Page 56 of Break Point
“Well,” she says with a sigh, lowering her spoon into the bowl. “I need to pass the bar first. I’ll try to take it as soon as possible, but I ended up at a shitty law school because it’s all I could afford. I hate saying that, but it’s the truth. It’s not the best school out there, and it pisses me off because I could’ve gone to NYU or Columbia. I was accepted, you know? But my mom convinced my dad not to help with my tuition, so even with financial aid, I couldn’t afford it. It was too expensive.”
I officially hate Vivienne’s mom.
“I have no doubt you’ll pass the bar on your first try.”
“We’ll see …” she says, her voice laced with incredulity, as she pours more cereal into her bowl. “I’m nervous about failing and proving my mother right. That all I was ever meant to do was dance, and nothing more.”
“You’ll pass the goddamned bar. You’ll see,” I say, squeezing her arm.
She meets my gaze and nods, just once, as if trying to convince herself it’s possible.
“I’m going to take this upstairs and watch a movie,” she says, standing up and lifting her cereal bowl from the counter. “It was so nice to see you, Belén. I’m so freaking proud of you. I’m always cheering for you whenever I get to see you on TV.”
“Thank you, Viv. It was great catching up.”
She walks away and I pick up my drink from the countertop. It’s time to look for Gemma. She’s out there somewhere with Paxton.
I’m moving through the massive house when Robbie walks in the front door, flashing one of his cheery smiles. His blond hair is perfectly done as always and he’s wearing jeans, a gray t-shirt with a Mos Eisley print, and his black-framed glasses. His smile dissolves when he sees me. A few guys approach him, greet him, but he’s still looking at me in awhat the heck are you doing herekind of way.
His reaction surprises me. I didn’t think he would mind seeing me here.
I can’t make myself care. Not really.
I keep sipping on my gin, waiting for Robbie to approach me, and he does in a few long strides. Shit, I can’t help but laugh. I’m sure it’s the gin making me chuckle, and I’m loving the feeling. It’s a warm sensation in my chest accompanied by a tingling feeling on my temples. Even my skin feels different when Robbie grabs my arm gently and leans in to say, “What are you doing here, Belén? And drinking?”
“Paxton invited me,” I lie. “And this is my first drink.” Another lie.
“Liam’s been texting me nonstop. He’s worried sick. I told him you were at Gemma’s, but?—”
“Liam hasn’t texted me,” I say, cutting him off. “He called the house earlier while I was in the shower, and Mom picked up. But I just need to clear my head, okay?” I smile, and he rolls his eyes at me. “I’ll call him tomorrow.”
“Show me your phone.”
“What for?”
Robbie sticks his hand inside my purse and grabs my phone.
“Your phone’s off, Belén. No wonder Liam’s going nuts.”
Oh, right …
When I got to Gemma’s, I turned off my phone because I wanted to disconnect for a while. But I should’ve guessed Liam would call Robbie after a few hours of trying to contact me with no success. I know I should’ve called him back. I feel like shit. I do miss him. What the hell was I thinking, ignoring him like this?
“And what are you drinking, by the way? You’re all tipsy.” He takes the glass from my hand and sips it. “Wonderful.” He snorts and shakes his head in disappointment. “Gin. Really?”
I ignore him and turn on my phone so I can call Liam back as soon as I’m done here with Robbie.
“Dad will be pissed when he finds out you’re out here drinking,” Robbie says, refusing to give me my cup back.
He’s being annoying. Robbie never worries about me like this, and now, all of a sudden, he’s worked up about me coming to a party? I’ll beeighteen soon, and all I wanted was one night to distract myself. I never get to do anything but train, study, or play tennis.
“And why would Dad find out about this?” I ask, frowning.
Robbie lets out an exasperated groan as Paxton and Gemma approach us.
“Hey, Robbie,” Gemma says with a sweet smile, leaning her head against Paxton’s arm. She’s taken off her blazer, revealing her spaghetti-strap sequin top. She looks stunning and is by far the best-dressed girl at the party.
“Hey, man!” Paxton greets Robbie with a handshake, but Robbie only seems more annoyed now that Gemma’s here with me. We’re like his little sisters, and suddenly he’s feeling the urge to play protector or something. But we’re just having fun.
