Emerge (Evolve Series #1)(35)

“So, Miss Laney, what should we do now?”

“Well, Red over in my room would like to go to The K tonight, which I’m assuming is a bad idea. But it’s not really college

without a brush with public intox, though, right?”

“How are you gonna get into The K, Laney? You’re only 18, right?” He raises his eyebrows in playful question.

I stick my tongue out at him. “I’ll be 19 in a few weeks.”

“Still not old enough.” He grins.

“Apparently Bennett has connections in the world of fake IDs.”

“Do you want to go to a club, Laney? I mean, I think The K is awesome, but I’m not sure if you’d like it.”

“Honestly, I’m sick of being down, and whatever I’ve been doing isn’t working! I just hurt the person most important to me, so

maybe I oughta give something new a try?”

“I’ll go with you then.” Not a question, but not really a command either; just right.

We agree to meet up at my room at 8 and I head back to brave Bennett. She’s lying on her bed when I get there, and sits up when I

enter. “Laney, can we talk?

“Yup, what’s up?”

“Laney, I noticed you were upset today, but I’d rather focus on fixing it for you rather than dwelling on it. That’s what I do.

I breathe the life back into things. It’s my specialty.” Ok, so I kinda smile at that. ”I want to get you out, show you some

fun. Come out of your cave, Laney, play with others!”

“Well, since I’m now completely alone, I guess the only sensible thing to do is start over.” Completely alone...my rock rolled

away.

“I’d like to point out that you’re not alone. I’m thrilled we’re friends and roomies, and I’d love to enjoy our freshman year

together if you deem me worthy.”

She’s really good at the deep stuff and her words hit home. I know how to do Laney the daughter, Laney the ballplayer, and for a

while I was pretty good at Laney and Evan, but I have no clue how to do just Laney.

“You know what, Bennett? I’m sorry. I am grateful to have you. This is all new to me and I’m not trying to be a brat. You get me

an ID, I’m in.”

I’m an excellent dancer, right? Every stuffed animal I own thinks so. I’d never do it at my old school, but this is my new

school, my new life, so maybe I can bust a move or two.

“Laney, you’re the best roommate and new BFF ever!” She claps, jumps up, and gives me a huge hug.

Yeah, I can handle this. “So, what should I wear tonight? What are you wearing?”

“Laney, why do you even ask those questions together? Imma do me, you do...jeans, heels and maybe a halter top? Can you handle

that?”

“Only if you have heels and a halter top you want to loan me.”

“Of course I do!”

We’re going to The K, which we’ve clarified is short for The Kickback. It’s the most cosmopolitan thing I’ve ever done in my

life. I am wearing a strapless bra and there’s false documentation on my person. I’m picturing Pinocchio, when Honest John leads

him to the island; we’re all coming home donkeys tonight, I’m sure of it.

Donned in my own MissMe jeans and Bennett’s red high heels and black halter top, I’m self-conscious but as ready as I’ll ever

be. I put my hair in a ponytail and wear very little makeup. It’s still me, and I don’t look the 21 my “license” now reads, but

if they kick me out, that’s my flashing neon “sign” that this really is as bad of an idea as I suspect.

Bennett has gone all out—she has on a black skirt that could double as a tube top, 6 inch heels, and a glittery silver tank top.

Her auburn hair is down and bouncing. She looks old enough to be one of our professors with her makeup job, and the look in her

eyes is scandalous—Drama Girl is on the prowl. Well good, I can shrink behind her spotlight all night.

Zach looks great in dark wash jeans, a black button up shirt and his hair is styled; he even trimmed up the goatee a bit.

I send Evan a text on the way. I wish he was with me for many reasons, but at least I know I’m safe as I glance at Zach in the

driver’s seat.

Laney: I love you, for all we are and all we’re not right now too. If you love something, let it go. If it comes back, it’s

yours.

Evan: I am yours, always have been, always will be. I hate what this did to us, hate college.

Laney: Not a fan myself, but we had to grow up sometime right?

Evan: I will never love anything even half as much as I love you. We will find our way back.

Laney: I hope so.

Evan: Have a good night Laney, be safe.

Laney: Night Ev, u2

“You okay?” Zach looks at me from the corner of his eye.

“Yeah, I’m great.” It’s taking every effort not to let the tears I’m holding back fall. I didn’t think anything could ever

come between Evan and me... and look at us now.

“Yes, you are, Laney, one of the best. Now have some fun, okay? You say ready and we’re gone, girl. And keep your phone on