I kept my eyes on the clubhouse door, waiting for her to come back out.
Waiting for my next chance.
Because Jesse might have walked in holding her hand.
But that didn’t mean a damn thing was settled.
Not yet.
Chapter Twenty-One
Ever
I had never seen the clubhouse like this before.
Not even close.
It wasn’t just busy—it was alive in a way that felt bigger than the space itself.People filled every corner, laughter layered over music, voices overlapping until it all blended into one loud, constant hum.The kind of energy that made it impossible to stand still for too long without getting pulled into something.
Alice had gone all out.
Of course she had.
Inside, tables had been lined up and covered with enough food to feed half the state.Every time I passed one, I caught something new.
Carnie and Wendy were still moving in the kitchen like they lived there now, cooking all day, sliding trays out, wiping counters, and refilling anything that got low.
Outside, it was even more lively.
Kids were bouncing inside giant inflatable houses, one shaped like a cow that looked like it had been plucked from a cartoon.Water splashed from the oversized pool while a group of teenagers tried to dunk each other like it was some kind of competition.There was even a stage at the back, promising live music.
And the giant beer pong setup had a crowd around it already, shouting and arguing over shots like it was a championship game.
It was loud, bright, and a little overwhelming.
And I was here.
With Jesse.
I tightened my fingers around his hand as we walked through the yard, trying to ignore the way my eyes kept drifting.
Looking and searching for him.
“Looks like a good turnout,” Jesse said beside me.
“Yeah,” I said, forcing my attention back to him.“Alice doesn’t really do anything halfway.”
“No kidding.Kind of a lot.”
We moved farther in, and Alice found us within seconds.
“Ever!”she said, like she’d been waiting for me specifically.“You made it!”
She pulled me into a quick hug before stepping back and looking at Jesse.“And this must be Jesse,” she added.
“That’s me,” he said, an easy smile back in place.
“Welcome,” she said.“Eat, drink, have fun, and don’t break anything.”
