“It’s the truth.”

“It’s flattering. I mean, I know nothing’s ever going to happen, but you have to admit, he’s really hot.”

“No question. He’s hot.” Anne sipped her coffee.

“But you aren’t actually interested, right?” Hailey asked.

“No. Definitely not. He’s not my type.”

“Okay, good.”

I hoped she was being honest. I didn’t want to watch him hurt another one of my friends.

Chapter Thirteen

Time didn’t slow down after Halloween. I was having fun, but sometimes the stress was hard to take. It only got worse in November knowing finals were getting closer. I never imagined it would be so hard to find a balance between classes and a social life.

“I already told you I’m not going.” I crossed my arms, hoping my body language would get my point across since my words were getting me nowhere.

“Come on, Allie. It’s supposed to be the party of the semester. We can’t miss it.” Anne mirrored my pose. Probably trying to do the same thing—get her point across.

“What exactly makes something the party of the semester?” Tiffany asked. She was sitting on my bed reading Mansfield Park. Sometimes, watching Tiffany read the classics made me want to minor in English, but my recent decision to major in biochemistry instead of business was enough. The only good thing about being mad at my dad was that I didn’t have to feel bad about not sticking with business.

“Good point.” I smiled at Tiffany. “Besides, I never said you guys can’t go, but I don’t feel like it.”

“Is this just because of Nick?” Hailey turned in her desk chair.

“Yes, if I show up, he’s going to get the wrong idea. There’s no reason to encourage him.” The party was at his Frat, and he’d made it a point to invite me—twice.

“Come on. Any guy who thinks he’s got a shot at stealing you from Levi has to be crazy.” Anne finally took a seat on the edge of Hailey’s bed.

“Do you really care whether I go or not?”

“Yes! It’s more fun when we all go together.”

Hailey pushed her playfully. “In other words, she knows that Nick and his friends are going to give us all special treatment if you go.”

“That’s not true!” The look of horror that crossed Anne’s face made it clear that’s definitely not what she had in mind. “I just like hanging out with you.”

“Fine. I’ll go for a few hours.”

“Awesome! Now we just have to find our outfits. It’s a prohibition theme so we can wear those flapper dresses you wanted to wear for Halloween, Allie.”

I laughed. Anne could be intense sometimes, but I loved her. In some ways, she reminded me of Jess, but I knew those similarities were really superficial. Both were so much more than the boy crazy shells they appeared to be on the outside.

“I guess we can. I’m sorry to run, but I really need to get to the gym.”

“That’s fine. I’ll fill you in later.” Anne gave me a hug.

“Looking for these?” Hailey tossed me the headphones I’d been digging in my desk for.

“Thanks. See ya guys.”

I waved before I headed out the door. I couldn’t slack on my next session with Jared.

***

“You made it.” Nick smiled when he noticed us. We’d just gotten drinks at the formal bar they had setup. When the bartender asked what I wanted, my first thought was that I wished Levi was there to order my drink. I really needed to find out what it was.

“Yeah, I guess I did.”

“You guess?” He smiled.

I shrugged. “Yeah…”

“I’d offer you a drink but you already have one.”

“Yup.” I held up the red plastic cup.

“I’m really glad you came. It’s nice to see you outside of lab.”

“Yeah, in the real world.”

“Exactly. You look great, by the way.”

I looked down at my black flapper dress. Leave it to Anne to find us all vintage dresses at the Salvation Army. “Thanks. You look the part, too.”

“Oh, yeah. Cool.” He adjusted the brim of his hat.

“Hey, Allie, I need your help with something.” Hailey put a hand on my arm.

“Okay, no problem. Sorry Nick, but I need to help my friend.”

“Oh, that’s cool. I’ll catch up with you later.” He tried to play it off, but he was disappointed.

“The real world? Where’d you come up with that line?”

“Hey, I was grasping at straws. The guy’s my lab partner. I’d rather not have to make things more awkward than necessary.”

“He’s already done that for himself.”

I turned away to watch the Jazz Trio. I knew these parties could be cool, but I didn’t expect actual live music. Between the bar, music, and the costumes, it was a pretty fun atmosphere. I enjoyed the music, and when I finished my second drink, I decided not to get another.

I was ready to go home. “You guys want to go?”

“Definitely… but where’s Tiffany?” Hailey glanced around.

“I don’t know…” I surveyed the room. “The last time I saw her she was talking to some guy with a blue tie and matching fedora.”

We walked all over the house and yard but couldn’t find her. I saw Nick and decided he could be of help.

“There you are. I’ve been looking for you.” He grinned, taking my hand to pull me close to him. I smelled his breath—he reeked of alcohol.

“Have you seen my friend Tiffany?”

“Maybe…was she the one talking to Carl earlier?”

“She was talking to someone.”

“Blue hat?”

“Yes.”

“I think they went upstairs.”

“Upstairs?” I was sure I hadn’t heard him right.

“Yeah, it’s off limits at parties unless you’re with one of the brothers.”

There was no way Tiffany would go up to some guy’s room like that. Unless she was more drunk than I thought. “I have to find her.”

“Want me to help you?”

“Could you?”

“Absolutely, come on.” He took my hand again, pulling me through the crowd. Hailey and Anne trailed after us.

When we reached the staircase, he turned to my friends. “Sorry, just Allie.”

“Is that a joke?” Hailey asked.