Page 17 of Ruthless Chaos
In our three years together at SFU, he’s never approached me as directly as he just did. Something changed over the summer. I’ll have to nip it in the bud before it flourishes into a bigger problem for me.
This year more than ever, I can’t lose my position as Head Kingmaker.
“Are you listening?” Ezra’s voice jolts me from my thoughts.
I nod, though I have no idea what they were talking about.
“It’s your senior year,” Ezra says. “These are the memories we’ll talk about on the greens fifty years from now.”
I grin, conjuring up the image of us, graying and wrinkled, playing golf.
Vance snaps his fingers in front of my face. “You’ll need to get rid of your tail, Cassidy, if we’re to have any real fun.” He grimaces. “It’s pretty bloody annoying when she shows up unannounced.”
If he’s annoyed, imagine how I feel. She can’t take a hint.
“That bitch is cracked,” Ezra says. “The embarrassment she endures to maybe get a positive look from you is insane.”
“I’m sure she’ll find a new fixation this semester,” I say dismissively. They laugh. Since we’re on the topic, I ask Vance, “Did your girl end up making it here? Nellie, I think her name was.”
“Nya,” he corrects me. “I already told you, she’s not my girl. Her brother and I are friends.” He furrows his brows. “There’s nothing there.”
It’s my turn to tease him. “Two weeks ago, you wouldn’t shut up about her. Now she’sjustyour friend’s sister? Convenient.”
His cheeks redden slightly. Vance is clearly smitten for this girl.
For nearly the whole trip, he talked our ears off about her. At this point Ezra and I know things we don’t need to know about her—like her favorite color and the fact she’s allergic to grapes.
The three of us touch our glasses together.
“Let’s just enjoy the party tonight,” Vance says. “Whatever happens, happens.”
FIVE
ALLIE
I gripTara’s elbow to steady myself as we walk down the slight slope.
It’s been ages since I’ve worn heels, let alone stilettos, but Tara insisted I wear a pair. I’m already regretting it, but I can’t let on that I’m still recovering from my injuries and shouldn’t be wearing heels.
I take small, careful steps. In addition to the painful shoes, Tara had me squash myself into a dress that’s squeezing the air out of my lungs. It’s a low-cut, velvety minidress that stops a few inches above my knees.
“You’ll get the hang of them soon,” Tara chirps, slowing her pace a bit.
Her black dress is entirely translucent save for a sliver of fabric covering her chest and lady bits. Thigh high platform heels and an updo complete her look.
I’m still in awe of her outfit. She’s so comfortable and confident.
Tara and I are part of a stream of students trickling toward the party being held on the shores ofLac de la Mort, a lake that forms the western boundary of campus.
Trees line the paved walkway on either side. The lanterns hanging from their branches illuminate our path. We still have a few more yards to walk, but I can already feel the bass thrumming in my chest and see the bonfire in the distance.
I’m trying to hide it from Tara, but I’m nervous as hell. My arms and legs are restless, and my body’s alternating between being too hot or too cold. In a few moments, I’ll be mixing and mingling with hundreds of students at a college party.
“Ouch,” Tara groans, stopping abruptly.
My eyes snap to her, then to my hand on her.
I flinch away. “I’m so sorry!” I say quickly. Even in the wan light I can see the marks my fingernails have left on her tan skin. “I didn’t realize I was holding you so tight.”
