When we break apart, his eyes are dark. "I need to use the restroom real quick," he says. "Be right back."
He walks away, and I decide to freshen up as well, heading toward the ladies' room near the back of the ballroom.
I've just rounded the corner into the quieter hallway when I hear them.
"Look who it is," Mia says. "The barista playing dress-up."
I freeze, turning slowly. Mia stands blocking my path, Dana and Kerry flanking her like henchmen in a bad movie.
"Hi, Mia," I say. "Nice to see you."
"Is it?" Mia steps closer. "Because last time I saw you, you looked like you wanted to crawl under a table and die."
Oh, boy. Here it comes.
"So, you and Elias?" Mia tilts her head in false curiosity. "How did you manage that? Did he lose a bet?"
Dana and Kerry giggle on cue. Like I said, henchmen in a bad movie.
"We reconnected after the game," I say. "Through James."
"Right. James." Mia sneers. "Your only friend in high school, if I recall correctly."
I say nothing. There's no right answer here.
Mia examines her manicure. "The coffee you made me was really awful. Maybe find another career?"
"I like it there."
"I feel bad for you, Elise. I really do. You always had that better-than-everyone-else aura in high school, and now you're serving us drinks. Does it drive you nuts?"
Kerry jumps in. "And that dress ... just hideous. Even my grandma wouldn't wear it."
Dana nods. "Yeah, like, girl. You're with Elias King. The least you can do is buy a decent dress."
Mia laughs. "On a barista's salary? I don't think so."
Their words hit exactly where they're aimed. Right at my deepest insecurities. I'm aware of people stopping to watch, and my face burns. I want to sink through the floor and disappear.
"What does Elias even see in you?" Mia's voice is louder now, clearly playing to the gathering audience. "I mean, he could have anyone. Literally anyone. And he picks the girl who couldn't even get a date to prom?"
"Maybe it's a charity case," Kerry says. "You know how these athletes are always looking for good PR."
They laugh, and I hear others join in. The room feels like it's spinning. I'm back in high school, small, insignificant, and so, so alone.
"That's enough."
That voice. Elias. He's suddenly beside me, his body radiating tension.
"Elias!" Mia's face transforms instantly. "We were just catching up with Elise here."
"No, you weren't." His voice is ice cold. "You were being cruel, as usual."
Mia's smile falters. "I was just joking around. Elise knows that."
"Does she?" Elias slides his fingers through mine. "Because from where I'm standing, it looked like three insecure women trying to tear down someone they've been jealous of since high school."
Mia scoffs. "Jealous? Of her? Please. Give me a fucking break."
