“It’s been really great havingchemistrywith you,” he interrupts suggestively, “if you know what I mean.”
Is he hitting on me? Does he know I’m with Danny?
“It’s good having class with you, too, but?—”
“Maybe we should see if we have chemistry outside of class tonight.” Kyle takes another step toward me.
I instinctively step back, but I’m almost completely backed up against the kitchen island.
“I don’t think Danny would like this,” I blurt out.
Kyle’s face scrunches, confusion flickering across his face. “DT was the one who said he’d put in a good word for me.”
“Danny saidwhat?”
“Don’t worry about a thing, babe. Listen, I’d love to show you my room.” He inches toward me until the cold countertop digs into my back. I start vigorously shaking my head as he leansin. Smelling the alcohol on his breath, nausea coils low in my stomach. It reminds me of my?—
Stop stuttering or I’ll give you something to stutter about.
Kyle lifts his free hand and strokes my hair.
Your hair looks like a goddamn mop.
“Hold still, babe.” Kyle’s voice sounds predatory as it crawls into my ears. When his hand creeps down to my neck, I freeze.
Stop right there, you stuttering, stupid shit.
“No,” I protest quietly, curling inward, not wanting to cause a scene. The room feels smaller and smaller as my chest tightens uncomfortably.
He either doesn’t hear me or doesn’t care. I lift my hands to protect my face.Where is Danny?
Kyle reaches for my wrists and starts to pry them from my face. “No!” I say louder, and every head turns toward us, including—oh thank God.
“What thefuckis going on here?”
I’ve never heard Danny use such a dark, low tone of voice as he shoves Kyle away from me.
“Whoa. Chill out, man. Susannah and I were just getting to know each other. She’s playing a little hard to get, but?—”
“Step thefuckaway from her. Can’t you see she’s uncomfortable? She saidno, you drunk dickhead!”
I’m mortified. Heat creeps up my neck, and I drop my gaze to the floor as my vision blurs with tears. I can feel every eye in the room stare at me.
A girl loudly whispers, “What’s wrong with her? What a weirdo…”
“Caitlin,” Alicia reprimands.
And suddenly I’m not at this party. I’m back in my living room, and the smell of my dad’s favorite beer is making me sick.
I can’t be here anymore. Bolting out of the house, I run across the lawn. When I reach the curb, tears of frustration roll downmy face, and I sink down to the street. Why would Danny still want to be with me? I can’t even handle one stupid party without embarrassing him.
“Why are you like this?” I mutter, taking shallow breaths.
“Gracie!” Danny sprints my way, wrapping me in a hug from behind. “I turned around and you were gone.”
He gently strokes my head as he holds me, whispering, “I’m sorry, baby. I’m so sorry for leaving you,” into the back of my hair.
“It was his breath,” I whisper.
