Page 14 of Facing Off
“Sure.”
“Cap?”
“Yeah?”
“You’re not closing the door.”
Casually, I step outside into the fresh air. “I’m just wondering if anyone else is coming by. Emmad said he’s going to show up late. And Ryan said he’s not coming, butyou know him. He gets FOMO and crashes.” I nod towards Quinn as I settle in to lean against my stuccoed wall. “…Oh. And Sonya. Is she coming?”
Quinn’s expression shifts. A flicker of amusement. “I don’t know about the rest, but Sonya can’t make it. She’s got an important recital coming up.”
Disappointment swamps me.
Slowly, I nod again.
Quinn claps me on the shoulder. “Come on, before those savages eat all the pizza.”
Reluctantly, I follow him and close the door behind us.
Wishing she was here.
5
SONYA
I knewit was a bad idea to come to a party after avoiding them for so long, but when it’s one celebrating your only best friend, you have no choice.
At least I’m hiding inside a walk-in pantry, and it has snacks.
And no people.
That’s the best part, because some days I hate everyone. And other days, I still hate everyone.
The doorknob turns and I stiffen—until my pink-haired best friend pops her head in. “So, this is where you’ve been hiding, Sonya.”
“I’m not hiding,” I argue. “I was biding my time until…”
“The party ends?” she finishes, giving me a knowing smile. Kavi comes inside and shuts the door behind her. “That bad?”
I can’t help but wince, because technically it’s her party at the penthouse apartment that she shares with her husband, Dmitri. It’s a post-wedding celebration that Ihelped plan with her, and hung up decorations for this morning.
“No, it’s not.” I loosen my arms that were crossed. “I swear…it’s great…”
Laughter reaches our ears. Beyond this door is a kitchen, living room, and dining room packed with people. Every player from the Wings is here, and some of Kavi and Dmitri’s family members, plus local artists because Kavi is incredible and hosts weekly meet-ups connecting the creative community together at her own photography studio.
I remember when we first met, she suffered from a lot of shyness and imposter syndrome. Seeing her flourish and build a whole network of support these last few years, I’m so proud of her.
A muscle in my jaw ticks. I exhale and lengthen my spine, because I’m being a shitty friend. At the very least, I could paste on a smile.
Okay, I won’t smile. Because I never do.
But I’m capable of mingling and standing by her side like a powerful, unapproachable shadow, radiating support quietly, dressed in my black sheath dress and leather boots.
I reach for the door.
My eyes widen, because Kavi blocks me.
“We can stay in here together for a few more minutes,” she offers.
