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“Come on,please?”

“Okay, fine, but only because I know you’ll keep bugging me all night if I don’t agree.”

“Yes!” She clapped her hands together excitedly. “This is going to be fun.”

I didn’t see how driving lessons could be fun for anyone, but she seemed genuinely excited about it.

Cress hadn’t spoken since we’d started talking about driving lessons. She’d been staring off into the distance for most of our conversation, and as I followed her gaze, I could see why. Her eyes were fixed on Kaden who was chatting with a group of girls.

Anna also noticed where Cress’s attention was because she started to squeal. “Ohmygosh, Cress! You’re totally checking out Kaden!”

Cress blushed and glanced away. “I am not.”

“You definitely are,” Anna replied. “And I don’t blame you. He’s looking superhot tonight.”

“I’m not checking him out.”

“He does look pretty good,” I agreed with a knowing smile.

Cress’s cheeks only grew pinker.

“You’ve crushed on him forever,” Anna said. “You should go for it. You are both single, after all.”

“I don’t think so.” Cress was normally so bubbly and enthusiastic, but she lacked Anna’s confidence when it came to chasing after guys. I hoped she wasn’t waiting for Kaden to make the first move because he wasn’t very forward either. They might spend their entire senior year sending each other furtive glances and nothing more.

“You don’t have to make a move on him, but why don’t you just go chat with him?” I asked her.

Cress lifted her drink and finished the bottle in one long swig. “Maybe later. I just saw some of the dance squad arrive so I should probably go say hey.” She placed her empty bottle down on the table before rushing away from us.

Anna shook her head. “She’s being a chicken.”

“Not all of us have your confidence with guys, Anna.”

“Pshh, I’m not confident. It’s all about faking it till you make it. I’ve been faking it for such a long time now I forget my confidence isn’t real.”

I shook my head but smiled. I had to disagree with her. I thought Anna was one of the most confident people I’d ever met. If she was pretending, then I was very impressed because I was thoroughly convinced.

“Newbie, you came!” I turned to find Luther walking up behind me. “You ready for our beer pong rematch?”

I snorted. “Do I look like an idiot?”

He squinted as he looked me up and down. “Not particularly.”

“Then the answer is no.”

Luther shrugged and turned to Anna. “How about you, London?”

Anna folded her arms and glared at him. “How many times do I have to tell you I’m not from London? I’m from Oxford.”

“Maybe one more time.”

Anna rolled her eyes at him. “Go bother someone else, Luther. I’m not playing your little game with you either.”

“Suit yourselves,” he said before sauntering off to find another victim to play against.

“Is it just me, or does he get more annoying every time you see him?” Anna asked as she watched him leave.

I laughed. “No, it’s not just you. His ability to annoy people is a true talent.”