“If you really care that much, I’ll tell you what happened with James last year, but you have to come to the party.”
Checkmate.
5
June
We spent forever at Amelia’s house. She couldn’t decide what bikini to wear, while Poppy did nothing but admire herself in the mirror.
When we finally arrived at the party location, we walked into a dark, trench-like underground space.
I couldn’t make out even one familiar face. Everything was pitch black, illuminated by garish neon colors. It felt like they’d cranked the heat up as much as possible. The air was so suffocating that I wouldn’t be surprised if I passed out . Everyone was wearing swimsuits with the exception of a few people including, obviously, me.
“It’s too hot, why don’t they turn the heat down?” I shouted at Amelia, who couldn’t even hear me.
“Because you were supposed to come here in a swimsuit, sweetheart,” a random guy mumbled.
“Eww,” I said as I stuck to my friends like glue for fear that another drunk guy would talk to me.
We stood around a small table. Two figures joined us.
“June! So they didn’t kidnap you.” Blaze said, wearing a T-shirt and long pants, while Brian was wearing a swimsuit that showed off his bronzed, tattooed figure.
“We’re among the chosen few, huh, June?” asked Blaze, pointing at my clothes.
“I have a swimsuit under, but I didn’t feel like . . .”
“Tell me about it. The competition is stiff.” Blaze smiled, patting his stomach while his eyes gazed at something behind me. We mere mortals had already lost the competition, I thought as I admired Poppy, Amelia, and Brian. But Blaze’s attention seemed to be captured by something at the entrance. I turned around, and three figures theatrically made their entrance under the neon lights.
Jackson was burly with broad shoulders and above-average height. William flaunted a halo of ashen hair that framed his angelic face and a lean figure that made him look like a runway model. James was almost six-two, a block of veins and flexing muscles that were the result of countless hours playing sports.
“What do you care about them? We’re not at a fashion show.” I downplayed their entrance, my mouth unexpectedly dry.
“So? Are you gonna get something to drink or not? June and I need to talk.” Amelia tried to shoo them away. Blaze rolled his eyes, and Brian hinted a smile at me. I don’t know why, but I was embarrassed around him. Maybe it was because he was attractive and half naked, not to mention being Amelia’s brother, and watching me like a hawk. Jackson passed by us inspecting Amelia and me with such a haughty look that it seemed disdainful while James sneered as soon as he saw me.
“Idiot.” Amelia snorted. I looked at her.
“What happened at Tiffany’s party?”
I’d waited a while, so I wasn’t beating around the bush.
“First of all, how do you know that—”
Poppy hid behind a sticky menu while Amelia shook her head.
“Look, June, nothing really happened. James and I were trashed, and he tried to take advantage of me despite me refusing several times. Brian walked in and went ballistic.” I watched her without batting an eye. I was expecting another lie.
Poppy maintained that nothing had ever happened between Amelia and James. And my gut told me not to believe a single word from Amelia.
Not to mention she seemed extremely chill for someone remembering such a violent attempt. I thought about all the times Austin had come near me, and it still gave me the shivers. I remembered perfectly well the fear I’d felt during that experience.
“Are you sure about that? Did James really do something to you?” I pressed, whispering, as Blaze came back with two drinks overflowing with ice and alcohol.
“Yeah. I mean he didn’t, but I was really upset. Brian walked in right then and beat the crap out of him.”
“All here?” I asked, bewildered.
Blaze didn’t look up from the table.
