Page 163 of The Addict

“Do you like my mask?” Alex excitedly turned from side to side so I could get a better view.

I examined the alleged disguise. It appeared to be a cross between a dog’s face and ears and a peacock’s feathers, both colored in clashing schemes. Not sure who he bought that off of, but he needed a refund.

“No, it’s hideous,” I answered truthfully, ignoring Alex’s protests about how the mask was totally in. I spotted Delane mixed in with the crowd and pointed a finger at my best friend. “I have to go. Stay out of trouble,” I said sternly.

I turned on my heels, hoping that Alex wouldn’t follow, and marched up to Delane.

“Oh! There you are Noah!” she exclaimed.

“Let’s get the hell out of here,” I insisted, reaching my hand to her.

“What? But I thought–” Her face displayed utter confusion.

“HEY, Delane!”

I sighed. Alex had in fact, followed like an obedient dog follows its owner.

“Hi, Alex.” Delane smiled and waved. “Nice outfit,” she giggled.

“Yes, THANK you, Delane.” Alex emphasized loudly, crossing his arms at me.

“What’s wrong, Noah? Where have you been?” Delane asked, turning her attention back to me.

I shook my head. Everything was wrong. Life as I knew it was an absolute fucking mess, and I honestly had no clue how Delane even agreed to accompany me here. I was wearing my guilt as a second skin. I just wanted to get out. “I know I have been a terrible host at this party,” I began, “…and I promise I’ll explain my absence later, but–”

Delane cut me off, with a gentle touch to my shoulder. “Hey, don’t stress. You weren’t gone terribly long. Is everything okay?”

I inhaled and exhaled slowly. I felt like the walls of the room were collapsing in on me. I really wished I could get a drink. “I just want to get out of here. Will you come with me?”

She was silent.

“To like, dinner or something?” I tried again.

Alex poked his head in between us, the feathers on his mask hitting me in the face. He grinned at Delane. “I think you should let him take you out to dinner.”

Thank God, Alex is good for something, I thought, trying to push the irritating feathered design out of my vision.

“Personally, I wouldn’t go ANYWHERE with him because he never takes you to the restaurant you want to go to, and then if he does, he’s always so cheap and makes you pay for half of your dinner like some hobo would,” Alex added at the last minute.

I glared at him and Delane made a face.

Alex’s eyes widened as he realized what he said. “Well, I mean, I didn’t mean it like that, cause like, you know that was just when we went out, but when we did go out it was like a friend thing anyways not like a you guys thing, not to say that you two are a thing, but maybe you are and…and– Umm, yeah he’s still a really great guy to go out with so you shouldn’t–”

“Alex, shut up, I’m begging you,” I pleaded.

“Mmhm, yep, shutting up.” He nodded vigorously and did an about face, marching straight onto the crowded dance floor.

Delane covered her hand over her mouth, holding in a laugh as she eyed me pitifully. She was probably going to say she never wanted to see me again, and at that point, I wouldn’t be able to convince her otherwise.

Finally, she shrugged. “Sure. What the heck. Let’s go.”

My whole body surged with relief, and I took her hand. “Good. Let’s ditch this stupid party.”

I led her to massive double doors where the guards were standing at attention, allowing only those with invitations to pass by the golden rope.

“Leaving, Mr. Hansen?” they asked.

I nodded. “Can you call for the car, please? Two passengers.”