“I…well. Just…dancing and stuff.”
“Where? You weren’t on the dance floor.”
Eden is looking highly amused, and I can’t blame her.
“Ugh, stop harassing me, Sloane. I’m fragile.” With that, Becca dramatically falls backwards, pulling the cover over her face.
With a satisfied grin, I look at Eden. All I want to do is talk about our date, but not with Becca in earshot.
“So, we should probably get up and head out,” Eden says. I can see she wants to talk about the prospect of a date too, but it’s not gonna happen right now.
“Yeah, you’re right. My parents will expect me home soon.”
A pathetic wail comes from under the covers. Sloane and I giggle.
“Come on, Becs,” I say, whipping the duvet back. She glares at me for a second. “We need to hustle.”
“Can I come back to your place? Mom will throw a shit fit if I turn up like this.”
It’s then I remember I was supposed to have my first art lesson with Sloane. “Can we have a rain check on the art lesson?”
Slipping out of bed, Sloane gathers her hoodie. “Of course. Just let me know when you want to do it. Are we still on for walking to school next week?”
“Yes! I mean, sure.”Smooth as gravel, Sloane. Well done.
“Great. I look forward to it.”
We smile at each other again. This feels like the beginning of something.
9
Eden
As far as high school parties go, it wasn’ttoobad. Well, what I saw of it. I was surprised Sloane got into such a state, but I don’t know her that well. I guess I had a preconceived idea of who she is. Part of me is convinced more than ever that we’re way too different to be more than friends. Then again, she did just ask me on a date.
A date!
It came out of nowhere. Totally out of the blue. I mean wow.
Becca kind of spoiled the moment, but I guess I need to get used to that. Sloane too, because Pia is going to be all up in our business when she finds out. After I’ve chewedher out for taking me to the party under false pretences and then pretty much abandoning me all night, that is.
Speaking of my arsehole best friend, I should go and find her. Make sure she’s alive and all that. It’s difficult to drag myself away from a sleepy-looking Sloane though. Especially because she’s still in my t-shirt. I could swap it out for the one I’m wearing. Sloane must’ve borrowed clothes from Bryce before, but I find myself not wanting to do that. I like the idea of her having something of mine. Who knew seeing the girl you’re crushing on in your clothes was such a turn-on?
With my rank-smelling hoodie in my hand, I shuffle nervously. “So, I’m going to find Pia and Todd. Wanna meet in the kitchen?”
Sloane smiles. She’s so lovely it hurts my eyes. “Yeah, give us like ten minutes. I need to make sure Becca is fit to drive.”
“I can do it if she’s not.”
I wouldn’t mind getting behind the wheel of Becca’s super expensive car, to be honest.
Leaving them to their business, I set off in search of Pia. My guess is she’ll be in one of the spare bedrooms with Todd. God, I hope they’re covered. I walked in on them once mid-shag, and it scarred me.
After the third fail, I finally find them. Thank God they’ve got the duvet covering all the squishy parts. The room smells gross. Old alcohol and sweat. I scrunch my face up because I don’t want any of their particles getting up my nose.
Now for a bit of sweet revenge. I march over to the windows with a satisfied smile. This is going to feel good. Ripping open the curtains and opening the window, I revel in their agony-filled cries of protest.
“What the fuck,” Pia groans, trying to cover her panda eyes. Her hair is just one big mat. Todd shoves a pillow over his head, which I quickly rip out of his hands.
