I eventually see Grayson again when I get some water from the kitchen.
I can’t help it. I’m on cloud nine. So I’m fast to apologize as I impulsively clutch his forearm and say giddily, “Sorry, sorry about earlier! I get upset sometimes and... explode — as you know. But guess what! It is a date! It’s a real date!”
I let go of his forearm and do a little dance in a circle before filling up my water cup. My cheeks hurtsomuch from smiling.
“Piggy—” he stops himself. “Er,Charlotte. You’re not gonna have your Notebook moment with that guy.”
“You know what?” I snap. I’m ready to be mean, but no good comebacks come to mind. They never do.
Therefore, I sigh. “We can’t all choose whoever we want. Maybe you can, but I... I haven’t even kissed a guy.” I stop myself in time before being too loud. I rise on my tiptoes and whisper as close to his ear as I can reach, “I appreciate... what happened on my birthday, but I know you hated it. This guy doesn’t. Be happy for me, please!”
For some reason, he tries to keep the conversation going, but of course, a sexy brunette girl with a high-set ponytail slips between us. Like I don’t exist. Only she does. And to make sure Grayson knows it, she leans her perfect body against him, twisting her ponytail and laughing already. Drunk, flirting, but smooth.
And Grayson? Yep, he forgot about me that fast.
I don’t care or wait and practically run, so eager to get back to Alex, the first guy who doesn’t judge me.
By one in the morning, people are wasted. The party is still going. It’s loud, and for once, I don’t mind. Because Alex is sitting close to me, arm slung over my shoulders.
Sure, he can barely keep his eyes open, but he’s been hanging on me all night! Suddenly—
I hold my breath as he leans in.
Is this happening?
His lips near mine. From the corner of my eye, I spot my brother glancing at us, his face twisted in disgust.
Okay. This is weird. My first kiss should not be in front of Brax.
Then, Alex’s lips draw nearer as his hand slides up my shirt.
“Get your fuckin’ hands off my sister!” roars Brax. He charges forward.
Everything happens so fast, like flashes, time sped up.
A gun is out!
The coffee table gets pushed.
People panic.
I scream.
The party stops.
And Alex, hereallyruns, escaping out the front door.
“Brax! Stop!” I beg, grabbing his arm. “Don’t make him leave!”
“Fuck off,” Brax snaps. “And don’t bring your little boyfriends around here again.”
I frown. “Butyouhave girls here all the time—”
He lifts his arm —the gun still in his hand— like he might smack me with it.
I flinch.
“Fine!” I shout, backing off, voice cracking. I head for the front door to run after Alex, but Brax steps in front of me.
