in there pretending.”
“Pretending…what, exactly?”
