We find a spot somewhere in the middle of the party and set up in a circle – girls on the inside and guys hanging back. Wes stands two steps behind Blair, beer in hand. He’s not dancing but doing a tiny little head bob to the music.

Vanessa has a similar setup – although V is turned toward her boyfriend Mario making it very clear she’s dancing just for him.

Joel and Katrina have disappeared altogether, but that’s not unusual for them. I think they spend more time naked than clothed when they have a night without Katrina’s son Christian.

The sight of Mario and Wes watching their girls so possessive and adoringly makes me happy. But also, insanely jealous like if they weren’t already my friends, I’d hate them for being so ridiculously in love.

In beat to the song, I turn to the side so I can see Zeke standing behind me. He’s not looking at me possessively or adoringly. Actually, he’s not looking at me at all.

What does it take to get Zeke Sweets’ attention? Basketballs for boobs? And I don’t mean huge boobs, I mean literal basketballs. The only time I’ve really seen him smile is when he’s on the basketball court.

We’ve barely spoken to each other since getting in the limo to drive to the party, but I can’t help but feel a little burst of pride being here with him. He’s so handsome and big and strong and intense and handsome and… did I already mention handsome?

“Gabby baby!” Nathan shouts as he enters our couple circle. He tucks one side of his long hair behind an ear and then tackle hugs me.

I let out a surprised chuckle as all the wind is knocked out of me. “Good to see you, too.”

Nathan and I have become friends in my short time at Valley, which is nice because I anticipate I’ll be spending a lot of time at The White House since my best friends are dating jocks.

With a hand around my waist, Nathan moves us with the beat. The beer he’s holding in one hand spills onto my arm and he backs up as he apologizes and then his gaze falls to my dress like he’s just now seeing my outfit.

“Wow, Gabby. You trying to kill me in that dress?”

His words make me smile, but I swat playfully at him dodging the compliment like a boss.

Vanessa twirls, raises her hands, and yells, “Let’s move up closer to the foam.”

I nod and Nathan and I follow behind her. I peek over my shoulder to see if Z is following and he is, though unhurried and not all that enthusiastically. We’re a train moving through the crowd. Mario holding onto Vanessa, me with a hand on V’s back so no one can separate us and holding my other hand behind me grasping Blair’s. Nathan is beside me and I don’t look back again to verify but I assume Wes is back there pulling up the rear with Zeke.