Page 72 of Endless December (Sleepless November Saga 2)

“So, you’re just going to avoid all Kappa parties, or any party Holden might be at, for the rest of the year?” Dawson asks.

Bree gives me a look. “And it’s not even like that works. He stopped trying to find you, but you two still have a class together.”

Shit. I keep forgetting about Chemistry. I’ve been avoiding going to class in order to not deal with Holden. It’s not even like I can ignore him – we’re lab partners. Just as I’m stressing over what to do about my boyfriend vs education debacle, Dawson and Bree change Skylar’s mind.

“Maybe they’re right, Kay.” She murmurs. “You can’t sacrifice your entire college experience because he’s a royal douchebag.”

My eyes narrow. “Traitor.”

I sigh and lean forward to rub my head. They all look at me expectantly, waiting for my answer. After debating it internally for a moment, I finally groan and sit up.

“Fine, but I’m only going because you want me to.”

The three of them cheer in excitement, and before I know it, Skylar and Bree are pulling me into the bedroom to do my hair and makeup. Apparently, we now have a party to attend.

AS SOON AS WE pull up to the frat house, my anxiety begins to build. Bree and Sky are ready to run inside, but Dawson notices the look on my face. He turns to his fiancé and kisses her cheek.

“You two go ahead. We’ll be in in a minute.” He tells her.

The two girls give me a sympathetic look before climbing out of the car and walking toward the house. I run my fingers through my hair, trying to get a grip on any bit of calm.

“Is this a horrible idea? Should I just go home?”

He sighs and reaches his hand into the back seat to rub my knee. “You know, he’s texted me every day asking about you.”

“He has?”

Dawson nods. “It’s been almost two weeks, and he hasn’t gone one day without asking me if you’re okay or how you’re doing.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“He asked me not to. He said that he wasn’t trying to use me to get you back, just that he cares about your well-being.”

The thought of Holden reaching out to Dawson pulls on my heartstrings. However, every happy thought is tainted by the image of him with another girl and the sound of his lie replaying in my head. My friends are right though, I can’t let him ruin the rest of sophomore year for me.

“It doesn’t matter.” I shake myself from my thoughts. “Let’s go.”

I get out of the car and link arms with Dawson for support. The two of us walk down the sidewalk and across the yard, entering the house as soon as we reach the door. I’m not going to lie, I’ve missed these parties. They’re always so much fun and make you feel so alive. Even without drinking, the atmosphere is invigorating.

“Holy shit, you’re alive.” Caleb jokes as soon as he sees me. “Where have you been?”

I shrug. “Studying and completely submerging myself into the world of Gossip Girl and smoothies.”

“Well I’m glad you’re here.” He leans in for a hug.

“So am I.” A voice sounds from behind me, sending a chill down my spine. “Hey man.” He greets Dawson.

I turn around and look him up and down. He’s wearing a pair of jeans and the one shirt I’ve always told him brings out his eyes. This would be so much easier if he didn’t look so good. Dawson glances at me and I nod, signifying that I’m alright. Once I do, he walks away to find Skylar.

“I didn’t think you’d be here.” Holden remarks.

I shrug and gesture toward my friends. “They begged me to come.”

“Remind me to thank them.”

“For what? I’m not here for you.”

Just as he’s about to respond, Josephine comes over and wraps her arms around me.

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