When it comes to clothes, Emily has a passion for it. When she’s not in our school uniform or her cheerleading outfit, she’s always all dressed up. She told me clothing is her way of expression. I’d never thought of clothing that way, but I could see how it could be art, especially when I see her in action.

“Is this party going to be big?” When she first asked me to go, I was hesitant. Part of me wanted to linger around the house in hopes of running into Asher. I should be avoiding him after what happened, but I can’t stop thinking about it.

Then after we’d gotten done with our dresses, I remembered my bag was still in the back of the SUV with my phone in it. When I went to retrieve it, I saw the SUV was gone. Oh, he could go out, but I couldn’t? I’d marched right up to Emily’s room and told her I was in, which got me a happy squeal from her. She proceeded to pull me into her room and treat me like a Barbie doll, doing my hair and makeup.

“I’m sure there will be a ton of people, but West’s house is big. Some will hang around the pool. He normally sets up music out there, and others will linger downstairs where he has this whole setup.”

“West invited me the other day.”

“Did he now?” Emily almost sounds like her brother.

“Made me give him my number too.”

“Do not hook up with West.”

“I’m not!” I hiss. “You think I’d do that?”

“Not really, but you keep to yourself around school, so I wasn't sure if you’ve heard about his reputation.”

“That he’s banged all of the cheerleading team?” I tease.

“Not all.” She pretends to gag, making me laugh.

“Are you going to swim?” Emily had put on her bikini under her dress. I let her pick a dress out for me, but I drew the line at putting on a swimsuit. I’m not sure I have one that fits me now. My old one is a size too small.

“Probably.” She shrugs as she makes a turn.

“Holy cow,” I whisper when I see the line of cars that have formed all the way down the road leading up to the big house at the very end.