Page 84 of A Sky Full Of Stars

One of my teammates slips a new drink into my hand barely seconds after I’ve finished the last, and I give him a nod, immediately raising it to my lips.

This. Is. The. Life. At least, it should be.

A remix of “Starboy” by The Weeknd and Daft Punk comes on, and I sing along as I glide through the bodies on the dance floor, my hands in the air. Letting go. Keeping myself in the moment, forgetting the rest.

We find a spot among the crowd, and I haven’t even had a chance to shake my ass when a petite blonde shimmies against me, her hand gripping my waist as she lifts to her toes. I turnmy head, assuming she wants to speak in my ear, but she grabs my chin in her other hand, spinning me to look her way, her face dangerously close to mine.

“Woah,” I jump back, maneuvering myself so I don’t spill my drink. “What are you doing?” I yell over the music.

The woman startles but recovers quickly, her face lighting up with a smile. “I wanted to ask you to dance,” she yells back. “But I’m open to more.” She walks her fingers up my chest, and I spring back again. My face involuntarily scrunches, disgusted at the very idea, until I really process my reaction, my eyes widening as reality hits me.

The woman laughs as my brows furrow, taking advantage of my confusion, grabbing my hand before leading me across the floor.

When the volume softens and we’re away from the crowd, she comes to a stop, pushing me onto a bench seat, her legs apart as she stands, straddling me. She leans forward, and her dress pulls so tight, it looks more like a second skin, and I swear I can see everything beneath the material.

“I’m a huge fan,” she says, drawing my attention, holding her gaze until I finally look at her. “I know you’ve had a rough day. Let me take your mind off it.”

She moves to lower herself on top of me but my arms shoot out, grabbing her waist to still her. “I appreciate the concern,” I say, shifting her to the side. “But not tonight. I’m here with my team.”

Her eyes widen before she pouts, and I even question myself. While I don’t necessarily have a type anymore, if I was in the mood, she wouldn’t have to ask twice. And yet, right now, I’m not feeling it. I don’t want anyone here.

The woman stares at me until I smile apologetically, and I’m thankful when she backs away, not making me have to explain myself when I don’t really know what to say.

I don’t move as she departs, and when I’m completely alone, a feeling of acceptance comes over me. I don’t want to be here at all. I’ve been kidding myself, thinking this will work, but I know what will and I’m going to get it.

Icall Lainey as I stumble out of the club, not even waiting for the noise to die out around me. Her phone rings for a lifetime before finally sending me to voicemail, and I leave a message before hanging up and calling her right back.

When she doesn’t answer on my third try, I search her contact, making sure it’s not some error in my recent calls list. Only when I find LLS, Luke’s details taunt me at the bottom of the screen.

Luke, Luke.Fucking Luke. I should call him to give him a piece of my mind. To ask why he was so against us. Why he wouldn’t let us be all those years ago—maybe life would have turned out differently. Not that he ever knew about me and Lainey, but it’s the principle of the matter.

My finger hovers over his contact, determination set in my brow, but at the last second I call Lainey again. She’s a much better option.

This time when she doesn’t answer, I curse the world and toss my phone into a nearby bush only to dive in after it, my heart racing in a panic as I scrounge around until I have it in my hand.

I’ve just shaken the leaves from my hair when a delicate grip curls around my forearm and I’m spun in a daze.

“Thomas Kelly?” the woman asks, but I shake my head, wishing I was someone else. “I’m—”

“I’m sorry, I’m not interested.” I cut her off as I turn away, cringing when I jam my elbow into the balcony railing. I just want to talk to Lainey.

“But—”

“Look.” I spin back around and stumble, grabbing a branch for balance. “Look,” I repeat. “You’re very beautiful, but not tonight. Not—”

Covering my mouth with her hand, the woman holds up a finger to silence me and waits as my eyes widen. I give her a quick nod, and she sighs before removing her hand. “Sorry about that, but it was necessary. I’m your Uber driver, Bec. AndIhave no interest in whatever it is you think I’m asking for.”

“My Uber driver, Bec?”Jesus. When did I order an Uber? I eye her suspiciously, and she bursts out laughing, confusingme even more.

“A guy named Adam ordered it for you. Get in the car.”

Of course, Adam would do that. Always my savior. I really should be nicer to the guy. I’ve fucked up enough of my relationships.

I pat my back pocket for my wallet, and when I find it, I shrug and follow the stranger to her car. I wanted to leave, so if I think about it, this is actually quite convenient.

We start the drive in silence, but like always, the silence gets to me and I can’t handle it anymore. “Have you ever hated yourself?” I ask, leaning forward until the belt locks, making me jolt.

Bec’s eyes find mine in the mirror before her brow furrows. “Excuse me?”

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