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PROLOGUE
ARIZONA, 2014…
“Watch where you’re going.”
I stumble after colliding with Kyle, and beer sloshes over the rim of my red Solo cup and onto my shirt.
“Sorry,” I mutter under my breath.
He doesn’t hear me because the music is so loud, but it doesn’t matter. After this graduation party, I’ll never have to see his smug face again.
I don’t know why I accepted the invitation to the party in the first place. Well, I wasn’t invited so much as I was listed on the class roster which means I was informed by default.
Taking a long gulp of my warm beer, I make my way toward the corner of the living room where I can watch everyone else having the time of their lives.
Fucking idiots.
For the last four years, I’ve bided my time and gone through the motions to appear normal. But I’m not normal. Far from it, actually. I’m the only one who knows it, though.
“Ready to go?”
I slowly turn toward my left and smirk at Jared, the one person who didn’t treat me like a pariah in high school.
“What do you think?”
He shrugs. “I’m guessing you’re bored out of your mind, but you haven’t had a chance to talk to Tamara yet, so you’re staying.”
It took me the entire summer before senior year, but I managed to lose weight and gain muscle. My acne cleared up, and my voice dropped. Everything fell into place during those months, but it didn’t change a damn thing.
Tamara still hasn’t given me the time of day. She’s too focused on Kyle Gruber.
Altering my physical appearance also didn’t do me any good in the social skills department. I’m still awkward as hell with girls.
“I’m not bored,” I insist before chugging the last of my beer and pushing off the wall.
Jared follows me into the kitchen where there are several kegs and numerous bottles of liquor on the island. I toss my cup in the overflowing trash before grabbing the half-empty bottle of tequila.
“Whatever you say, dude.”
Jared fills his Solo cup and heads into the dining room where Kyle’s playing beer pong against one of the jocks. Tamara is standing next to the table, her eyes focused on Kyle, and she’s cheering him on.
If only she were in her cheerleading uniform.
I don’t know how much time passes, but light starts to filter through the windows, and there are only a handful of us left.
Jared went home a while ago, but I remained because I still haven’t worked up the courage to talk to Tamara.
“You can’t be serious!”
I turn toward her high-pitched voice and spot her and Kyle arguing at the front door. She’s very animated, and it’s clear by her tone and glare that she’s pissed.
“I’ve gotta get home, babe,” Kyle says, trying to grab her hand. “You know I work tonight and need to get some sleep.”
“And my parents will be home in a few hours,” she counters. “How the hell am I supposed to clean this place up in time without your help?”
As they continue to argue, more of the partygoers leave, keeping their gazes averted as they walk by the couple. I, however, remain where I am, a plan formulating in my mind.
After several more minutes of fighting, Kyle storms out the front door, and Tamara slams it shut behind him. She turns to survey the house before leaning against the door and sliding down to the floor.