Dani’s [POV]
I spend Saturday morning hiding in my room, as the preparations for Mom’s yearly themed party take over the house. The guests will arrive in a few hours, and Mom is in a frenzy. I fiddle with my phone, just like I’ve done since James brought me home from the theater Thursday night. I hope for a sign-anything from Damon. My stomach drops in disappointment when the phone finally chimes. James is calling.
“Hi,” I say.
“You could fake being a bit more enthusiastic about my call.”
“I’m sorry, I was just hoping Damon would call. He’s not answering his phone.”
“You didn’t get to talk to him at school yesterday?”
“He wasn’t at school, James. I hoped he’d call me, but he completely bolted on me.” I take a deep breath. “And Mom and Dad are far too calm about everything. It freaks me out.” When James dropped me off at home Thursday night, I was expecting a full-blown fight and got silence in return. It’s not unusual for my parents to ignore me, but since they’re against Damon, I was expecting a reaction. I don’t get an answer from James. “Have they told you anything?”
“Just that they’ve got it handled.”
My stomach drops. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I honestly don’t know,” he says. Dread overcomes me, settling over my shoulders with a crushing weight.
“Do you think he had any more trouble with the police?”
“No. The police arrested Gabe only. He’ll be going to jail for some months, maybe a year.”
“How do you know this?”
“Because I’m paying a lawyer to make sure he gets the jail time he deserves.”
“And you’re sure there are no charges against Damon?”
“Positive.”
“I don’t understand why he didn’t come to school then.” I curl up on my bed, hugging a pillow tightly to my chest. It does nothing to calm me, but I need to hold on tight to something as I feel my love slipping away from me. “He hasn’t even called, James.”
James huffs into the phone. “What are you doing dating someone like him, Dani? A fighter?”
“He’s not even fighting that much anymore. Look, it’s not as bad as it looks. ”
“Really? He’s involved with people who are into things much more illegal than fighting; you don’t even want to know. I’ve talked to Mom and Dad. I know you’re doing worse at school.”
“You talked to them about me?”
“Yeah.”
“They are overreacting. I just got one C in one class-”
“Look, I know how you feel about him.”
“Don’t do this, James. Please.”
“I’ve had a first love; I know how it feels. But sometimes, it’s best to let go.” Hot tears sting the corners of my eyes. “He’s not good for you, Dani.”
“Let’s talk about something else, please. Why are you calling?”
“I… er… met someone last night.”
“Shocker,” I murmur, too low for James to hear me.
“And I’ve spontaneously invited her to the party today.”
“You what?” This is a shock. “James, Mom is going to kill you. You know she makes a fuss about knowing the final number of guests at least a month before.”
“I’ll deal with Mom. Just make sure she gets in and you find her a dress.” Since it’s a themed party, everyone brings their costume, but Mom keeps a few as reserve, in case someone has an emergency. “I have some last-minute things to do at the office, and she’ll be there before me.”
“What’s her name?”
“Serena McLewis.”
“Let me get this straight. You met her yesterday and today you’re inviting her here?”
“Correct.”
“Why? You’ve never brought a date to any of Mom’s parties, and God knows there will be enough chicks you’ve already banged here, willing to do you again. You don’t need to drag another poor girl into all of this.”
“I’m not sure I like the way you are talking to me.” He laughs softly. God, I love my brother. “When did you become so cheeky?”
“Truth hurts, brother. Answer: why did you invite her?”
“Just felt the right thing to do.”
At a loss for what to say, I just tell him goodbye, assuring him I’ll take care of her. I desperately need something else to think about besides Damon. If this Serena will bring my brother the love he deserves, then I’ll make sure she looks breathtaking. What was it that Hazel’s mom always said? The way to a man’s heart is through his nose. First take his breath away, then steal his heart. Excellent advice. Unless he breaks your heart first.
***
The party is still in full swing by the time I head to my room, but I have no energy to keep going on. I did all right being Serena’s guide before James took over. Now he’s doing a fantastic job-at least I think he is. They disappeared from the party hours ago, and his car is still here. This means they’re in one of the bedrooms of this house.
I fish my phone out of my purse when I reach the door to my room. There is no call or message from Damon. At this point, I don’t know if I’d answer even if he did call. I’m too annoyed.
When I open the door, I intend to head straight to my bed and collapse in it without even changing. But my bed is already occupied. Damon is sitting on the edge, staring at a flyer in his hands, apparently unaware I’ve just entered the room. Dread creeps under my skin almost immediately. Something is wrong.
“Damon. How long have you been here?”
“Two hours, maybe three.” His head snaps up to me, my insides melting when I meet his gaze. He looks like I did before I smeared three layers of makeup on my face: like he hasn’t slept at all since we last saw each other.
“Why didn’t you say you were here? I waited for you to call.” I’m still at the door, afraid to take another step. Whatever brought him in this state… I’m not ready to face it.
“I’m sorry. I wasn’t sure if I’d stay here long enough to see you.”
“Damon, you’re not making sense.” Slowly, I walk toward him. “What’s going on?”
He rises abruptly, jamming the flyer in the pocket of his jacket. “Will you take a walk with me?”
“Okay. Just give me a few minutes to change.”
“Don’t. You look perfect.”
I raise an eyebrow. I’m wearing a white, extravagant dress which was appropriate for the theme of the party, but will look silly outside. Damon seems oblivious to that.
“I’ll just grab my coat then; it’s chilly outside. We can use the main entrance. There are so many people downstairs, no one will notice us.”