Page 23 of Don't Leave
“Brooklyn,” I shout.
It’s no surprise that she doesn’t hear me with the blaring music and insane amount of people. I continue to shove my way toward her before tapping her shoulder and yelling her name.
This time, both her and the guy she’s with swivel toward me. The dude stiffens before stepping closer and throwing anarm around her shoulders. It’s tempting to roll my eyes at the possessive heat flaring in his narrowed gaze. Normally, I’d find this guy’s behavior hilarious, but I’m not in the mood for it. I need to find Cassidy.
Where the hell is she?
How did she get separated from Brooklyn?
“Chill,” I mutter. “I’m looking for her friend.”
Even though he remains silent, his muscles relax. Although, he still doesn’t step back to give us some breathing room.
“I thought Cassidy was with you?”
Her brows pinch together as her red slicked lips settle into a concerned line. “We split up after using the bathroom,”
I shake my head. It’s obvious this douchebag is the reason for their split.
My knowing look isn’t lost on Brooklyn as her lips lift in humor. “The last time I saw of her, she was heading back to find you.”
Great.
At this point, all I want to do is find her and get the hell out of here. I’ve had enough of this madness. I want to go home and hit the sheets.
With Cassidy.
Preferably naked.
“How long ago was that?”
Her face scrunches in thought. “Maybe about ten or fifteen minutes ago.”
I run a hand through my hair before pulling my cell from my back pocket and calling her. When she doesn’t answer, I fire off a quick text before trying to call again.
There’s still no answer.
I glance over the sea of students. She’s got to be here somewhere. Even if I have to wade through every damn room in this house, I’m going to find her.
“If you see Cassidy, tell her to call me.”
She nods before her attention returns to the dude who is hovering over her as if someone might try to swipe the tasty bone he plans on sinking his teeth into later tonight. For a moment, I feel bad for Austin. Even though he came here tonight with another girl, he’s still hung up on Brooklyn. He’s been messed up ever since they broke up.
It’s not that I don’t sympathize, but his freaking mental state is beginning to affect his ability on the ice. The guy needs to pull it together and move on.
Instead of dwelling on those thoughts, I push my way back into the living room. My gaze roves over the crowd, searching every shadowed corner for Cassidy’s blue scrubs. The continuous strobe light effect isn’t making it any easier.
Is it possible she went upstairs?
I have to shove more than one person out of my way to reach the staircase. When I’m on the landing, I turn, surveying the surging mob. The flickering lights make it impossible. I decide there’s no harm in checking the second floor.
As much as I love a good party, this is just obnoxious. And I’m over it.
As I reach the landing, fingers tug my hand. Relief washes over me as I spin around, reaching out to grab hold of her. That’s when I do a doubletake and realize it’s not Cassidy.
Instead, I find the last person I expected to see at Western.
Jackie.
