When Our Worlds Collide (Our Worlds #1)(26)

We pass each other in the hallway a few times throughout the rest of the week sharing a glance here and there in the others direction, but neither of us says anything. It is radio silence and I’m not sure how I feel about that. Graham returns to his seat in the back of our shared Government class, but continues to act as if we don’t know each other. I keep catching myself staring in his direction no matter how hard I try to force myself to look the other direction.

“Whatcha looking at?” Violet slides in next to me at the cafeteria table that I’m sitting at. I avert my eyes elsewhere trying not to be too obvious, but she has already caught on. “Graham looks hot today. I’d climb that like a tree.”

“Quit quoting Bridesmaids,” I joke with her. Ever since we saw it in the movie theatre she has made it her mission to quote it in her every day conversation. She can’t help herself.

“What are we doing tomorrow?” Violet picks at the salad that sits in front of her. She put too much salad dressing on top. I keep warning her that all the dressing is ruining the whole healthy aspect of eating a salad.

“I’m not doing anything, but I’m sure you have big plans that you want to tell me about.” I fain amusement knowing very well that she has something up her tricky little sleeve.

“You’re going to Craig’s with me and before you protest let me give you three reasons for why you can’t say no to your best friend,” Violet flashes her go to ‘let me get my way’ smile at me. “The first reason is that my birthday is Monday, so I’m celebrating it tomorrow. The second reason is that you haven’t been to a party at all this year…if ever. Consider it my birthday present if you go. The third reason is that whole damn table right over there.” Violet points to Graham and all of his friends. They’re sitting on the other side of the cafeteria from us, clearly harassing each other like teenage boys seem to always be doing.

I think about it for a second. Violet has solid points. I haven’t been to a party all year. Avoiding pushy guys and belligerently drunk girls is my favorite weekend activity. I’m not a prude, but I’m not exactly the life of the party either. Sophomore year was the first time I had my first drink and it didn’t turn out pretty. I spent the whole next day lying on Violet’s bathroom floor with my head straight in the toilet puking up orange juice and vodka. She still wonders why I don’t drink.

“Okay,” I answer. “I’ll go, but only because it’s your birthday. If I don’t feel comfortable then I’m leaving without any questions from you.” I raise an eyebrow towards her making sure she understands the agreement. A smile creeps across her face making me laugh.

I don’t know what Violet is thinking. Before I know what she is doing she stands up on her chair and addresses the entire cafeteria, at least the ones who are paying her any attention. “Listen up, it’s official. Kennedy Conrad is actually going to go to a party this weekend,” Violet shouts. The cafeteria falls silent. I can feel everyone’s eyes on our table.

I grab at her leg to tug her down back to reality. “Are you out of your mind?” I roll my eyes at her. She can’t stop laughing at my embarrassment. I don’t expect anything else from my best friend. Violet is known for being outspoken and obnoxious. After her impromptu announcement I feel my body betray me and my skin burns with a blush.

“What! Just giving all the boys a heads up that you’ll be out on the prowl.” Violet fights back her laughter some more knowing just as well how embarrassed she has made me.

“No boys care if I’m out on the prowl which I’m not by the way.” I smack her across the arm playfully.

“No? Then why are Mark and a few of the other baseball players staring over here as we speak?” I peak through my hair over towards their table and sure enough their eyes are locked on me. They aren’t bad looking guys in the slightest, but they are your typical jocks. They chase anything in a skirt.

And if you’re being honest with yourself, then we both know there’s only one jock you hope to get attention from.

Graham looks up at me from across the room as if he can feel my eyes on him. A small smile that is obviously meant for me crosses his perfect face. It is discreet enough that no one would notice. He quickly looks down and turns his attention back to Amanda who is rubbing his leg under the table. That’s irritating.

I don’t know why I let Violet convince me to go to Craig’s knowing that Graham will be there. I don’t want to have the same conversation over again with him. It seems I am constantly telling him that he doesn’t owe me anything and he is always apologizing.





Chapter Sixteen



-Graham-



Craig’s house is already in full swing by the time I get there Saturday night. It is just a little after ten when I pull in the driveway. There are rows and rows of cars parked in his front and side yard. His parent’s own one of the larger homes on Lake Hudson. It’s your typical lake community, mostly occupied by doctors or lawyers and their Stepford-like wives. I step out of the car and hear music filtrating through the open windows of the house.

Walking in the door I am greeted by everyone that I know. There is barely any room to move around which is the usual capacity at Craig’s. I have to push my way through the crowd of drunken girls and guys who are looking for their next hook-up. The living room is filled with a few sophomores playing Guitar Hero, the dining room has beer pong set up over Craig’s dining room table which I’m sure his mother would lose her mind if she saw. I step into the kitchen and see a handful of my teammates gathered around the keg.