Page 15 of Attractive Forces

I don’t quite understand the flood of happiness that flows through me from just getting Logan’s reply.

I don’t have time to dwell on that now because my phone beeps with another message.

Brewer’s having a party tonite. Want to come?

I hesitate before I reply. Normally a jock party isn’t my thing. But hanging out with Logan is kind of my thing.

“Who’s messaging you?” Chloe leans toward my phone because Chloe and privacy aren’t particularly well acquainted.

“Logan. He’s just inviting me to a party tonight,” I admit.

Chloe’s eyebrows threaten to rocket off her forehead. “You’re going?”

“Yeah. I mean, I might drop in. You want to come?” I hold my breath as I ask the question. I’m not sure what I want her answer to be. Arriving with Chloe in tow would possibly be easier than turning up to a jock party by myself, but then I’d need to spend the night checking in with her and making sure she’s having a good time. And part of me right now just wants to hang out with Logan because, somehow, hanging out with Logan is my happy place.

“Nah, me at a jock’s party probably isn’t a good idea,” Chloe says.

“Don’t write off all jocks as shallow idiots.” I feel strangely defensive.

Chloe gives me a weird look. “I was thinking more that I’ve spent the last two years writing articles tearing apart their performances. I’m not sure if I’m top of their Christmas card lists.”

“Oh yeah. Right.”

I suddenly realize I haven’t replied to Logan. Not that I’m expecting he’s sitting in the locker room waiting for my reply. But I quickly send a message.

I’ll try to make it

He answers almost immediately.

great

Chloe and I make our way down from the stands, and a strange buzzing takes over my skin as I contemplate going to a party with Logan. I file the sensation away in the folder in my mind labeled: Things to think about at your next introspective moment.

That particular folder is starting to get quite full.

6

Logan

Jake came.

Jake came, and he’s wearing jeans and a charcoal sweater that make his eyes seem extra dark.

I’d stationed myself on the couch and ended up squashed between Jennifer and Evie, the filling in a hot-girl sandwich. I’m aware most of the guys in the room would give up a limb to trade places with me. Meanwhile, I’m trying to filter out all the spots where Jennifer and Evie’s limbs brush up against me. It’s a crazy, stupid world sometimes.

When Jake comes in the door, his eyes scan the room briefly before he sees me, and a grin takes over his face.

I’m standing before I even realize it. I swear there’s almost a suction noise as I extract myself from between Jennifer and Evie. I take a few steps toward him.

“Hey,” I go for the world’s most original opening line.

“Hey,” he replies. His grin fades and is replaced by a more hesitant look as he glances around the party. Brewer’s living room is crammed full of people, everyone talking loudly, drinks sloshed, chips and pretzels smushed into the carpet, music blaring as Billie Eilish informs me I’m nothing but a lost cause. Devlin’s by the speakers, dancing in that loose-limbed way that definitely indicates he’s had a beer or five, even though as a Year 12, he’s definitely not eighteen, so isn’t legal to drink yet.

Someone pushes into Jake, knocking him slightly off balance.

A protective feeling surges inside me.

“You, uh, want to go grab a drink?” I ask.