I looked around for the one face that always comforted me, and spotted Tinsley ducking down near a table by Georgia. What the hell was she doing? Tinsley was staring at someone across the room—I followed her gaze and saw a group of men staring at her. Not just her, our entire group.

“What is it, Tinsley? What’s wrong?” I shouted over the music.

She stood up straighter, looking embarrassed.

“It’s nothing. Just some creepy guy who drove the taxi I arrived in. He and a group of his friends are watching us.”

This seemed to catch Georgia’s attention. She tucked her phone away and followed to where Tinsley was trying to point without being too obvious about it.

“I saw him, too! In the restaurant earlier. I think they’ve been following us!”

I rolled my eyes. This whole thing seemed a little dramatic.

“Just because they’re checking us out and they went to the same club and restaurant we did, doesn’t mean they’re predators.”

Georgia and Tinsley both shot me an irritated look. I put up my hands in retreat. My bad.

“I think it’s probably about time to go,” I said, but no one seemed to be listening. Tinsley, Georgia, and Mara were focused on the leering group of men and… Where were Elizabeth and Bri?

Finally, I spotted them, standing near the bar. Bri was ordering another drink and I could tell by the looks on both women’s faces that they were arguing. Was Elizabeth nagging her about her drinking again?

I walked toward them, thinking of ordering another water. Before I even got close enough for them to see me, I could hear their words. It wasn’t Elizabeth who was angry and disgusted this time; it was Bri.

“Did you think Asher and I were going to be okay with this? How dare you try to hide it for so long? It’s such a bitch move,” Bri snarled at her mother. Elizabeth looked taken aback, eyes widening as she swayed side to side on her feet.

Through the crowds, I looked back and finally was able to catch Tinsley’s eye. We had always been good at reading each other’s lips.

We have to get out of here now. Please. I mouthed the words. She nodded and took out her phone.

“Sorry to interrupt, but I’m ready to go back now. The cab will be here in a few minutes,” I said to Bri and Elizabeth, taking Elizabeth’s arm in mine. Bri turned away; their argument instantly silenced at the sight of me.

Bri accepted a shot from the bartender and threw it back. “Fine by me. Get me the hell out of here,” she said, side-eyeing her mom once more.