Out of Breath (Breathing, #3)(12)

‘Seriously, Em,’ Peyton continued. ‘He’s gorgeous. He’s intelligent. He’s a surfer.’

‘I don’t go for the surfer type. Just drop it – okay?’ I felt a sudden twist in my chest and swallowed the last of the alcoholic grape soda to be rid of it. ‘Um, I could use another drink. Anyone else?’

‘I’ll go with you,’ Serena offered, leading me towards another apartment. ‘She’s just being selfish as usual,’ she consoled. ‘Don’t let her force you.’

‘I’m fine,’ I said quietly.

I waited for Serena on the balcony while she got our drinks. I kept scanning the crowd around me, fearful of running into Gev again. She returned a few minutes later and handed me a red plastic cup.

‘Jack and Coke,’ Serena explained.

I took a sip, and my stomach lit up. ‘Whoa.’ I shivered. ‘That’s strong.’

‘Sorry.’ Serena grimaced. ‘I didn’t make it. Do you hate it?’

‘It’s not my favourite,’ I admitted as my mouth filled with saliva, ‘but I’ll drink it.’

We noticed Peyton and Meg dancing in a crowd by the pool.

‘Great,’ Serena grumbled and directed me to stand on the outskirts where it was less crowded. I leaned against the rough exterior of the building, under the overhang of the balcony, slowly sipping the Jack with a touch of Coke. The Tickle was turning into a slightly dizzying haze.

‘Someday we’ll go to a party where there’ll be music we can dance to,’ Serena promised. ‘This music is shit.’ I laughed.

Two guys came up behind Meg and Peyton, pressing up against them and putting their hands on the girls’ hips. Peyton turned around with a flirtatious smile and swung her arms around the guy’s neck. Meg scooted away from the other guy, and he eventually got the message and disappeared into the crowd. I grinned in amusement.

‘I’m getting another drink,’ Serena announced. ‘Will you be okay here, or do you want to come with me?’

The party was now at capacity, and I didn’t want to fight through the crowd. ‘I’ll wait.’

‘Don’t go anywhere,’ Serena stressed. I nodded and took another sip. She glanced back a few times on her way up the stairs, making me roll my eyes.

‘I found you,’ Gev announced, appearing in front of me out of nowhere. He leaned in and pressed his lips to mine. I froze, not returning the kiss. He pulled back, confused. ‘Are you mad at me?’

‘Uh, no,’ I responded, not expecting the question.

‘Is it because I passed out on you last time?’ he continued. ‘You know, before we could have sex. I promise not to drink that much tonight.’

My breath stilled, and I stared at him. We didn’t have sex. Oh. Dear. God. We didn’t have sex!

‘No, that’s not it,’ I said, feeling my shoulders ease up. ‘I just think you got the wrong impression.’

‘Ah.’ Gev nodded in understanding. ‘You’re not that into me.’

‘I’m not into anyone,’ I stressed, not wanting it to sound so harsh. ‘Don’t take it personally.’

‘Not a problem.’ He shrugged. He really didn’t take it personally – he honestly didn’t seem to care at all. ‘Well, have fun, and if you ever need to relieve some of that tension, find me.’

‘Uh, will do,’ I responded flatly, watching him walk away.

‘Oh shit, Em,’ Serena groaned. ‘I’m sorry! I totally forgot about Fuckhead. What happened?’

‘We didn’t have sex,’ I told her.

‘Well … obviously,’ she replied. ‘I mean you’re in the middle of a party.’ Then she examined me. ‘Oh! You meant … before?’

I nodded. I’d held on to the guilt so tightly, I was having difficulty letting it go. But I couldn’t deny I felt a hell of a lot lighter learning it had never happened. Or maybe the Jack was starting to kick in. I spotted Meg still dancing along the pool’s edge and smirked.

‘Watch this,’ I said to Serena, dropping the empty cup on the concrete and shimmying my way towards Meg. Her back was towards me as I glided up behind her. Just as I was within reach, she turned towards me and smiled. Then she saw the devilish gleam in my eyes and her mouth opened in surprise as I pushed her over the edge of the pool. Just as I let out a triumphant laugh, she grabbed my wrist and we both crashed through the water’s surface.

‘This makes us even,’ Meg sputtered, blowing water from her lips and grabbing the pool’s edge.

‘For now,’ I jeered.

Everyone was looking at us, some in amusement, others in annoyance. When we dragged our wet bodies from the pool, we discovered Peyton glaring at us with her arms crossed. ‘Let’s go,’ she snapped. ‘They’re kicking us out.’

‘Why?’ Meg laughed in confusion. ‘Because we were in the pool?’

Peyton released an exasperated sigh and stormed off towards the gate.

‘I guess the building manager doesn’t care about the parties,’ Serena explained with a smile, ‘but he doesn’t want to put any extra effort into cleaning the pool, so no one’s allowed in during the parties.’

The crowd parted to let us pass, staring and snickering. When we made it to the sidewalk, we heard the announcement, ‘No one is allowed in the pool! If anyone else goes in, the party’s over.’