He gives me one last assessing look before nodding his head and walking off.
7
Olivia
I make my way from the parking lot to the wooden structure that barely passes for a bar. While McKinley’s attempt at having a collegiate air was valiant, the overwhelming sense of debauchery couldn’t be masked. The silhouette of a lion, the Astor Mascot, plagues the establishment— from the signage outside to the pint glasses my fellow students are holding to their lips. I reach for the door handle, the stickiness hugging each crevice of my palm. I grimace, ducking into the dimly lit bar while rubbing my hand on the side of my mini dress.
Almost immediately, I’m flanked with massive biceps and a chest that engulfs me. I let myself be swallowed by Grant’s hug, the safety oozing through my body. I wasn’t lying when I told Ben that Grant was one of my favorite people. He has a way of making me feel like everything will be okay.
“Olivia, how are you doing?” I feel him murmuring into my hair.
“I’m fine. This week’s been hard but it always is this time of year,” I say, giving Grant a sad smile. It’s odd how I never feel uncomfortable being vulnerable around him. He gives me a solemn nod, knowing he’s one of the few people who still remember the anniversary of Lily's death.
“So I did something and I really hope it’s not crossing a line. The last thing I want to do is upset you.” His tone is serious and kind. I can’t imagine a single thing Grant could do that would make me feel upset.
“I’m sure whatever you did will make me anything but sad.” I look up at him, my eyes feeling glassy and tired.
He spins me around, softly gripping my shoulders. He pushes me toward the bar where I’m met with the most beautiful sign. Surprising, considering the atmosphere.
The Lily:
One part gin
Two parts tonic
Garnished with a Lily
I chuckle with the realization that the bar essentially is just making gin and tonics but even with my laughter I feel the tears that have been missing all week fall onto my cheeks. I wipe my face with my palms and playfully push Grant.
“You’re amazing, you know that?”
“Now what are you doing calling another man amazing when your handsome boyfriend is right here?”
I feel Will’s long arms wrap around my waist, his lips pressing into my neck.
“Don’t be slutty at my party, Liv,” he whispers, his breath reeking of alcohol.
Grant’s eyes go cold in front of me, his lips forming a straight line as he puts his hands in his pockets to hide the fact that his fists are clenched. Behind me, the door creaks open and in walks Ben, his 6 '4” frame towering over everyone, and his gaze immediately finds mine. I feel my stomach turn and suddenlyfeel hot, the way I did when his thigh pressed against mine at the game.
“Well, look who it is! My older brother,” Will slurs, his tone friendly but his eyes something else entirely.
“You’re drunk, Will,” Ben retorts, without emotion. Annoyingly, his unaffected demeanor when it comes to Will’s childish behavior turns me on even more than his perfect physique.
“I just don’t want Big Foot over here killing everyone’s vibe. The anniversary of Lily’s death isover—why do we need to keep dwelling on this?” Will’s voice has the familiar lilt it gets when he’s trying to piss me off and it works. I feel my face falter at the public humiliation that comes along with your boyfriend disrespecting your best friend's death in the middle of a crowded college bar.
I see Gen approach Will and lightly grab his arm as if to pull him away.
“Let’s get a drink.”Fucking Genevieve. I pluck her hand off of him and she drops it to her side, her expression a mixture of disgusted and confused.
“Thank you, but that won’t be necessary,” I say, giving her a steely glance. “If you're going to bedrinkinganything, let it be water. You’re not an attractive drunk, Will.” I can see the visible rage in his eyes, the embarrassment when he notices how many people are watching, his fists tight balls at his sides.
Surprisingly Ben reaches for him, pulling him by the shoulder. “Let’s get some air.” Even more shocking, Will lets Ben drag him out. Something about Ben’s commanding demeanor makes my spine tingle in a probably not so appropriate way.
“Hmm, saved by the older brother, huh, Livy?” Gen’s slithering tone fills the silence of their absence immediately. Grant’s gaze slides to the interloper. “Hello, Grant,” she offers with a tight smile before quickly dismissing him.
“Gen,” Grant begrudgingly acknowledges her. Not even Grant can extend his good graces to a girl like her.
“Genevieve, I’m shocked to see you here.” I muster as much sincerity in my voice as I can, given how embarrassed I am by the scene that just unfolded.
