The Rest of the Story(84)

“Oh, it’s horrible everywhere on this side,” Mrs. Delhomme said to the table. “We’re working on a tower. If we can get the permits.”

A good time to make my escape. “Thank you so much for dinner,” I said to the Delhommes, then walked over and kissed Nana’s cheek before waving at Dad and Tracy and heading for the door. Outside in the hallway, I checked my phone. I had three messages from Bailey.

I’m here.

Where are you?

Remember to mention the bad reception!!!

I couldn’t handle the nagging, so I turned it off again. Then I went into the bathroom, which had neatly stacked real hand towels, as well as complimentary lotion and perfume dispensers (ALL PRODUCTS AVAILABLE AT CLUB GIFT SHOP!). Five minutes later, smelling like honeysuckle rose, I brushed my hair, put on some lipstick, and took a deep breath. I was going to do this, consequences be damned. Although if I chose to believe Bailey, there might not be any at all. But how often was she right?

Just as I went to push the door open, it swung back the other way. I stepped back just as Mila, she of the coffeepot and braids, came in, bumping right into me.

“Oh, sorry!” she said, jumping back as the door shut behind her with a quiet swish. “I totally wasn’t looking where I was going.”

“It’s fine,” I said, stepping to the side so she could get around me and to a stall. As she stepped inside one, I reached to push the door open again, but then I heard her voice.

“You’re friends with Blake and Hannah, right?”

“Um . . . yeah,” I said. “I am.”

“Then you should go to the party in North Lake tonight instead of the movie. It will just be all families there anyway.”

“Oh,” I said. “You think?”

The toilet flushed. A moment later, she emerged, walking to the sink. “Totally. Anyway, everyone’s going to this party either now or when they get off work. I can give you the address, if you want. I know that guy Hannah’s all into is going to be there.”

“Hannah has a boyfriend?” I asked.

“Well, they’re not there yet, but that’s her goal,” she said, turning off the faucet and picking up a hand towel. “He’s cool. And really cute. His name’s Roo.”

Hearing this, I felt like I’d been punched. I’d only been gone two days: How had this happened? “I know Roo,” I said quietly. “I didn’t realize they were talking.”

“Like I said, it’s early days.” She glanced at me through the mirror. “She and Rachel are going over there pretty soon. Maybe text them and grab a ride? You won’t regret missing the movie. I promise.”

“Maybe I’ll do that,” I said, inching slowly toward the door again. “Thanks for the heads-up.”

“Anytime,” she replied. “See you over there!”

Back out in the Club lobby, I suddenly felt tired, the weight of the whole day—arguing with my dad, the sail—hitting me. Did I really now want to go all the way to North Lake, risking serious punishment, just to see Roo with another girl? Sure, I’d always have Bailey, but if things went her way, she’d be caught up with Colin. Maybe it was just better to take this enforced separation as a sign.

“Saylor! Over here.”

I turned to see Blake just inside the doors of the Club, waving at me. On the other side of the glass door behind him was his car. Hannah was in the front seat, looking effortlessly gorgeous as usual, Rachel in the back. Great.

“Hey,” I said, walking over to him. “What’s going on?”

“You mean, other than assuming you’d bailed on me?” When I just looked at him, he added, “You didn’t answer any of my texts.”

Whoops. I pulled my phone out, powering up, then was immediately hit with a series of alerts. “Huh,” I said. “According to this, you’ll pick me up at eight just outside the lobby.”

“Really?” he said. “Imagine that.”

I smiled. “Sorry. Long day. So long, in fact, that I’m thinking maybe—”

“Nope,” he said flatly.

Stopped in mid-sentence, I paused before trying to speak again. “It’s just, we were out on the water today, I’m really—”

“Nope.”

“Nope what?”

“Nope,” he said, “you’re not going to bail on me right in front of my face. This ride, and party, is my apology. You accepted it. Therefore, you have to come.”

I looked out at the car again. Hannah had the mirror visor down and was checking her lipstick, while Rachel laughed at something in the back seat. “I don’t know,” I said. “I’m not sure it’s my thing.”

“It’s your side,” he said. “Come on.”

Sighing, I went, following him through the doors, which swung open automatically, and outside, where the valets were running around as cars came and went. When Rachel saw me, she squealed.

“Oh, good, you’re coming!” she yelled. “Let’s go!”

This enthusiasm was seconded by Hannah, who reached around for me once I was in the back seat and gave me a sloppy hug that smelled like beer. “So glad you’re here,” she said, her voice hot in my ear. “This is the night it all happens. I’m sure of it!”