Thank goodness.
“That’s him.”
I squint at the figure strolling towards the gate, surprised Wilder hasn’t delegated the task to a minion. From the way he leans to one side, arms swinging, he’s been drinking. The moment he reaches the gate, he hangs onto the bars, grinning through the gaps between like the world’s prettiest prisoner.
When he speaks, his voice is low, vibrating with amusement. “Guess I don’t need to ask if you’ve got your printed invitations.”
“They fell in the river,” I quip back. “It was an utter tragedy.”
He presses a release and opens the barrier just wide enough for us to slip through. While it closes behind me, his hand slithers around Clare’s waist. “That’s too bad.” His head angles towards her neck. “I’ll have to think of another way for you to earn entry.”
I scramble to stand beside her, hooking my arm through hers like she’s the prize in a tug of war. “Are we just going to stand in the yard, or are we posh enough to be allowed inside?”
“Oh, you can come inside,” he responds, eyes locking to Clare’s tits while she practically purrs under his gaze. “The question is, am I allowed to come inside?”
She giggles and I stride ahead, tugging her along after me.
Once we’re indoors, he moves away, angling towards two boys who are manhandling a keg out of the main foyer.
Music thumps until I swear the floor vibrates to the beat. Pairs and groups form everywhere as people mill around, catching up with one another, raising their voices to be heard above the noise.
“You want something to eat?” I ask as Clare straightens her dress and pumps her tits higher. “I can’t wait to see the spread they have in a house this expensive.”
We wander into the kitchen only to find the usual. Chips, dips, crackers, salted peanuts, beer, and a wine so fancy it comes in a cardboard cask. I search in vain for something non-alcoholic to drink, finally settling for a soda from the pantry. Meanwhile, Clare fiddles with the cask nozzle, pouring herself a warm serving.
“I’ve got something better than that,” Wilder says, returning to her side and plucking the plastic cup of cheap white wine fromher hand. “Come with me, love. You’ve been upgraded to the private party.”
I follow along, but as he steps into a games room with a half dozen recliners—most already occupied—he holds a palm in front of my chest. Not to cop a feel; to push me back.
“There’s only room for one.”
My nose stings, threatening tears of embarrassment, but the rejection doesn’t cut as deep the second time, and they disappear with a sniff. I glance at Clare and see her expression switch to dismay. Then harden into resolve.
Before she can formulate the protest she’s about to make, I blurt, “That’s fine. Come find me when you’re ready to go home.”
Her face is still pinched. “You’re sure?”
I can take the insult of being passed over by Wilder far easier than I’ll survive her staying by my side out of solidarity.
Or worse, out of pity.
“Yes, I’m sure.” I nudge her elbow with mine. “I’myourwing-woman, remember? You’re not mine.” And when my voice doesn’t sell it, I inject some enthusiasm. “I’m gonna wander round this mansion and find all the good art. Folks this wealthy must have some squirrelled away.”
Her relieved smile is worth any discomfort ahead.
After going through two grim years where not a single person at my last school spoke to me outside of hurling insults, I would sacrifice a thousand awkward evenings to keep our friendship afloat.
Since arriving at Tiaki, I’ve made a few overtures towards other students, especially in my art class, but none of them took. My battle armour is too thick to let just anyone in.
Clare is special.
And because I don’t trust Wilder for a second, I add, “Keep your phone switched on. Three presses, yeah?”
We have each other as SOS contacts. If she uses the signal, I’ll get an instant alert. Plus, a location to hand to police if they need to hunt for her body.
I frame it as a joking reminder but it’s not a joke, not really.
But Clare has been crushing hard on Wilder for long before I arrived at Tiaki Academy and she’s tough enough to handle herself if he tries something she doesn’t like.
