“No, it’s not fine. It’s the opposite of fine.” He sounds so adamant that I peek up at him, only to be caught off guard by the clear distress twisting his face. His brows are drawn, his eyes pained, and an unfamiliar frown tugs at his lips. “I don’t even know how to apologize to you,” he rushes out. “Dani wasn’t even invited tonight, I swear. Neither was Rich. I should have stepped in sooner, but Dani—I don’t even know how to handle her sometimes. I’m so sorry, Ives.”
I swallow, processing his words. His voice is sincere, but edged with a hint of panic, almost like he’s afraid I won’t forgive him. “It’s okay,” I assure, hating to see him upset. “Really. It’s your birthday. You shouldn’t be worried about me.”
He steps closer, shaking his head again. “But I am. I do. That look on your face in there…it killed me.”
I shrug a shoulder, unsure of what else to do. I can’t ask him the question at the forefront of my mind, even though it gnaws at me. Mystifies me.
Why?
Why did he chase after me?
Why does hecare?
I’m the one who’s socially inept. I’m the one who made a fool of myself in front of his friends. I’m the one who can’t drink at a freaking party because of some fucked up fear that the past will repeat itself.
“You’ve barely touched your drink.”
He lifts his hand, almost like he wants to touch my arm, but he thinks better of it and sets it back at his side. “I’ll make it up to you tomorrow, Ivy. I promise I will.”
“It’s okay. I just want to forget it.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes,” I say quickly. “Let’s just forget this happened. Please.”
Please, let this drop.
He hesitates, like he’s debating whether to argue, but ends up giving a nod. “Okay,” he agrees. “If that’s what you want.”
“It is,” I assure, conscious of the way his eyes search my face, as though trying to confirm I’m telling the truth. “Trust me. Go enjoy your party.”
He gestures over his shoulder toward the house. “Are you sure you don’t want to come back in?”
“Thanks, but I’m socialized out. We’re going to go home and watchThe Two Towers.”
His eyebrows raise in surprise, and then his mouth breaks into a small smile that warms my heart. His light dimmed the moment Dani entered the party, and I didn’t realize until now how much I missed it. “That honestly sounds preferable right now.”
I can’t help it. I full-on beam at him.
Behind me, Quinn makes a gagging noise. I’d almost forgotten she was still standing there, and I glance over my shoulder. “Okay, yes,” she says. “I was listening the whole time. You two are disgustingly cute.”
“I should go,” I say, color rising up my neck as I turn back to Wes.
“You’re okay to drive, right?” he asks, and I answer in the affirmative. “Well, be safe, okay?”
“I will,” I tell him. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Nice to meet you, Quinn!” Wes calls as I head back to her side.
“Nice meeting you, too, superstar!” Quinn calls back as we begin to walk away. “Your ex is a monster, though. Not sure what the fuck you were thinking there!”
“Quinn!” I scold, lightly shoving her arm.
“Sorry. Remy says I can be a menace when I drink.”
I shake my head at her, and she cackles all the way back to the car.
TWELVE
