Page 24

Chapter 7

In the weeks that followed, my life settled into a routine, and Fall crept up on us. I went to class, hung out with Dawn and other classmates, and gradually became more comfortable. By now I could even tell the tasty dishes from the inedible ones at the dining hall—if you consider that progress.

I rarely saw Kaden, mainly because of my full schedule. I spent a lot of time in the library and made an effort to memorize the material from the start. My profs didn’t waste any time when it came to pop quizzes and major exams. I’d already joined several study groups, and sometimes we worked together in the library until late in the night. By the time I’d get home, my roommate would either be holed up in his bedroom or sitting in the low-lit living room, engrossed in his PlayStation.

This particular night, my friends and I wanted to visit a nightclub for the first time.

I was just about to apply eyeliner to my second lid when the doorbell rang.

“It’s for me!” I called out, in case Kaden had any intention of moving his butt.

As I dashed out of my room, I saw him fumbling around in the kitchen. Frowning, I turned and peered through the spyhole in the door. “It’s actually not for me,” I said, opening the door for Spencer.

“Hi Allie,” he said, and gave me a hug.

“Hi Spencer.” I checked him out. “Looks like you have big plans today.”

He waggled his eyebrows at me. “Oh yes. Didn’t Kaden tell you that there’s a party tonight at Hillhouse?” he asked, walking with me into the living room. I glanced toward the kitchen and shook my head.

“No, but I’m going with some of my friends.”

“We could go together, if you like,” he suggested. Obviously he wasn’t aware that Kaden was avoiding me.

“I don’t think that’s—”

“Good idea,” Kaden interrupted me and came toward us. “We can also braid each other’s hair and watch Disney movies together.”

“Sarcasm doesn’t suit you, Kaden.” I clenched my teeth.

“And that outfit doesn’t suit you,” he retorted, handing Spencer a soda. Then he took his phone from his pants pocket and, frowning, began typing on the screen.

I looked down at myself. My dress was blue and almost knee-length. I had only chosen it because of its pretty neckline, which was somewhat daring without being indecent.

“Well, if a connoisseur like you says that, I’ll have to change right away.” I adjusted the top and looked at Spencer with my eyebrows raised. “Or what do you think?”

Spencer shook his head slowly. “I think you look hot.”

“Really?” I turned around for him. “So I shouldn’t change?”

“No, definitely not.” He took a swig of his soda while eyeing me once again, from head to toe.

I mouthed the word “thank you” and threw him a broad grin, which he returned without hesitation.

I heard a snort coming from the direction of the couch. But before I could get into another war of words with my roommate, I was saved by the doorbell.

In the end, we did go together with the guys.

At Hillhouse they were loose when it came to age restrictions. Their eyes might graze our fake IDs, or maybe they’d wave us in and stamp our wrists, no questions asked. Once inside, Dawn and I searched for our classmates while Spencer and Kaden went looking for Monica and company.

Once Scott spied us, he gestured for us to join him. I greeted him with the kiss on each cheek, which he always demanded from us. Then we hugged Grace, Cody, and Madison, classmates with whom we often spent breaks between classes. They made room for Dawn and me at their standing table.

“You ladies look hot,” Scott purred. “Why didn’t you bring your companions along?”

“We just came here together,” Dawn said with a shrug, poking me in the ribs. “And besides, Mr. White isn’t particularly nice to our little one here.”

“Our little one?” I repeated, looking down at Dawn.

Despite her extra half-inch, I was more than a head taller.