Page 32 of Sweet Ruin

“Uh, are you sure we’re in the right place?” Wes asked, scanning the room as the gazes of a few guests fell on us.

“Of course,” Anna said, seemingly unbothered by the fact we looked totally out of place. “Maybe the real party is out back.”

She swiped a glass of champagne from the server and casually strode down the wide main hallway to the back of the house. Wes and I shared a confused look before we followed somewhat reluctantly behind her.

We made our way through the groups of finely dressed guests until we found a large entertaining area at the back of the house. The crowd was much younger here, and I began to recognize people from school, but everyone was still wearing suits and dresses. This was not Luther’s normal style.

"Anna, are you sure we haven’t missed something?” I said, starting to feel increasingly embarrassed about the ripped jeans and sweatshirt I was wearing. I’d dressed for a cold night in the woods, and even Anna was starting to look a little uncertain.

“I’m going to go ask around,” Wes said, letting go of my hand. “I’ll be back soon.” He headed over to some of his rowing friends while Anna knocked back her champagne.

“Cress should be here by now,” Anna said. “I’m sure she can fill us in on why everyone’s so dressed up. Come on, let’s go find her.”

She grabbed my arm and pulled me deeper into the crowd. Anna had been right about the fact that the whole class would be here. The back area of the house was packed with kids from school, and people were turning to gawk at us as we searched for Cress.

“There she is,” Anna said, pointing to a long table at the back of the room laden with drinks and food. Kaden was at her side, and she had a huge smile on her lips. There was a sparkle in her eyes, and I could tell she’d had an amazing first date, but my face fell as I saw they were both dressed as beautifully as everyone else at the party, Kaden in a suit and Cress in a sparkling silver dress that dipped low across her back.

When she saw us approaching, she waved excitedly before she whispered something in Kaden’s ear and then made her way through the crowd toward us.

“Finally! You guys are here,” she exclaimed as she reached us. “I have so much to talk to you about—wait, why are you dressed like that?”

Anna took her by the arm and led her out of the back room and into a quieter hallway. I hurried after them.

When we were out of sight, Anna answered Cress. “Why are we dressed like this?” she repeated. “Why areyoudressed likethat?”

“The dress code on the invitation was pretty clear—semi-formal.” Cress shrugged.

“What invitation?” Anna hissed.

“Luther gave out invitations last week. You didn’t get one?”

“That’swhat he was giving out?” Anna asked. “He tried to give me something, and I told him to get lost.” She shook her head. “How was I supposed to know it was a party invite? His parties never have formal invites.”

“Yeah, but I think his dad organized this one for his birthday. Why do you think there are so many parents here?”

Anna’s eyes narrowed on Cress. “Why didn’t you say anything about the dress code when we talked about the party this week?”

“I just assumed you knew,” Cress protested. “I thought the whole class was invited. I even showed you what I was going to wear tonight. Didn’t you wonder why it was so formal?”

“I just thought that was what you were wearing for your date with Kaden!”

“You think I’d wearthisfor a date?”

“Why not?” Anna shrugged. “I would.”

“Why doesn’t that surprise me?” Cress grunted.

“I didn’t get an invite at all,” I murmured, causing both girls to fall silent. It was hardly surprising given that Luther wasn’t talking to me these days. He seemed to have neglected to invite Wes too, and I was guessing that was because of me. “Luther obviously doesn’t want me here. I think I should leave.”

“I’m sure he wants you here,” Cress said. “It’s probably just a misunderstanding.”

But I shook my head. We all knew that wasn’t true. “I’m going to find Wes.”

“You don’t have to go,” Cress objected.

“No, I feel uncomfortable.” I glanced down at my clothes. “And I clearly don’t fit in.”

“Well, we’ll come with you,” Cress said.

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