“Well, that’s fine! That’s cool! I’ll come and just see the club! Like I said, I haven’t been there in years. I just want to see the vibe. I want to see what you do on a Friday night every month or so. I won’t look around for you, I promise.”

“Do people ever say no to you, Eliot?”

“All the time. You should meet my sister. She derives great joy from shutting me down. It’s like, her favorite pastime.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. All right. I’m here. I’m going to hang up now.”

“I’m dropping the pedicure thingy off in my apartment and then I’ll run over. Be there in twenty or so.”

“Eliot.”

“Yeah?”

“I meant it when I said that we’re not going to see each other tonight.”

“I know. I won’t get my hopes up.”

Chapter Ten

Jessie

This club has two floors and as soon as I get inside and get a beer I practically run to the second-floor balcony where I can watch the front door. I need to know the second he gets here. I wasn’t lying, this club is packed with people, but if he was really looking for someone he recognized, he would probably spot me. I’ll have to keep an eye on him so that he can’t get an eye on me.

This club is the only one within walking distance of our neighborhood and because of that, anyone who wants to dance always kind of finds their way here. It has a reputation for decent music and healthy pours at the bar so everyone from fratty trust-fund babies to people who grew up in the neighborhood come here.

I don’t necessarily stand out. But Eliot? I swallow my beer the wrong way as I spot him coming in the front door. He definitely stands out. He’s in an expensive-looking sweatshirt and limited edition sneakers. His blondish hair reflects the blue and green lights from the dance floor. He looks like he’s wearing a crown of sapphires.

I cover the bottom half of my face with my palm. My smile burns against my skin. His eyes trace around the room, and I shrink back behind my new best friend, pillar. But then something interesting happens. Halfway through looking around the room, he freezes and drops his eyes to the floor. He scratches the back of his neck and makes his way over to the bar with his eyes cast down.

He’s . . . intentionally not looking for me. Because he said he wouldn’t.

My stupid inner-crush chokes on her popcorn. I have to duct-tape her hands behind her back before she starts doing the YMCA to get his attention.