Page 35 of Praise You

"As ready as I'll ever be." I mutter, not too excited about going out. I'm not much of a club person, but it's hard to say no to Elias, and I know there's no way in hell Alexander will say no to him.

"Is that what you're wearing?" he asks, grimacing at my outfit. I gaze down at my body, not sure what's wrong with my outfit. I'm wearing blue jeans, a white button-up shirt, and gray Converse shoes. I thought I looked pretty good. Pushing my glasses up my nose, I glare at him.

"What's wrong with what I'm wearing?" I ask, crossing my arms over my chest.

"We're going out. You should dress like it."

"You mean I should dress like you?" I ask, knowing that's what he wants from me. Also knowing it will never happen. Elias is wearing tight white jeans with a matching fishnet top and a light jacket. He looks amazing, but it's not something I could pull off.

"No, you don't have to dress like me, but you're always so dressed up. Even in your comfortable clothes, you're wearing a button up."

"I like my button ups," I bristle, subtly pulling on the hem of my shirt.

"There's nothing wrong with your button ups," he rushes out. "I just thought maybe you would want to cut loose a little. But you still look good, I promise."

"Who looks good?" Alexander says as he strides into the room. I watch as he walks over to Elias, placing a gentle kiss on his neck. Elias melts into him and I turn my head, not wanting to intrude on their moment. I never thought Alexander would settle down, so seeing him with Elias is weird, but amazing. Elias has been so good for him and I love seeing him open up to someone else.

"I was telling Oliver he should dress up for tonight, but he's stuck in his button ups. Like someone else I know." Elias snickers, pointing at Alexander, who's also wearing a button up.

"Don't try to change the man, Elias."

"Yeah Elias. Don't try to change me," I say playfully, giggling when he looks over at me.

"Ugh. Fine. I guess I'll be the only best dressed one here."

"As it should be," Alexander chuckles before walking over to me. "Are you sure you want to go out? We don't have to. We can just stay here."

"No, it's fine. Let's go. Or else Elias might try to force me to change."

"I would never," Elias fake gasps, his hand flying up to his chest.

We laugh as Alexander starts guiding us out of the condo. "Come on, let's go. The sooner we leave, the sooner we get to come back."

"Now that is the best thing you've said yet," I say, snickering as I follow them out the door.

We head downtown toward a place called Club Rainbow. Apparently, this club means something to Alexander and Elias as they started giving each other heart eyes as soon as we walked in.

"Remember the night you took me home from here?" Elias asks Alexander as we walk up to the bar.

"How could I forget? It was the beginning of us."

"Oh, my god. Please stop," I say, signaling for the bartender to come down our way. I've never seen Alexander so mushy before and I don't know what to do with it.

"Sorry, but I'm going to go dance while you guys talk. Is that okay?"

Alexander nods his head as Elias takes off into the crowd. A girl rushes up to Elias and they both scream before hugging each other.

"That's Melanie, Elias' best friend. They'll be able to dance for hours nonstop so we can just hang out here and chat."

"Sounds good." The bartender comes down toward us and we both order a beer, each of us taking a seat on the stool we're standing by. "Elias is good for you."

"Yeah, I think so." A dreamy look crosses his face before he continues, "Are you excited to head back to California tomorrow?"

I take a sip of my drink, debating what to tell him. I haven't told anyone about Ronan, but I have so many questions about what to do and what happens next. And I know Alexander would never judge me or the situation, so I know I can trust him.

"I can't wait to get home. There's ah... There's something I haven't told you yet." I twirl the beer bottle in my hand, giving myself some time before looking up at Alexander. He smiles at me and I rush out, "I met someone."

"You did? Who?"

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