Page 45

Bradley

Bradley

I’m uploading our dance videos.

Ronnie

Feel free to tug me.

I mean tag me.

He adds a smirking face emoji.

Bradley

Was that a request or a side note?

Ronnie

How about an invitation, smartass?

I shake my head while a thin veil of smoke gathers around me.

Bradley

Mmm, my ass could use some spanking.

Amber

Consider it done.

Ronnie

Can’t say the same about you, Bear, when we edge you to the far end of your limitations before you come undone.

I end his statement with a bear emoji.

Bradley

Get some sleep you two tomorrow’s going to be a long day.

Amber

Why?

Ronnie

Did we make plans?

Bradley

I’m fucking you all day, that’s the plan.

Amber

Your stamina is exceptional.

When I look at them, they smile more often, they put their worries aside because none of it matters. They finally see what I see when I get lost in them, forgetting life exists around me. I feel alive and I don’t waste a damn minute dwelling on the past. We all play a role in other people’s lives and it’s up to us to choose which one we’ll take.

I finish my smoke and head inside the club. This was the last one in the pack and probably my last. My phones light up as another text crosses the screen.

Piper

I just got the results back, I aced my project.

I type, shouldering my way into the messy crowd, toward the bar. The clamor of the party resounds around me along with the blaring music.

Bradley

I’m so proud of you.

I knew you could do it.

Piper

Spending time with all of you gave me a lot of ideas and I added them to the project.

Mr. Ripley said it was the best one in class.

When we watched Star Wars a week ago I knew it had to be inspired by things that inspire me.

There’s a contest this summer for creative projects, and Mr. Ripley said I should enter.

I think I’m going to do it. It’ll be fun.

Bradley

That’s the way to do it!

You tell me when and I’ll be there to cheer you on.

However, we can celebrate this week.

Piper

I can’t wait!

Let’s meet on Wednesday, I have a baking class with Dylan, we’ll eat the result.

Bradley

You got it.

Piper

I’ll tell my parents the great news.

I grin widely and push the phone into my front pocket.

“What are you smiling about?” Ronnie leans against the counter, lips hovering above mine and I swear my lids are ready to collapse when he looks at me like I’m the only person in the room.

“I’ll tell you later.” I gaze into his hypnotizing eyes, Sugar by Sleep Token starts playing in the background. “Pour me something strong.”

“Looks like I’ll be taking your ass on my bike .“ He smirks.

“Do you think Amber can fit in the middle?”

“We’ll make her fit.” He places two glasses on the counter and reaches for a bottle on his right.

“Bradley,” a crispy voice calling from behind me, snapping my attention away.

I turn halfway to see, “Mr. Ripley.”

“Please call me Nate.” He shoots his hand forward for a brotherly handshake. “I brought my date here. We met over a month ago, outside, after you punched me in the face.” His tone is playful as he signals someone to join him near the bar. “There you are.”

His date is none other than Gemma.

“I didn’t want to come here,” her eyes lock with Ronnie’s, and panic instantly flashes.

“But I insisted,” Nate explains.

“It’s fine,” Ronnie reassures. “I’ll get you some drinks.”

“I wanted to apologize for the other day. It was my fault for assuming things and behaving like I did. I hope we can put it behind us,” he brings his hand across the bar to shake Ronnie’s.

Ronnie takes it and says, “For sure.”

I settle on a stool as Ronnie hands them two bottles of beer. “Piper told me the good news.”

“She did great, I hope she will compete in the contest. She still has plenty of time to get ready.” He gives Gemma one bottle and takes her hand, “Cheers. See you around.” He winks and they stride away into the busy crowd.

That was unexpected but I’m happy for them.

“Amber told me she saw her here,” Ronnie cups my cheek and turns my head back to him.

“Where is she anyway?” I ask as her head pops behind the counter, going up slowly.

“Kat, slow down.” Amber freezes in place, phone pressed to her ear. Her eyes grow with panic as they meet mine. She speeds out of the bar, shouldering her way through the crowd, toward the exit.