Page 13 of Only Some Stars Fall

Once again, Alex flops down on the just-tidied bed. I clench my jaw just a bit.

“Nice. The word nice, Ev. Any time you describe a guy as nice, I know the man is toast. Nice guys equal zero orgasms when it comes to you, my friend.”

I grit my teeth; the expression “Uh-oh” is a pet peeve of mine. Especially when the panic it brings is entirely uncalled for, for example, like now.

My mom only ever used the expression when something bad was happening. Like the time she misplaced her wallet in the mall while we were back-to-school shopping or the time she drove into a parking garage and forgot the roof rack was on.

Her voice floats into my mind, the way she would gasp right before she said it. I miss her, even the stressed-out version of her.

“Aren’t you the one who keeps pushing me to not date an asshole? I thought you’d be happy I found someone whoisnice! Plus, he is smart, driven, and super cute. He even lives in the same city as me! Who did you expect me to be pining over,someone cocky like, ‘I’m so smug because I know I am insanely hot’ Hux Anderson?” I’m out of breath by the time I reach the end of my overly dramatic rant.

Alex is beaming, a mischievous look on her face. “I was wondering when you would finally bring up the H-word.” She knows she has caught me, and now she’s the smug one. “Insanely hot, you say?”

I let out an exaggerated sigh. “Clearly, anyone with eyes can tell he is a lot more attractive than the average male population. That’s just a fact,” I say pointedly. “Youshouldbe happy to know I’m not attracted to him or his attitude in the least.” I sound too confident, and she sees through me.

I can see it in her eyes; it’s clicked, and she’s coming to the same realization that I have been trying to deny myself. That all those times in the last few weeks that I have been desperately trying to avoid Hux, I am also secretly praying that I will catch a glimpse of him. His slender, strong body, his tanned forearms, and the sly smile he gives to his favorite female customers. A smile that I crave to be turned in my direction.

“You know, I do know Hux and his family pretty well. Something about childhood friends, I guess, we just get one another. I know he comes off as arrogant, but he keeps things very close to the vest—it’s a Maine thing. I wouldn’t say he’s an asshole, per se.”

“Well, perfect! You can date him then!” I mock in an obnoxiously high-pitched voice, but as soon as the words leave my mouth, I’m full of jealousy. What if Alex has feelings for him? I mean, she would technically have dibs. After all, they were childhood friends. Wait… What the hell is my issue? I am not interested in Hux Anderson, and I certainly wouldn’t be fighting my best friend over a guy.

Alex rolls her eyes and laughs. “I’m all set there. I think he has his eyes on someone else.”

Of course… Ashlee, how could I forget?

We arriveat Nick’s summerhouse, which, as predicted, is a total mansion. The entire front is made of natural stone with massive windows that give the most perfect view of their long dock, a beautiful speedboat, and four jet skis. I imagine that during the day, this is probably one of the best spots on the lake.

I can see a few people chatting in the house and a couple heavily making out on the front porch, but most of the crowd is around a big bonfire near the water’s edge. The party isn’t huge; I’m not sure what I expected. There aren’tthatmany people our age up here. Even looking around now, there are a few people who are clearly approaching their forties milling around.

We walk up to the intimate group around the fire, and I start to feel a little uncomfortable. It’s that feeling you get when you’re in high school and just sat down at a lunch table that you weren’t officially asked to join. Or it’s how I imagine you would feel because I sure as hell never would have inserted myself uninvited in any clique that was not my own.

A male voice somewhere across the flames calls out, “Holy shit, is that Alex Croft?”

“Depends on who’s asking?” Alex responds, no sense of insecurity coming from her, in the least. The guy walks toward us. He’s shorter than both of us, with slightly greasy hair and large gauges in both ears.

“Ricky!” she squeals. Throwing herself into the arms of the slightly sketchy-looking guy.

“Fuck, girl, it’s been a while! I wouldn’t have even recognized you if it wasn’t for those eyes.”

“I’ve been up here for almost two weeks now; how in the hell could you have missed that? You can’t take a piss in thistown without everyone knowing about it.” She jokingly presses her finger into his chest.

“Isn’t that the truth,” he says, scratching his head. “I just got back myself; I’ve been drumming for a band based out of Philly. We just got done doing a small tour, so I have a few weeks to enjoy the Pine Tree State.” He spreads his arms wide as if he is admiring his surroundings.

Alex introduces me, and after listening for a while about the death metal band Ricky is a drummer in, I excuse myself in search of a drink, letting them continue to catch up. The gin and tonics we pre-gamed with have started to wear off, and I’m worried if I don’t keep up my buzz, I’ll be trying to walk myself back to the house in the dark, trading this party in for a movie and popcorn.

I also have yet to lay eyes on Nick.

There is a keg on the lawn, but I head for the kitchen, hoping for something other than cheap beer. Sure enough, a blue and white cooler with the words JUNGLE JUICE sloppily written in black Sharpie sits on the counter. I grab a plastic cup and open the cover, immediately hit with an intense aroma of various fruits drenched in vodka and a few other liquors, no doubt.

“Be careful, it’s addicting stuff,” a warm voice says behind me. I turn and am greeted by Nick’s contagious smile. He looks amazing, his tan skin against a light blue polo shirt, the collar unbuttoned. His short dark brown hair is slightly messy as if he’d been on a boat all afternoon, sunglasses still perched on top of his head.

“Hi!” The excitement in my voice is apparent. I quickly look around the house, hoping he didn’t notice how my eyes scanned his body a little too long. My bright pink cheeks trying to give me away.

“This place is amazing. I can’t even imagine what it’s likespending your summers here.” Though most of the rooms are dark, I’m guessing to deter people from venturing into them. I can make out a gorgeously decorated living room just to the left of the kitchen.

He looks over his shoulder and shrugs as if he hasn’t really thought about it. “I was actually on the hunt for a beer pong partner. You in?”

This is my moment to let go and relax.Just enjoy the party, Everly.

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