Page 49 of 16 Forever

“Yeah,” Chord says, a smile breaking across his face like a sunrise. “It’s definitely okay. But let’s move so we’re not right next to the bathroom?”

“I support this proposal, and it has passed.”

“We’re two for two,” Chord says with a laugh.

He takes my hand, and we walk a few steps, or maybe more, like fifteen, until we’re next to a wall near the threshold of the kitchen, where there’s a picture hanging of Shana and her family on a beach somewhere. After an awkward pause, two long seconds, he leans down toward me, and our mouths are touching.

It’s good, I think.

It’s odd.

But it’s nice.

I don’t really know what it is.

I’m glad it’s happening, though. His kisses are gentle but hungry, and I try to match mine to them. He tastes like beer. So do I, I guess. Maybe I’m tasting myself. I put my hand on his face. Man, that stubble feels even better than I hoped it would.

I am kissing someone who is not Carter.

Hell yes. Amen. Hallelujah.

This is how it feels to move on.

And I—

There’s a birdlike yelp from behind us, cutting through the chaos of the party to pierce my eardrums. I want to ignore it—there’s no reasonnotto—but it had a subtle, wounded quality that leaves me unsettled.

“What was that?” I say, pulling my head away to look behind us.

I find myself staring at the back of that green, ratty hoodie I know so well as a figure staggers away from us.

Carter.

Was that sound his response to me making out with someone else?

Why would he care? Does hecare?

And why is he walking out the front door, leaving it wide open behind him, obviously still wasted?

Does he think he’s going to drive home like that?

Oh shit.

That’s probably exactly what he thinks.

Dammit, Carter.

“You okay?” Chord asks.

“I am,” I say. “But just lemme... I, um—I know that guy who—That guy who is very drunk, and I’m worried he’s gonna...”

“Yeah, of course, you should go after him. Might be saving his life. Want me to come?”

“No!” I say it so forcefully Chord takes a step backward. “Sorry. That’s really sweet. But I got this. I’ll be right back.”

“All good. I still really have to pee anyway, so this works out well.”

I nod and smile and run.