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“We’re good. Under one—no, two circumstances. One, you never lie to me again.”

“Done.”

“And two... You take a shower. You’re starting to smell. And you look like you’re building a bird’s nest in your hair.”

I reach up and touch the side of my head, feeling the deep knots that have formed from basically lying in the same position for days on end.

“Point taken.” I smile, though it feels anything but genuine.

“You might want to think about getting dressed too. Maisie and I are taking you to a party tonight.”

“Oh, I don’t think—”

“Nope, not listening. You cannot lie around and rot in this room. The only way to feel like yourself again is to start acting like yourself again. And what better way to do that than to go out and have some drinks with your best friends?”

“Drinks? You?”

“For you, I’m willing to suffer through a beer or two.” She grins, the action lighting up her whole face. “Kai is designated. I’ll be here to get you and Maisie at seven. You better be ready.”

I open my mouth to argue but quickly snap it closed, knowing full well it will do me no good. Besides, Lyric should be furious with me. The least I can do is try for her sake.

“Okay,” I finally agree. “And, Lyric...” I call after her just as she tugs open the door. “Thank you.”

She gives me a soft smile.

“I’ll see you at seven.”

“Seven,” I repeat.

She steps out into the hall, pulling the door closed behind her.

Letting my eyelids flutter closed, I take a deep breath and blow it out slowly, hunter-green eyes sliding across my vision, making my chest constrict.

I open my eyes, trying to shake off the thought of him. The smell of him. The feel of him. All the things that have haunted me fordays, keeping me prisoner in my misery.

Lyric’s right... This isn’t me.

Summoning all the strength I have, I throw my legs over the side of the bed and quickly jump down.

Pretending I feel better than I actually do, I gather my shower stuff and head to the bathroom. Maybe the hot water will wash away River’s touch, which lingers on my skin like invisible tattoos I can’t see but can most definitely feel. Though I doubt it will be that easy to erase all traces of him, it sure as heck isn’t going to stop me from trying.

Chapter Seventeen

Charlotte

“Chug. Chug. Chug,” Lyric and Maisie chant in unison as I tip the glass further, emptying the remaining contents in seconds. Slamming the cup down, I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and then hold it out, smiling.

“Pay up,” I say to Maisie’s brother, Jackson, who foolishly bet he could drink a beer faster than me. Obviously, he had no idea who he was messing with.

“You guys set me up.” Jackson grins, pulling out his wallet before dropping a twenty-dollar bill into my outstretched hand.

“That’s on you, Brother.” Maisie snorts. “We did try to warn you.”

“Rematch.” His blue eyes flash toward me.

“How about no,” Kai interjects, narrowing his gaze on his drunk friend.

I snort out a laugh. Not that I’m one to judge—all my cares fucked right the fuck off about an hour ago after our third round of shots—but he is swaying slightly, whereas I’m still pretty steady on my feet, so I guess I’m technically in better shape, or I guess worse shape, depending on your point of view.