“Yes, I do. And you’re coming with me. I don’t have any friends, Abi. I want to start socializing. You know… like a normal college student. We’re not going to the party because of Carter. Please. Please. Come with me.”
I put my hands together as if I’m praying.
Abi laughs. “That’ll be interesting. I can’t wait to talk to the guys about us going to a party.”
And as she’s laughing, she walks away. I sigh and walk inside the fitness center to start my shift.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Almost a week has passed since Carter invited me and Abi to his party. He’s sat next to me on Monday and Wednesday, and asked me for the hundredth time if I’m going to show up at his party on Thursday.
Abi and I dress for Carter’s party. She puts on jeans and a white T-shirt in record time. Abi gives me one of her black dresses. Since I’m a bigger size and taller, the dress is tight and short on me. But I like it. I’ve never been to a party before, not counting the one with Charlie.
I groan, remembering I need to talk to Alek. I’ve successfully avoided the party conversation for many days, but today is Thursday.
“Can you just call Alek and let him know we’re on our way?” I say loud enough for Abi to hear in her room.
My brother had an away game and the team is probably on the bus by now, but they won’t be back until after midnight.
“Oh, no. Don’t put that on me. You want to go to your dream husband’s party. I’m just coming along to keep you safe,” she shouts back.
I groan again and walk to her room.
“I can’t find my white-framed glasses. I think I left them in Alek’s room.”
We walk the short distance between the two apartments, and Abi uses her key to let us in. She dashes up the stairs and I stand in the living room, wondering if Victor is home. Abi starts talking to someone, and I assume it’s Victor, but when she appears again with her white-framed glasses on, she’s on her cell.
“Hold on. I’m putting you on speaker. Tia’s here.”
“Hey, Twinkle.”
I shoot Abi a look. “Hi.”
She shakes her head. I roll my eyes and mouth,Traitor.
“Did you win the game?”
“Yeah, we did.”
“That’s great. By the way, Abi and I are going to a party.” I hold my breath.
There’s silence on the other end of the phone. Ten seconds later, Alek sighs.
“Where’s the party at?”
“It’s on the west side of campus. Simmons Townhomes.”
“Okay, but whose party is it?”
“A guy from my math class.”
“A guy? You don’t even know him. Classes just started, Twinkle.”
“Well, Abi and I are going.”
More silence. I’d have to guess that his coach is sitting near and Alek can’t curse as usual.
“Baby, maybe Tia and I need to go,” Abi chimes in.
