Page 9 of Invisible String
“I’m so close to twisting my ankle.” I laugh. “You look stunning, bestie.”
Lana is beautiful with her long blonde hair, heart-shaped face, and long legs.
“Fingers crossed, we find ourselves a man.”
“Since when do we do one-nighters?” I reach around her, grabbing a glass from the cupboard.
“Since it’s been a while, since we’ve gotten laid.” She peers at me with her blue eyes. “You’ve had two boyfriends and slept with only one of them. I’ve had three who lasted a couple of weeks.”
“Only one.” I lift a finger. “Where are you getting two from?”
“Oh, please don’t act dumb, Rainey. I’ve never seen you want something so bad like you wanted him. Max. Do you remember Max? You stared at that boy like you were staring at a portrait. You wore your heart?—”
“Enough. It was a crush, and it was seven years ago.” I want to add that I had feelings for him before he left me heartbroken without even a word, much less a goodbye. Now, all I feel is pent-up resentment at the mention of Max that I thought would go away at least after graduation. Instead, it was something that still irritates me like a splinter under my skin.
“Fine. Let’s get to the party. It doesn’t hurt to find a guy to make out with.”
I groan. She’s determined. We both lack when it comes to finding guys who aren’t assholes and only want one thing. Do guys just not want to be in a relationship? Hell, I guess not. I’ve always wanted what my parents had. Until now. Now I’m unsure. My dad sleeping with his secretary bruised my heart. You spend a lifetime loving someone, sharing a life, only to lose it all on a one-night stand. I want a man who’s faithful, loyal, worships me, loves me, holds me in his arms. A man who will make me feel safe. Do men like that exist?
Three beers down,and that’s enough to give me a buzz. Music vibrates through the large rooms of the frat house. Beersticks to the floor, tables are out for beer pong, and guys are taking shots off women. I’ve been to so many parties that they don’t faze me. They’re all the same. Guys spread out on a sofa, chicks grinding on them. It wouldn’t be so bad if they weren’t a hookup for the night.
“Allen Copper is staring at you,” Lana whisper shouts.
“Who?”
“To your right. He’s in our English class.”
I turn to see who she’s talking about. Allen Copper is staring at my curvy ass. I’ve never met him before, nor do I want him hypnotized by it. His gaze rolls up my body, then gives me a smile. Chills run up my spine, and not in a good way.
“You should talk to him.” Lana takes a chug from her beer.
My head tips back on the wall. “He’s the kind of guy I’d run away from. Now, if you’re trying to shoo me away to get to know the guy you keep staring at, I’ll be fine.”
Her lips go in a straight line. “Are you sure?”
“I’m positive. I’m going to the restroom, and you go talk to the hot guy.”
Lana’s been eyeing him for a while. His girlfriend broke up with him, so it seems he’s back on the market and gazing at my friend.
The acrid stench of vomit and urine grows stronger with each step I take toward the restroom, making my stomach churn. I heave a sigh, shaking my head in resignation. This isn’t worth it. Turning on my heel, I head back toward the front door, the thought of a night out losing its appeal. Over in the corner, Lana is nestled comfortably beside Dan, the guy she’s been eyeing for weeks. With a quick flick of my fingers, I pull out my phone and tap out a text to her. Moments later, my screen lights up with her reply.See you tomorrow. Seems like she’s found her company for the evening.
The drive is only ten minutes to my apartment. My phone rings while I unlock the door.
“Hey, sis.”
I smile when I hear Bethany’s voice. “So, how were the exams? I can’t believe you’ll be a senior next year.”
“I know, right? Exams went well. Passed them all. So, the reason I called was to tell you I’m going to Florida with Natalie and her family. I could use the break from Mom and Dad.”
She sighs. It sounds like she’s packing.
“Oh, God. What’s going on with Dad and Mom? Is he still trying to win her back?” I toss my purse on the table and head to my room.
“Yeah, the house looks like a funeral home with the amount of flowers we have. He keeps apologizing, but Mom is broken. She can’t unsee it. The fact that she knew Rebecca was a stab to the chest. Mom yells at him and cries, then Dad yells, then he feels like shit. Mom sleeps in the guest room. And Justin moved to Vegas.” I don’t blame her for wanting to leave. “Are you coming for the summer?”
“No, I don’t want to see Dad. I lost the respect I had for him.” I pull out my suitcase from under my bed and toss all my clothes in.
“Are you staying at your apartment?”
