“This is more than normal,” Emily says as she finds a spot to park. We climb out of the car and head toward the house. “I’m guessing word has spread to a few other schools.” I try not to fidget. I hate these types of things and usually avoid them at all costs. I thought this was only going to be people from our school. We haven't even gotten into the house and I’m already feeling out of place. “We can leave at any time. Just let me know and we’re out.” She must sense how uneasy I’ve become.

“Okay.” She loops her arm into mine. I wish I had my freaking phone. Asher probably doesn’t know that my bag is in his car. If he does, then he really is being a jerk.

Isn’t that what turns me on about him? I inwardly groan at myself. Do I have daddy issues or something? Don’t you need a dad around to give you those? Who knows? Not me, that's for sure.

I take a deep breath to get my nerves under control as we get closer. The house is massive. I can hear the music blaring and what sounds like a ton of voices coming from the backyard. We walk around to enter through the back gate to see that the party is already in full swing. There are people everywhere. Some of the faces are familiar, but there are a ton that I don’t

recognize.

“Emily!” a bunch of people shout.

“Hey!” She lifts her hand and waves to everyone. “You want a drink?”

“I don’t know. Are you gonna have one?”

“I think I might. We can always call a Lyft and pick the car up tomorrow.” True. I don’t think anyone would notice at the house. There is a plethora of vehicles to pick from in one of the two giant garages.

“Okay.” Could one drink really hurt anything? It might actually help me loosen up a bit.

Emily says hi to a few more people as we make our way toward an area off to the side of the pool.

“Two, please.” Emily points to the White Claws shoved down in a bunch of ice. “Don’t take mixed drinks. Make sure whatever you get you open yourself,” she whispers to me when the guy turns around and grabs them for us. I pop it open and take a sip.

“Not bad.” It’s sweeter than I thought it would be and doesn’t have a harsh aftertaste.