Page 102 of My Favorite Secret
Cindy wraps me in a limp hug, giggling again. “Now you’re upset. I’m sorry. I’m excited for you. But I’m also worried.”
“Tyler and Felix make me happy.”
“I can see that. I just hope you’re taking care of yourself.”
“I am. You don’t have anything to worry about.”
Any further concerns of hers are instantly forgotten when a new song starts playing. “Oh, my favorite song! We need to dance.”
Cindy pulls me to the living room. We fall back into the rhythm of the party, spending the next thirty minutes laughing and dancing. Cindy catches Kaleb’s attention and I step back from the dance floor, giving them space to talk while I unlock my phone to message my men in our group chat. A text already awaits me.
TYLER:Having fun, Princess?
HARPER:My wingman duties have kicked in. Cindy is talking to her guy. I need to find some way to occupy myself.
FELIX:She’s leaving you alone? We’re driving to you now.
HARPER:I’m fine. Plus, you don’t know where I am. Even I don’t know where I am. Cindy was the one navigating us on our way here.
FELIX:I have your phone traced. We’ll be there soon.
I laugh to myself, pleased for occasions like this that Felix tracks my every move. Perhaps I should be frustrated, but I like how protective he is of me.
Cindy stumbles up to me with a massive smile, about to burst with excitement. “Kaleb asked me to go up to his bedroom with him. He invited me to sleep the night.”
There’s a divide in her eyes between not wanting to ditch me for a guy but also desperate to take him up on his offer.
I chew my bottom lip, concerned for her safety. “I’ll be fine. But will you? Have you drunk too much? I don’t want this guy taking advantage of you.”
“Babe, IwantKaleb taking advantage of me. Besides, I’ve only had a few drinks. I’m not wasted.”
I give in with a laugh. “Okay, but call me if you need me.”
She squeals and throws her arms around me. “I love you! You’re the best friend. Wait, will you be all right without me?”
“Felix and Tyler will pick me up. Go. Enjoy yourself.”
After another hug, Cindy runs off. I quickly lose track of her due to how packed the party is. It will take Felix and Tyler at least thirty minutes to drive to Riverdale, and that’s if traffic is good.
Thirty minutes of being all alone at this party where I don’t know a soul. Great.
I retreat to the outskirts of the living room, bored and scrolling on my phone. The music keeps pounding in my ears. Voices are loud. People bump into me. It’s far from my idea of fun.
The pinnacle of my night is when a guy steps into my personal space and starts hitting on me, not backing down even when I tell him I’m not interested. It isn’t until I say I have a boyfriend that he gets the message and leaves me alone.
Not wanting to risk more guys approaching me, I push through the crowd, eager to escape the attention, and make my way toward the front of the house. An empty room sits right by the front door. I claim it for myself, waiting in peace for Felix and Tyler to arrive.
The loud music feels like a distant thrum now. I scan my surroundings, finding a bed, nightstand, and armchair, but nothing distinguishable about the room. No photos or personal items. A guest bedroom, I suppose.
Bored and needing to pass time, I move to the center ofthe room and occupy myself with a few ballet stretches. Not even a minute later, the door opens behind me. Music blasts. I spin around, ready to tell whoever it is that this room is taken, but the sight of Paul Ferguson in the doorway catches me off guard.
“Hey.” He grins, swaying. “Always busy at dance, I see.”
The scent of alcohol wafts into the room with him. His grin is lopsided and his eyes are hazy. Paul is always dressed impeccably. This is the first time I’ve seen him look anything less. His dark hair is messy with a few strands sticking to his damp forehead. He’s wearing a suit, which is strange for a house party like this, but the tie is crooked and his shirt is half-untucked. I guess he’s been enjoying himself.
“Paul. Hey, I didn’t realize you were at this party.”
“Yeah. I know the guy who’s hosting.” He closes the door, dimming the sound of the party. “I saw you come in here alone. Are you okay?”
