Page 109 of Stroke of Fate

Pia frowns, looking between the two of them. “So, there’s no one?”

“Oh, there’s someone. And he’s a green-eyed, curly-haired brunette with tattoos. A total hottie,” Elsie says, waggling her sculpted brows.

“She’s talking about Levi’s best friend,” I explain, slipping on my white Converse sneakers. “His name’s Mack, and you’ll see him tonight.”

“He’s not my type,” Macy huffs.

“With that description, he sounds like everyone’s type,” Pia giggles.

I think I’m the only one who notices Macy’s shoulder slump slightly at Pia’s words. However, when she speaks, her tone is casual, if not a little indifferent.

“Exactly why he’s bad news. Never going to happen where he’s concerned.”

Pia’s lips twitch as she looks at me. “Remember how you said something similar to me about Levi?”

“Yeah,” I laugh, remembering our many conversations, which involved her telling me to go for it and me listing every reason why it was a bad idea.

But the instant his front door swung open and those whiskey eyes stared back at me, I just knew. If anyone could get me to try again, it would be him. Sure, he was persistent, but it was never just one-sided. Levi was just willing to show his hand much earlier than I was.

“Full circle moment.” Elsie sighs wistfully, and even Macy is smiling.

“Full circle moment.” I echo.

“As happy as I am for my best friend, I’ve never felt more single.”

“Shit, you’re right, Pia. More wine and less lovey-dovey stuff.” Elsie laughs.

“Totally fair,” I say, happy to no longer be the center of attention.

Grabbing the wine bottle, I refill everyone’s glasses while Elsie updates us on the latest campus gossip.

***

The party is already in full swing when the Uber pulls up to the football house.

People in various costumes spill out of the front door, drinks in hand. The LED lights aimed at the house illuminate their faces.

The front yard is decked out with Halloween decorations, from skeletons to zombies. Cobwebs hang from the many windows, and fake spiders are positioned against the brick, making it look like they’re scrambling toward the center of the webs. It’s impressive.

“This looks insane.” Pia murmurs, standing next to me, taking in everything I see.

The music, the people, the vibe—it screams party in the best way possible.

Next to her, Elsie giggles, fiddling with the hem of her Tinker Bell-inspired green mini-dress. “That’s pretty much what Bear said when we first brought her here.”

We make our way up the pathway and straight through the house. Like last time, the dance floor is packed with bodies. We weave through the crowd, heading for the backyard.

We’re all still feeling the effects of the wine, so we aren’t ready for hard liquor just yet, which is why we’re heading for an empty beer-pong table.

Wine and beer aren’t a better combination, but at least it’ll be a fun way to pass the time until Levi and his friends arrive. On the drive over, he texted me, saying his meet ran late but that he was home and getting ready.

“How are we dividing teams?” Macy asks as we stand in a little huddle beside the table.

“Rock, paper, scissors?” I suggest.

“Sounds good to me,” Pia says, and Elsie nods.

In the end, I’m paired with Elsie, and Pia and Macy take their position on the opposite end of the table. They’re both speaking in hushed voices with their heads bent low. Occasionally, they’ll look over at the cups, nod, and then return to whispering.

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