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“I know he put you on the spot and humiliated you in front of everyone,” Lolo says to me, sticking out her lower lip in a pout. “I’m guessing you don’t like him much.”

“I despise him,” I stress, hating that she brought up the incident I’d rather forget. “He’s a complete dickface.”

“Nice language. Who are we insulting now, hmm?”

I close my eyes for a moment when I hear the familiar voice coming from behind me. I don’t have to look to know who it is. I can feel his presence, sense his aura. I can smell him, thatfamiliar cologne mixed with his own unique scent. My entire body lights up at hearing him speak and I remind myself that I’m not desperate and I can’t stand him.

Maybe if I chant those words enough in my mind, I’ll eventually believe them.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see the recognition in August’s eyes, and the disappointment that fills them. I feel the same exact way.

“It’s you.” His voice is flat, his gaze dimming.

I turn away and face my friends again, mortified. I refuse to say anything.

“Hi, August! Oh my God, thanks for the invite! I can’t wait to party with you guys! Do you want me to get something to drink for you?” Lolo is bouncing like a puppy, putting on the—is that supposed to be charm?—for August and all I can think is how much he’s going to hate her over-eagerness. It’s embarrassing.

“What’s your name again?” August drawls, and his friends who are crowded around him begin to laugh.

Lolo doesn’t let it faze her though. “Lauren, but my friends call me Lolo.”

“Lolo.” August grimaces. “Sounds like a pet name.”

Lolo blinks, but otherwise doesn’t react. “Do you need anything? A drink? A snack?”

“You can be my snack.” He sends me a look before going to Lolo, slinging his arm around her shoulders and tucking her close to his side. “What do you think, Lolo?”

He asks her the question, but the entire time he says it, he’s staring straight at me.

“Okay,” Lolo breathes, her eyes shining as she looks up at him like he’s her every dream come true.

“Think your friend will join us?” He keeps his gaze fixed on me and my entire body reacts, goosebumps scattering across my skin like he actually touched me.

“What? Who? Which friend are you talking about?” Lolo seems nervous and I can’t help but think she’s in over her head.

“That one?” He inclines his head toward me. “You into threesomes, freak?”

The other boys laugh again and I fight the embarrassment that wants to sweep over me. I can feel my face is hot but no way will I back down. “I wouldn’t touch your dick if you paid me to.”

He seems impressed. “Considering my family is extremely wealthy, that’s quite the statement. I bet ol’ Lolo here will touch my dick for free.”

I don’t say it out loud, but I’m sure he’s right.

“Whatever you want.” Lolo’s voice shakes the slightest bit.

I send her an imploring look, one that I hope says,have some more dignitybut I can tell it doesn’t compute.

August removes his arm from her shoulders and she goes stumbling forward, nearly falling on her face. The boys continue their laughter and I grab hold of Lolo’s arm, stabilizing her while I glare at August.

“Little baby girls don’t interest me,Lolo.” He says her name like a curse and stalks off, his friends following him. The moment they’re out of sight, Lolo is pulling away from me, chugging from her beer and letting out a big burp, which makes her giggle.

“I need to get drunk,” she declares and the rest of the girls drink from their beer cans too. “Maybe then August Lancaster will notice me.”

Hate to break it to her but I’m guessing…

He’s already forgotten all about her.

Chapter Twenty-Five