Page 2 of Meet Me in the Vines
No shit, Sherlock. I’m talking to you.
“Uh, yeah. Clearly? Did you find something amusing?” I snap. Jess Taylor made sure I stayed in her shadow ever since our freshman year. I’m not sure why, considering I didn’t see myself as a threat to her. It would be so little as an eye roll as I passed her down the hallway or a light snicker while I ate my lunch. What did I ever do to her? Now that I’ve walked the stage and I’m one step closer to leaving this town, it’s clear that the courage from this confrontation stems from simply not giving a fuck anymore.
Jess thins her lips, and Rosie gives her a look, their eyes darting back to me.
“Nope. Nothing amusing at all,” Jess mutters, flipping her blonde locks in my face as she whips back around.
That’s what I thought.
I cross my arms and legs, gripping into the flesh of my arms, leaving little half moon imprints from my fingernails. I take a deep breath and count backward from five—something my gran taught me when I was little.
It’s almost over, Audrey.
The last of our classmates grab their diplomas, shuffling back to their seats. Mr. Frommling gives the closing ceremony speech as my chest bubbles with excitement. The anticipation builds throughout the room, an undeniable energy vibrating off everyone in a cap and gown. Our school song plays over the intercom as everyone sings loudly at the top of their lungs, knowing it’s the last time we will be in this auditorium as students. We link pinkies and sway, chanting the final words of the song.
Oakwood Valley proud! Oakwood Valley bred! Oakwood Valley through and through, forever blue and red!
“Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the Oakwood Valley High School Class of 2014!”
Roars fill the gymnasium. Caps fly into the air. Only seventy-seven of us are graduating, but it sounds like a stadium of thousands. A wave of relief washes over me as I smile at the ceiling–I did it.
I side-hug a couple of classmates around me and look to the ground to find my cap. As I bend down, a sudden spark ignites in my fingertips as a large, strong hand skims mine, deftly lifting my cap.
“Hey, Audrey,” he says brightly.
I struggle to catch my breath. Glimmers of gold sparkle near his irises, framed by tendrils of chocolate-brown hair that peek out from under his graduation cap. As he beams, his sturdy jawline flexes, giving way to the irresistible charm of his dimples.
“H-hh-i Donovan,” I stutter. He smiles at me softly, handing me my cap.
“I’m having a grad party tonight at my place, and I wanted to see if you’d like to come?” he asks, catching me off guard. My eyes get wide, swallowing the hard lump in my throat.
Holy shit!
“U-uh, I mean yeah. Yes. Of course. I’d love to come to your party,” I reply a little too enthusiastically, like I forgot how to talk properly. Did he just find me in the crowd to invite me to his party? My stomach does somersaults, flipping and twisting my insides. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from showing an embarrassing giddy smile.
“That’s great,” he beams, putting his hand on my shoulder. His touch alone erupts goosebumps down the length of my arms.“I can’t wait to see you. And hey, congratulations on NYU. It’s a bit far though, don’t you think?” he asks.
His question throws me a little, but I can feel his genuine curiosity. Most of our class is staying in California for college, but I didn’t want to. I need to get out of this small town.
“NYU has an amazing hospitality program. My dream is to open my own bed-and-breakfast one day,” I reply.
I don’t know why I am sharing this with Donovan in the middle of the chaos, but he’s easy to be around. And that scares me. Is it always this easy around him? Or is this just his Donovan King magic that works on all the girls?
He gives me a smile that’s ear to ear. When Donovan smiles, his eyes do too.
“That’s amazing, Audrey. I’m so happy for you. You’re going to crush it in New York. Don’t forget about us when you’re out there in the big city,” he gushes.
I could never forget you, Donovan King.
My cheeks flush at his compliment.
“I’ll see you tonight! Seven o’clock! Promise me you’ll be there!” he shouts while walking backward, his voice getting further away.
“I promise!” I shout back. He gives me a wink and waves me off as he disappears into the arms of his soccer team.
I look down and smile at the thought that Donovan King is excited to seemetonight athisparty.
Take that, Jess Taylor.
