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I quickly poured more shots so we could all have one and forget about ponds. “Cheers to the best night ever,” I said. “And for everyone falling in love.” I winked at Jacob.

“Why are you winking at me?” he said.

“You’ll see.”

“What did you do?”

“It’s not what I did,” I said. “It was all Axel.”

Axel laughed. “Definitely not my fault, man. They forced me into it.”

“Forced you into what exactly?” Jacob asked.

There was a knock on the door. I squealed. “Girl #1 is here.” I’d asked her to come early so the two of them would have time to talk. She was my favorite.

“Girl #1? Seriously...what did you do?”

“You’ll thank me later.” I tapped on his chest and walked toward the door.

A very beautiful redhead was standing on the other side. I welcomed her in.

Jacob lowered his eyebrows at me and shook his head.

Crap, did he not like her? Well, that was fine. The next girl was going to show up in half an hour. I’d staggered them so he could get to know each one. And even if he didn’t like Girl #1, he could at least be polite and talk to her.

“Jacob, this is Girl #1.” I pointed to her.

“Did you just call me Girl #1?” she asked.

“Yup. Have fun.” I hurried away from them to give them some time to mingle. I had to get the music going before our real guests started showing up.

***

An hour later the place was packed. I’d been worried that a party on Tuesday night would be a total bust. But a half-naked party on Tuesday night was a glowing success. I could barely even move there were so many people. The only problem was that the party was packed exclusively with students from Empire High. Not one feathery mascot in sight.

Mr. Halifax had touched my butt after the game.

And then he’d caressed my lower back.

He’d gifted me his fancy pen. And then he stared at me with it in my mouth in class like he wished it was his cock instead.

So why the hell wasn’t he here?

I’d made it very clear in the several notes I’d left. I’d requested for the mascot to come. How could he refuse that? It honestly seemed like he was letting the whole class down with his absence. Even though they didn’t know he was supposed to come. But they would have loved it.

No, they will love it.

There was still time for him to show up.

I took another sip of my drink as I stared at everyone else having the time of their lives.

The music was blaring. But not loudly enough to make my pesky thoughts disappear.

Christmas was in two days. And I needed some Christmas magic a little early. Please let Mr. Halifax come. Please let Mr. Halifax come. I said it over and over in my head, willing the Christmas magic to work.

But...it didn’t. I was standing in the middle of my own party seconds away from bursting into tears. I’d really thought he’d come this time. I’d had so much hope.

God, what had I been thinking? I’d invited Mr. Halifax to so many parties over the years. Why did I think today would be any different?