Page 67 of Return Policy

“What’s wrong, Char?” I ask, throwing an arm around her shoulders. “Don’t you know like half the people here?”

“Yeah. It’s nothing.” She plasters on a fake smile.Typical Charlie—shoving down her own worries to please the rest of us.

“Come on, Char Char.” I tap my head to hers. “You can tell me anything.”

“I don’t want to bring down the party mood.”

“Nothing is bringing down this fuckin’ fiesta. Spill it, babe.”

She blows out a raspberry. “It’s just—Jonathan and I have barely had time to see each other since school started. With the distance and our practice schedules…” She looks to the floor. “Any free weekend I have I go home to see Nash and Denny, and I just miss him.”

“Man, you’re right. That sucks big ass balls.”Maybe I should slow down on the tequila.“Why don’t you invite Jonathan for my Halloween Birthday Bar Crawl?” I ask with jazz hands, waggling my eyebrows.

“You wouldn’t mind?” Charlie asks timidly.

“Of course not!” I wave her off. “He’s yoman. Let him keep your fine ass busy the whole night for all I care.”

She throws her arm around my shoulder, squeezing tightly. “You’re the best, Soph.”

“Here you go, hotties,” Sage says, appearing back in front of us with two drinks in her hands and Julian flanking her side. She offers me a plastic cup filled with some tequila concoction, and Julian hands one to Charlie.Guess it’s full speed ahead.

“Here’s to getting litty as a titty,” Sage shouts, holding her cup in the air, and Julian shakes his head, laughing.

Charlie and I raise our cups. “To getting litty as a titty!”

* * *

“Super Freaky Girl” by Nicki Minaj blares over the speakers as Charlie and I spin around the middle of the “dance floor.” She sings it word for word, and it’s absolutely hilarious. We’ve had plenty to drink and are having the time of our lives shaking our asses to the rhythm. It feels like old times, and I’m so glad she’s feeling better about the Jonathan situation.

The smell of Versace envelops my senses, causing a rush of anticipation as his tall frame towers over my backside.

“Hey,” Elijah says, placing his hands loosely on my shoulders. “You girls having fun?”

My ass grazes the front of his jeans as I wiggle to the beat. “What do you think?”

“I’m gonna go get another drink.” Charlie winks before leaving us.

Elijah slides his warm palms down my arms, taking one of my hands in his. He spins me around and pulls me close to him. We sway to the rhythm, dancing prom style to “I Like You” by Post Malone and Doja Cat, and the thought makes me laugh.

Elijah leans down, his lips brushing against my ear. “It’s nice seeing you let loose, Sunflower.” His warm breath causes the hairs on my neck to stand as he pulls away, looking down at me.

“I’m enjoying it too.”

“Who knew all it took was a little tequila to get your beautiful self to dance?” He presses his forehead to mine.

“Who knew?”

I get one more song with him before we’re interrupted.

“Hey, E,” Desmond says, squeezing Elijah on the shoulder. “I need a pool partner. Noah’s sucking ass.”

“In a bit,” Elijah replies, not taking his eyes off me.

“Come on, you can see your lil’ sunflower later.” He argues. “Please, Soph?” He turns his dazzling smile on me. “Sharing is caring.”

My eyes find Elijah’s as I force a smile so he can’t gauge my disappointment. “It’s fine, Honey Bee. I can keep myselfplentyentertained.”

“That’s what I’m worried about.” He scowls down at me, and it’s absolutely adorable—like a pouty chocolate lab.

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