He takes a half step closer, gazing down at me. “You know, I never get to talk to you alone. You never come to parties, and I’m always with your brother at school. I know I act like a jerk, but it’s all for show. You know how it is. When you’re popular, you have to keep a certain image.”
I raise my eyes to meet his. He has never been nice to me. Or maybe I’ve never stayed long enough to notice. Could it really be a show? “Why do you want everyone to think you’re a jerk?”
He shrugs. “Austin calls the shots, and I follow. It’s no secret that I like you. Let me take you on a date so I can show you the real me.” I tap my foot, unsure of what to do.
“David, over here. Now!” Austin yells from across the room.
David brushes a finger under my chin. “Let’s talk later, me and you, before you decide.”
I nod, not sure about him at all.
He produces a baggy full of colored pills from his pocket. “Want a party favor? On me?”
“Nah, I’m not into that.”
“You sure? Have you tried one?” he asks, nudging my shoulder.
“Yes, David. I’m sure.”
“David! Now!” Austin screams.
My gaze flits around the room until I find Rachel, hovering by Austin. She must have been watching the exchange because she gives me a thumbs-up and winks at me. I raise my shoulders,mouthCrazy, and point to David. She gives me another thumbs-up.
I take the opportunity to be a good daughter and thank everyone out back for attendingmyparty.
My dad finds me again as soon as I walk through the French doors. He beams with pride and waves me over. “Honey, meet Evan. He’s the CEO of the newest company the firm invested in.”
I hold my hand out to shake his. He gives it a soft shake. “Nice to meet you, Jessi,” says Evan. “I’ve heard a lot about you. Happy birthday. Your dad mentioned you’re heading off to college in the fall. What do you plan to major in?”
I grind my teeth and my lips thin. “Oh. I am undecided at the moment.”Undecided if I’m going, that is.
Evan gives me a genuine smile. “You could follow in your dad’s footsteps.”
“Excuse me!” Shannon calls. Everyone’s attention swerves to the cake table, where Shannon stands waving her hands. “Thank you all for attending. We’re so lucky to be the newest members of this wonderful community.”
The cake stands three feet tall, and stacks of cookies and cupcakes teem around it. Nothing saysHappy Birthdayon it anywhere.
“She has enough to feed the town,” I mutter.
“Jessi, Jeremy, it’s time to sing happy birthday to our girl.” If I didn’t know Shannon, I would think her hospitality was genuine. She pinches my side so hard that I bet there will be a mark tomorrow, and says under her breath, “I cannot believe that you wore that. Are you trying to look like a whore?”
I’m stunned into silence as everyone around the pool begins to sing happy birthday to me. As soon as they finish, I sprint inside, holding back tears.
The indoor party is in full swing now. Some kids are passed out on couches, some can’t walk straight, and quite a few are stillmaking out. The music has gotten louder, and anyone coherent enough to talk has to yell over each other. I bet Austin snuck in some alcohol to give everyone too.
I run up to my room to take a breather. I want to hear myself think. While sitting on my bed, I continue to mull over David and my strange exchange. Does it matter? If he acts one way at school and another around me when we’re alone, how do I know when he’s being himself? I don’t want to play games. And I don’t want to be with anyone who’s into drugs.
I groan. Why did I agree to talk to him later?
I peer out my window to see the light above Jack’s garage shining. My stomach flips.He must be working on his bikes.I’d hate if he was trying to sleep through all the noise over here. I close the blinds and decide to rejoin the party. I can’t decide if I’m hurt that he didn’t attend or if I admire his refusal of Shannon’s invitation.
As I walk down the stairs, I notice David talking to some of his teammates. His back is facing me, but Austin clearly watches me pad downstairs. David is talking louder than necessary, slurring his words. And his hands are trembling as he moves around.I thought dealers weren’t supposed to partake in what they sell?He is going to be passed out with the others soon enough.
Good, I think.Crisis averted.I don’t need to devise a plan to get out of speaking with him later.
“We’re supposed to talk alone about going on a date,” David is saying. “She totally fell for my charm. I knew she wanted me. It’s almost too easy with these bitches. I’ll have her on her knees upstairs tonight. If she can suck cock, I’ll take her on a date and then get her to spread her legs.”
Austin’s gaze glints as it meets mine, but David is too lit to notice Austin’s diverted attention.
