Page 47 of The Players

“Have a wonderful night,” I called back to her. “I know I will,” I said to myself.

We walked through the halls toward the school gym. Already, the disco lights were swirling and music was pumping from inside. The theme was Las Vegas, and there were feather boas on a table also adorned with poker chips and playing cards. Spotlights on either side of the doors pointed to hand-painted signs that mimicked the famous Las Vegas signage.

The gym was similarly transformed. Along with twinkle lights and crepe paper, big playing cards were hanging from the ceiling. Near the back, I spied a glitzy picture wall with a sparkly gold background and a sign that said: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.” Two girls were already mugging in front of it taking selfies. A six-piece band was up on a stage playing their rendition ofLove Shackwhile a few attendees danced.

“This is pretty,” Randy said, glancing around. Her eyes were as round as saucers as she took it all in. “Your planning committee has a way bigger budget than my school.”

Lowell grumbled and pushed a hand through his hair. I could tell he wanted to reach for the flask that was no longer in his jacket pocket. “I can’t believe you talked me into coming to this shit. This has to be my first and last high school dance. Fuck.”

“It’s all for good reason,” I said. “Are you sure we’re all set?”

Hector nodded. “Lowell and I have to go grab a few things. You ladies get some drinks, and we’ll meet you back here in ten minutes.”

I watched them go reluctantly. For some reason, I felt good with everyone around me. In their absence, I began to doubt myself again. I knew we had to get rid of Savannah for numerous reasons, but being on this side of the bullying wasn’t sitting right with me. I didn’t want people to think of me that way: as a bully, as someone acting as cruel and heartless as those who’d tried to destroy me.

For some reason, I was fine with people thinking of me as poor, useless, slutty, or ambitious, but cruel was a bridge too far. I’d experienced cruelty in life. I knew how harmful it could be.

“You’re doing it again,” Randy said, pushing a drink at me. “You’re looking like a criminal.”

“And I’m sweating like a whore in church,” I said, fanning my face. “I don’t know if I can do this, Randy.”

She pulled me in close and made sure no one was near before saying. “Savannah tried to kill you, right?”

I tilted my head back and forth. “She hit me in the head with a bottle. She also seemed to want me to drink myself to death.”

“Right,” Randy said, pulling me in closer. “And once she’s done with you, she’ll torture someone else, right?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. She seems to leave a wake of destruction wherever she goes.” I thought back to Easton’s mention of a DUI, and Spencer's mention of the FBI. You didn’t get involved with them if you were behaving yourself.

“Yes.” Randy took a big sip of her Sprite can before continuing. “We are doing everyone here a favor. Hell, we might even be doing Savannah a favor. Everyone kisses her ass, coddles her. She never learned that actions have consequences. Tonight she will.”

I bit my lip but started nodding. I knew Randy was right. I knew what we had to do. I just hated the fact that, once again, the Hills were forcing me to do something I felt uncomfortable with.

“We have to do it,” I said, staring at the entrance. A group of people were coming in.

The band began to play a Michael Jackson tune, and the lights twirled. As if on cue, they entered: Ty, Easton, Spencer….

And Savannah.

“There she is,” Randy said before she downed her soda.

I watched the Lords and Lady of Waverly Academy survey the crowd and seem to find us wanting. They would know our worth soon.

Chapter twenty

IhadtoadmitSavannah looked fantastic.

Whoever designed her dress knew what they were doing. The green hue contrasted perfectly with her pale skin and blond hair. The dress was a strapless, form-fitting number that showed off all her assets. Her high-heels must’ve been designer, but since my shoes were from Target, I had no frame of reference. All I knew was her shoes were beautiful and the perfect match to her dress and jewelry.

Every head turned in her direction. I could practically hear the erections forming from here.

Easton and the rest of his crew looked resplendent as always, though they seemed overshadowed by Savannah. She walked ahead of them, scanning the party as if it was the last place she wanted to be. People stepped back, allowing her to pass unbothered.

When she spotted me, her bored look turned into a frown.

I turned my gaze away and focused on my drink. Did she suspect our attack? She might think we’d try something, but would she think we had the nerve to attack here under the watchful eye of faculty and students?

Randy squeezed my hand. “Let’s go take a gander at the snack table.”

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