“What?” I shake my head. “I don’t remember that. I don’t…”
“Hey, hey, it’s okay…” He brings me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me in a cocoon. “Shhh, Lil, it’s okay.”
No it’s not.
I should have stopped the first time. Why did I convince myself that this would be worth a high? I push him off, the guilt almost suffocating me. “No, no, I’ve got to apologize.” I slide my feet into my heels, trying to focus. It’ll be okay. I’ll make up some lie about food poisoning and then say a fewsorrysand smooth everything over.
It’ll be fine.
My heart beats as loud as the crowd pouring through the glass double doors. I don’t have to walk far to find my parents. They’re already heading to the car with Poppy and Sam in tow.
They laugh and Poppy shows a picture to my mother on her Blackberry. When Poppy notices me approaching, her face falters and the expression passes between the four of them. My presence has sucked all joy from their features.
“I-I,” I stammer. “I didn’t feel well. I had stomach cramps and was really dizzy. I don’t think I ate enough. We thought there might be food in the car.”
My father turns to Sam, completely ignoring me. “I have a Fizzle report you should see.” He ushers Poppy’s husband away and gives Lo a long glare as he passes by.
I evade my mother, who is probably searing me with a look that could freeze over Florida. That leaves Poppy.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel well. I would never miss Rose’s fashion show.” The lie burns my throat.
Poppy’s eyes rise to my hair and I subconsciously flatten the wild strands. Lo touches the small of my back and I jerk away again.
“Your dress is wrinkled,” my mother tells me coldly before setting her eyes onto Lo. “Maybe try to control your hormones during family events.”What? No.
“Lo didn’t?—”
“No, you’re right,” Lo interjects and I stare at him dumbly. “I’m sorry. It was the wrong time. It won’t happen again, Samantha.”
My mother processes his words for a small moment before she nods slightly. With pursed lips she passes us for the car. Poppy remains, disappointment coating her eyes. “Rose is inside, but I don’t think she wants to talk to you right now. Give her some time to cool down.”
Poppy leaves before I can say anything else. Not that I have anything other than another pathetic apology.
I can’t wait until tomorrow. It hurts too much to not at least confront her. I start towards the building but Lo grabs my wrist.
“What are you doing?”
“I have to talk to her.”
“Did you not just hear Poppy?” Lo says with wide eyes. “Let Rose calm the fuck down. Unless you want your heart ripped out.” Maybe I do. Maybe I deserve it.
Connor pushes open the glass doors with his shoulder, his hands preoccupied with texting. I bolt for him, and when he looks up, his face darkens.
“How is she?” I ask, glancing past him for a peek.
He steps in front of me, blocking me from any visual or entrance. “Not happy,” he says, his voice tight.
“Where’s Ryke?” Lo wonders with a frown.
“He left. He was sick.”
“I think it was something we ate,” I say.
Connor’s eyebrows furrow in disbelief. “Was that before or after you left to screw in the car?”
I stumble back from the blow to the gut. My shoulders hit Lo’s chest and this time I let him wrap an arm around my waist.
“Hey, back off, Connor,” Lo warns.
