“No kidding,” I confirm, pulling him back. Call me paranoid, but that girl isn’t right. There’s some kind of crazy in her eyes. “Anyway, back to the matter at hand.”

“What matter?”

“The party.”

“I’m gonna get so drunk,” Jake declares.

“Easy.” I laugh, stopping us as we reach the main road. “Just a few,” I reiterate, trying to sound serious, hiding my smile. The shackles are off; he’s being himself. But he’s not used to alcohol so I need to monitor him.

“Fine, just a few.”

I reclaim him, slinging my arm around his shoulder again. “I love you, bro.”

“Love you too, Jesse.’ He moves stealthily and gets me in a headlock. “You’re a cocky fucker, but I love you.”

“Don’t swear, Jake.” He’s too good to swear. Too pure. “It doesn’t suit you.”

“Yes, the good boy mustn’t swear,” he says tiredly. “For fuck’s sake.”

Wrestling my way out of the headlock, I throw him a sideways scowl. “Watch your fucking mouth,” I grumble, and he breaks down in fits of hysterics.

I roll my eyes and give him a playful shove in the back.

I look down at the bottle of water in my hand. It’s not what I had in mind for this evening, but as I see Jake chatting animatedly with a group of lads from school, I know that my sober state is worth it, just to see Jake relaxed and enjoying himself. He catches me observing him and breaks away from the group, joining me on the wall. “Why aren’t you drinking?” he asks, claiming a shot off a nearby tray.

“Had enough,” I lie. And so has he. He definitely wobbled a bit on his way over. I reach for the tiny glass, but he moves fast, necking it before I can confiscate it. “No more,” I warn, and he grins.

“Quit complaining,” he says. “You’re the one who kidnapped me and dragged me here.”

“Dragged? Give me a fucking break.”

He laughs, and then he sighs. It’s a deep sigh. “There’s not one girl in that house who hasn’t made a move on you tonight.”

I glance around, seeing I’m under the scrutiny of many girls. They’re probably wondering why I’m not flouncing around wreaking havoc but, and it’s a revelation, I’m enjoying watching Jake let his hair down. “Jealous?” I ask with a cheeky smile.

“Kind of.”

“Don’t be. It’s exhausting.”

“Shut up. Your looks are one of your best assets.”

“It’s my only asset,” I mumble quietly, taking a sip of my water. “And you can shut up too. You’re beautiful inside and out.”