Page 100 of Next to Everything We Wanted

The blood froze in my veins. For a moment, the house started rotating, like the earth’s speed had slowed down. It lasted forno more than five seconds, but the sensation of terror that went through my chest stayed there.

When I remembered to function like a regular human being, I forced my best laugh. “We aren’tthatcool.”

Confusion flickered over Hayden’s face, but he smiled. “I object.” He nodded over to the back doors. “Sienna’s outside with all of my other friends dying in the heat. Let me introduce you to everyone first.”

We followed him into the den, which connected to the kitchen. A few women were talking to each other while three little girls played with dolls on the floor. It was much more cramped than the living room, though the cool air that blasted made it feel refreshing.

A petite woman with curly black hair stood up from the couch. “Hello, there!” Her gaze went to Hayden. “Are these some new friends?”

Hayden smiled. “This is Sienna’s boyfriend, Ivan, and his friend, Nick.”

The woman grinned at us. “I’m Josie Tidwell, Hayden’s mom.” Mrs. Tidwell shook Phoenix’s hand. “Congrats on dating Sienna, Ivan. I didn’t know she had a boyfriend.”

Phoenix snorted. “Yeah, she lovesme.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’mIvan, actually.”

“Oh, I’m sorry!” Mrs. Tidwell giggled as she shook my hand. “Nice to meet you both. My husband’s grilling in the back if you’re waiting for something to eat.”

While Hayden talked about something with his mom, a little blonde girl came up to us. Her blue eyes searched me as if she was trying to figure out who I was. “So,you’reSienna’s crush. She wasn’t wrong when she said you’re hot.”

My cheeks burned as I fought back a snort. Had Sienna told everyone about me?

A shorter blonde, almost identical, popped up next to her. “Don’t embarrass him.” She extended her arm to me. “I’m Bella, and that’s my sister, Mollie.”

I shook her hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Mollie averted her gaze to Phoenix, her ponytail swinging. “Whose boyfriend are you?”

Phoenix smiled. “Nobody’s.”

“Do you want to fix that?”

This time, I let out an ugly snort, snot nearly shooting out my nose. Phoenix did the same as he covered his mouth, not a shade of embarrassment on his face.

“Mollie!” Bella shouted, throwing her hands up. “You can’t ask people that! Oliver says it’s rude.”

Mollie put a hand on her hip. “Oliver’s outside.”

The two girls started arguing, using animated hand gestures. A blonde woman with glasses, who looked like the female version of Oliver, sighed and got up from the couch to scold them. Phoenix and I took it as an opportunity to go outside.

The backyard was super packed. A few teens swam in the small pool, which looked more like a hole in the ground. It reminded me of how I used to play in the pool with Asher, and something tugged in my chest.

A few men hung around while a dark-haired man, who I assumed was Mr. Tidwell, cooked on the grill. The aroma of hot dogs filled the air, reminding me I hadn’t eaten all day. Hayden, Caleb, and Oliver sat at one of the outdoor tables as they sipped from their cups, though Oliver kept stealing glances at one of the girls in the pool.

At the other side of the yard, Sienna ran around in the sprinklers with her cousins and the remaining members of her friend group. She wore less makeup than usual, no red lips in sight, and giggled as water sprinkled onto her bare legs. Istumbled back, realizing I’d never seen so much of her skin before.

Phoenix nudged me. “It’s rude to stare.”

“Sorry.” I cleared my throat, and my eyes locked with Sienna’s.

“Ivan!” She ran over and gave me a tight hug. “I’m so excited you came.” She pulled out of the hug and glanced at my shirt. “Shoot, I think I got you wet.”

I laughed and looked at my tank top and shorts, which now had water stains on them. “They’ll dry in the heat.” I pressed my chest against hers again before kissing her lips. They tasted different without the red lipstick, but they were still soft and sweet.

“It’s an awkward day to be single,” Phoenix said.

I broke out of the kiss and rolled my eyes. “Don’t you have hot dogs to stare at?”