Page 31 of Sweet Ruin

“He will?”

“Why wouldn’t he? No one misses Luther’s parties.”

I rolled my eyes and shook my head but then let out a sigh. “Fine, I guess I could make an appearance.”

“Really?”

I laughed at her surprise. “What? Did I give in too easily?”

“I mean, I’ve been laying out my most convincing arguments for so long I was just about to give up hope.”

“Well, I’ll remember to hold out a little longer next time.”

She poked out her tongue, but then she smiled. “So, what convinced you? My pleading eyes or the boyfriend card? I need to know for next time…”

I shrugged. “I quite enjoyed Luther’s last party.”

“Because you spent the whole night snuggling by the bonfire with Wes?”

“That, and because there was no dancing,” I joked. “But you’re right. I want to hear about Cress’s date. And maybe Luther won’t notice me if I keep a low profile. I really don’t think Noah will miss the party, but he pretty much ignores me anyway, so I’m sure he won’t be a problem.”

“He won’t,” Anna said with a firm nod. “And if he is, I’ll deal with him.”

Given the steely look that glinted in her eyes, I had no doubt she would be happy to follow through on that promise.

“So, how do you think Cress and Kaden are doing on their date?” I asked.

“I’m sure they’re already planning a spring wedding.”

“Probably.” I grinned. “They both seem smitten with each other.”

“Totally smitten,” Anna agreed. “Now, please tell me you’re done with your college stuff so we can actually enjoy a relaxing Saturday afternoon.”

I was nowhere close to finished, but she looked so hopeful and had waited around for me all day, so I knew I had to give in. “Okay, I’m done.”

“Yes, finally!” She clapped her hands and grabbed the TV controls.

* * *

We spentthe afternoon watching reruns ofSex & the City. It passed the time quickly, and before we knew it, it was time to get ready for Luther’s party.

I still wasn’t truly convinced it was a good idea for me to go, but there was no way Anna would let me back out now. We got a ride to the party with Wes, and he held my hand as we made our way up Luther’s driveway. It was nice to be out with him. Thanks to his rowing regatta and then everyone being sick, it had been weeks since we’d been able to do anything together. It also felt good to have him at my side as it made me a little more confident about attending the party. I knew Wes wouldn’t let anyone make me feel bad for coming.

Luther’s parties were normally held in the woods behind the grand, old villa his family owned in town. But, tonight, I was surprised to see the house was lit up and music was coming from within.

“I thought Luther didn’t host parties in the house?” I said.

Wes shrugged. “Yeah, he normally doesn’t. Maybe he wanted to change things up.”

“But why change a winning formula?” Anna said. “The forest parties are legendary.”

As we got closer to the house, we could see a massive “Happy Birthday, Luther” sign sprawled across the front of the house.

“A sign as big as his ego,” Anna groaned.

She shook her head at the sign before she headed into the house. We all followed her, and the moment I walked through the front door, I wondered if we’d come to the wrong party. The entrance foyer was filled with adults. They were all dressed in smart suits and cocktail dresses that seemed far too formal for guests at a typical Luther party.

A server wearing a white shirt and a black apron greeted us at the door with champagne glasses on a silver platter, and I noticed him briefly cast his eyes over our outfits. We were totally underdressed.

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