Page 138 of Your Side of the Offense

“You plan on dancing on a table tonight?” Jaden asks, amused.

“Yup. It feels like a pool table-dancing night, don’t you think?”

“I definitely want to see that,” Caleb says.

Arch sighs. “Just great, I have to keep my eye on Harvey all night lest he loses his mind when someone thirsts over you.”

We all laugh.

“You are the one we all will be watching for,” Caleb says between laughs.

After dinner, we head to the party. It is the biggest party this weekend. I don’t even remember what it’s for exactly but then again, when do college students need a reason to get fucked up and make bad decisions?

I get more than a few second looks as I walk with Harvey’s arm possessively over my shoulder. It feels like déjà vu.

It feels like the old days.

So much has happened the past few months and we have changed a lot as people, but we made it on the other side with the same love. I am as in love as ever and they are happy too.

“Fucking finally!” Martin practically screams when he sees us from across the room. He’s so loud we hear him over the deafening music.

We do formal reintroductions and all in all, are received well by their new friends. I take a few drinks from them, and as promised, when my song comes on, I climb on the table.

Honestly, it is Jaden hyping me up more than anything. I swear Jaden can make me do anything. He is there to welcome me with a dizzying kiss when I get down. I giggle, completely happy.

42

SUMMER IS THE DIFFERENCE

Harvey

She squeezes my hand as we ascend the grand stairs of the penthouse and I look down at her. Seeing her stunning face, I take a moment to just drown in her, letting that make me forget where I am, why I'm here, and the knowledge that my night is absolutely going to be shit.

Her beautiful smile compels me to lean in and kiss her cheek, careful with the makeup she spent an hour on. I appreciate the effort but none of these people deserve it. My plan is to show up to be seen and take my girlfriend and get the fuck out of here. There was nothing that said I had to stay all night; I just need to be here.

"The night is going to be over before you know it," she reassures me as we stand, fixing my shirt before we walk in.

She very much knows I need the pep talk; I need to remember the promise of this coming to an end. But even before I walk in, I know I'll be fine. Already my night is way better than I thought it could have been. With her here, maybe the night doesn't have to be as torturous.

"I can't wait for the night to be over so I can take you home," I say honestly.

"Yeah?" She smirks.

"Yeah," I answer noncommittally even though it’s anything but.

We’ve been back together for over a week, and after last night we are finally truly mended. I’m so glad we took the time to mend emotionally. It was worth it.

"Cousin!" the squeaky voice of Fay disturbs our moment, and we turn together to face the now-purple-headed Fay. No doubt to piss off her uncle. I didn't think Craig and his family had any redeeming people, but Fay and I clicked. Maybe because she is rebellious and a little weird. In our world people are always so up their ass they are afraid to even sneeze but not Fay, she is just her.

"Fay." Summer beams at her and we ascend the few last steps before the women hug.

Fay sways Summer to the left and right and she caresses her bare back. I narrow my eyes at Fay who grins with mischief. Fay has told me on number of occasions that she would move in on Summer if I drop the ball. The weasel.

"Fay." I hug her and ours is more brief and less warm, but still way more warmth than I have for anyone else at this joke of an engagement party.

"Niceties later, the two people of honor sent me to look for you. Your mom is getting pissy. Come, come." She leads us inside.

The people are engrossed in conversations, fake smiles, and politeness. My mask is solidly on and so is Summer's.

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