“You look like you stepped out of a fitness fashion advertisement.” Violet sits at the chair in front of my desk as she eats a cup of noodles during our lunch break.
Dahlia is standing in the doorway of my room with a putter in hand. She has a golf mat in the hallway and has been practicing nonstop. The next two months she has a bunch of really important tournaments, and she is ultra-focused.
We’re only missing Daisy. She and her boyfriend Jordan are in her room studying. Studying. Loudly.
I smile at my reflection in the mirror, turning side to side to check every angle. “But does it say, ‘I’m a serious runner but also interested in other physical pursuits with our clothes off?’”
My friends exchange a look and then burst out laughing. I wasn’t kidding, but okay, it’s a little funny.
“Please tell me that’s your opening line,” Vi says, laughing so hard she has tears in her dark brown eyes.
Dahlia shakes her head and lets out a small laugh. “I have to go. You look hot. Try not to pull a muscle.”
“Bye,” Vi and I call after her.
Moving to the bed, I flip open the shoebox and pull out the new sneakers.
“Those are cute,” my friend says.
“Thanks,” I say as I drop them to the floor and step into them. Companies have been sending me free stuff in hopes I’ll post about it on my newly exploding social media. Well not mine, Ivy’s.
I tie the shoelaces and then stand in front of the mirror again. I look like a runner. Maybe I should take it up for real. The outfits are cute.
“So, what is the plan exactly?” Vi asks.
“Wait for him to run by and then invite him to the party tomorrow night.”
“A party you invented this morning because you want an excuse to invite him over?”
“Not just for that reason. We’re overdue for a party anyway.”
“Fair enough.” She smirks, then does a slow sweep of my complete outfit. “And are you planning on actually running in that?”
“Why? Is something wrong with it?” I glance down at the gray running pants and matching sports bra.
“You look amazing, but one wrong bounce and your boobs are gonna fall out of that top.”
I jump in place. She’s not wrong. The fit is a little snug and the girls are fighting for freedom, but this shouldn’t take long.
“Well, then maybe this will go even faster than planned. He’ll be so distracted that he’ll immediately say yes.”
Vi laughs good-naturedly.
I glance at the time on my phone. “I better get out there. I don’t want to miss him.”
“Good luck,” she calls after me.
I force myself to walk slowly down the stairs, so I don’t mess up my hair. I pulled it back in a low ponytail, but I curled the ends.
The wind whips around me as I step out the front door. So much for my hair. I march in place to warm up my muscles and keep an eye out for Hendrick.
My teeth are chattering by the time he comes into sight, but a rush of adrenaline floods me with warmth. I begin to jog like I just stepped outside for a run, then I stop in the middle of the sidewalk where he won’t be able to avoid me. Looking straight ahead across the street, I pull one leg behind me to stretch my quad. I drop the stretch and stand tall when his footsteps on the pavement grow closer.
I smile, but say nothing as he slows down and then comes to a stop in front of me. I had a whole speech prepared but I can’t remember a single word as I take him in. Dark stubble along his jaw, red cheeks from the cold, T-shirt stretched along his muscular chest and arms. He pulls out one ear bud.
“Hey,” he says in a rush of air as he catches his breath.
“What are you doing?” I ask, then want to punch myself in the face. He’s running. Duh.
“Just getting in a quick run. You?”
“Same,” I say cheerily.
His gaze drops from my eyes and lowers, but he catches himself quickly.
“Cool.” He puts his ear bud back in and starts to step around me.
I take off after him and fall into step on his right. “We’re having a party tomorrow night.”
He says nothing, but gives a brief nod to acknowledge he heard me.
“You should come.” Man, he’s fast. My legs are long enough to keep up with his, but he’s quick.
“To a party at your house?” He keeps moving, but glances over at me. He pauses and I run ahead of him. I stop, but then realize he’s just coming up on the other side of me.
“Yep. Tomorrow night.”
He finds that quick pace again. We’ve already run farther than I planned.
“So, will you come?”
“My brother has a basketball game.”
Oh, well, crap. I hadn’t accounted for him having plans. Also, I’m starting to get a cramp.
“How many brothers do you have?”
“Three,” he says. “No, four. Brogan isn’t related by blood, but he’s like a brother.”
“He and Archer do seem like they’re attached at the hip. My roommate Dahlia is dating one of their teammates, Felix Walters, so I’ve run into them quite a bit at parties. Such a crazy coincidence that you’re their brother.”
He grunts his agreement. This is not going great. He hasn’t even chanced another look at my chest.
“Well, what about after the game? The party probably won’t really get going until ten or so.”
We’re approaching an intersection and I’m looking forward to a short reprieve to catch my breath, except the light changes just as we get there, and Hendrick starts across. Why do people do this for fun? Every breath feels like fire.
“Do you run often?” he asks as I pant for air.
“Oh yeah, totally.” I move behind him while we pass a group of people walking in the opposite direction.
“Right,” he says, and then slows his pace a little.
“So will you come after your brother’s game?” I ask again.
“Sorry. Parties aren’t really my scene anymore.”
“Oh, come on.” I push at his very hard shoulder. “It’s going to be so much fun. We’re getting a ton of beer and liquor, even some champagne. And we’ve basically invited the entire campus. All the hockey, basketball, and football players will be there thanks to my roommates, and my buddy Eric and his band are going to play. It’s going to be the best party of the year.”
“Your house can’t hold the entire campus.”
“I know.” I smile broadly. “It’s going to be crammed full of drunk people. Drinking and dancing, pushing and shoving, people making out in the corners. God, I love college.”
His brows tug together. “You should be careful.”
I snort a laugh that’s not very attractive, thinking he’s kidding. He’s not. “Your brother is right. You’re not very fun.”
“No, I’m not.” His jaw tightens and a little muscle flexes in his cheek.
“Then it’s a good thing you ran into me because I am the epitome of fun, and I’m going to make it my mission to make sure you have fun tomorrow night.”
He opens his mouth, looking like he’s about to say no, but I speak first. “I’m not taking no for an answer.”
We run a few seconds in silence before he sighs and then says, “I will try to stop by.”
“Really?!” I squeal, and because I have absolutely no chill, I lunge for him and hug him around the neck. I pull back just as fast. “You won’t regret it. You are going to have the best time. I promise.”
“I said I would try.” He emphasizes the last word, pinning me with a stern look. We’re stopped many blocks from my house now, but I have a fresh burst of energy. Energy I’m going to use to get my out-of-shape ass back home. I take a step toward the opposite direction we’ve been running. “I usually run the other way.”
One side of his mouth twitches with a tiny smile. “See you later, Jane.”
“See you tomorrow night,” I call over my shoulder.
Eric and the guys are warming up downstairs. The drums thump a quick rhythm that matches my heartbeat. I could barely focus all day. It’s a good thing I didn’t have any tests or major assignments due because my thoughts have revolved around the party and Hendrick since I talked to him yesterday.
He did his usual run-by at lunch, but I chose to observe instead of participate. The running outfits are cute, but I think I’ll stick to yoga. The wardrobe is just as cute, but less cardio.
The party starts in an hour, but I don’t expect Hendrick to show for a while since he said he’s going to his brother’s basketball game. If he shows at all. I need to keep reminding myself that he might not come. My expectations are already too high.
Three brothers. I can’t imagine what that had to have been like growing up. I’m an only child. Sometimes it felt like I had siblings; being on sets, a lot of us shared tutors and agents, but between seasons and shows, we didn’t really keep in touch. Hollywood is fast-paced and dog-eat-dog. Not a lot of time for friendship and fun. Which is one of the reasons I’m so determined to make sure Hendrick has a little of the latter. I know what it’s like to lose sight of fun. I’ve found it here in Valley, and I think he can too.
Dahlia knocks on my open door and then steps into my room. “Hey, Felix and I are doing a run to the liquor store. Need anything?”
I shake my head. “No. I think I’m all set.”
“Have you heard from him?” An excited smile tips up the corners of her mouth.
“No. I don’t have his number or anything. I just have to wait and see if he’ll show.” I hold up both hands, crossing my pointer and middle fingers.
“He will. I know it. Archer and Brogan are coming. I asked them at breakfast this morning. And the brother does have a basketball game, so he wasn’t lying about that.”
“I didn’t think he was lying. I’m just not sure he’s interested. I can’t get a good read on him. Most of the time he acts like he isn’t, but then there are these moments . . .” I trail off, thinking of the way he looked at me in the rearview mirror last night as he drove me home or the way he stood up for me with Cam. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m so desperate for a spark, I’m imagining it.”
“Not interested?” she asks, raising her voice and faking outrage. “How could that be?”
My laugh is tight and stilted.
“Hey.” Her brows tug together in concern. “Are you okay? You seem nervous or down or something. Is this about Cam? Did he make you question your awesomeness? I knew I didn’t like that guy.” She refocuses. “Hendrick would have to be an idiot not to be interested in you. And you’re too good for idiots. Like Cam.” She mutters the last part.
“Thanks, babe. And I’m fine. He apologized and I forgave him. I might even go out with him again sometime.”
Her expression still clearly shows her hostility toward him. “But tonight, I’m not thinking about Cam. He’s fun, but Hendrick . . .” My stomach flips as I say his name. “I just really want him to show. There is something about him. I can’t explain it.”
“You don’t need to,” she says as Felix steps into the open doorway. She looks at him in a way that tells the world just how crazy she is about him. “I get it.”
“Are you ready?” Felix asks her, then he slides his gaze to me. “Hey, Hannah Montana.”
Chuckling, I wave.
“Yep.” Dahlia closes the distance between them, and he takes her hand. They’re so cute together. So happy and so into each other. I want that. Or even a night of it.
By the time ten o’clock rolls around, the house is packed. Hendrick was right, there’s no way that the entire Valley campus can fit in our house, which is why we moved the party outside.
It’s been cold all week, but no one seems to care as they huddle around with drinks in hand.
I nod at Eric as I walk by the band. Live music was a nice touch, and everyone seems to be enjoying it. I pull out my phone as I enter the kitchen. No new texts. He doesn’t even have my number, so I’m not sure why I am disappointed, but there it is. I am pathetic. I want him to show. I want him to show so badly.
I grab a hard seltzer from the fridge and then linger in the kitchen to chill for a minute. I have danced hard for the past two hours, but I need a breather. Out of habit, I open Instagram. I scroll for a bit before opening my messages and notifications. I switch over to the Ivy profile. It has way more notifications and messages, most of which I ignore, but one name stands out and steals the breath from my lungs.
Not wanting to believe my eyes, I click on the last photo I shared (or rather my manager shared). It’s a shot paparazzi snapped of me on campus shortly after news broke that I was at Valley U. I’m smiling right at the camera, looking like a quintessential college kid. Backpack on, coffee in one hand, phone in the other.
Most of the photographers have left by now, or at least aren’t following my every move like they were. Those first couple of weeks they were everywhere.
I read through the comments on the photo. They’re generally nice. Most people are just happy to have an update on my life, and the few snarky assholes I easily ignore. But it isn’t any of the comments that have my stomach churning with unease and fear stretching through my limbs. It’s a simple like from a guy I haven’t seen or talked to in years.
Just to be sure it’s really him, I click on his name with trembling fingers. Heat pricks at the back of my neck as my screen fills with images of his smug handsome face. A face that still makes me want to hurl something at him.
“Jane!”
My thoughts are interrupted, and I quickly swipe out of the app and lock my phone. Looking up, I see Brogan and Archer making their way from the living room to the kitchen.
I shove my phone in my pocket and smile. I can’t help but chance a quick glance past them. I try not to let my disappointment show when Hendrick isn’t anywhere in sight.
“Hey. I’m so glad you guys could make it,” I say, cheerily.
Brogan comes in for a hug, and Archer lifts a hand in a wave, wearing his usual half-smile.
I squeeze Brogan back and then we step apart.
“I heard we might owe you an apology for the other night,” Archer says. “Sorry if we made you uncomfortable.”
I almost laugh. It sounds so much like Hendrick, it makes me wonder what he said to them to have Archer apologizing.
“You were fine. Nice pipes by the way. You can really belt out some classic rock.”
His cheeks take on a light pinkish hue.
“I invited Hendrick. Is he coming?” I ask, my heart rate picking up even as I prepare myself for the answer to be no. He wasn’t exactly jumping at the invite.
“I’m not sure.” Archer looks apologetic as he delivers the news, but his face says it all. He doesn’t expect his brother to show up either.
“But we left before him,” Brogan adds. “He was driving Flynn home after the game, so maybe he’ll stop by later.”
“It doesn’t matter.” I flash them a bright smile. “Want something to drink?”
Hopes dashed that Hendrick is coming, I rededicate myself to having fun tonight. Maybe he really is busy or maybe he’s just not interested. Whatever it is, I can’t mope around waiting for him to realize how awesome I am.
I’m dancing at the front of the crowd. My friends are nearby with their boyfriends, being adorable. The band is amazing. They play a lot of nineties and early two-thousands cover songs. Mackenzie brings the energy with her vocals, Ted and Lennon are living their best lives, and Eric is eating up the attention. He has on a button-down shirt and every few songs another button seems to come undone. Between songs, Eric beckons me forward.
I sashay toward him, still grooving to the last song. “You guys sound amazing.”
He grabs the seltzer from my hand and takes a drink before answering. “Thanks.” He wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. “You should sing one with us.”
“Tonight? No way. I’ve already had a few drinks. The bubbles mess with my voice.” I take the empty can back from him.
“Bullshit. You always sound great. Sing with us.”
“You have a singer.” I motion toward Mackenzie. Ted has his arms around her possessively.
She pulls away from him to step over to us and shoots me a friendly smile. “I don’t mind.”
“See?” Eric grins. “One song. The crowd will go nuts. Everyone wants to hear you sing.”
“Not tonight,” I say again as I step away from them. “I’m having too much fun dancing the night away.”
I leave them before they can keep trying to convince me. I head inside where it’s quieter. Only a few people are inside, mostly couples making out in our living room. Yuck. Gonna need to have the furniture cleaned.
I toss the can in the recycling and grab another from the fridge. Then I wait until the music starts back up before I slip outside. Cold air nips at my skin. I had to abandon my usual wardrobe of dresses and skirts for jeans tonight, but still, I’m chilled. There’s a good chance it’s going to drop below freezing. Too cold for Arizona and my thin blood.
Our backyard has never been this full of people. The guys that live next door in The White House brought over a few of their outdoor tables, and I find my friends at one playing beer pong. Brogan and Archer are with them, as well as some other football players. And Hendrick. Hendrick is here!
He’s surrounded by a group of football players and they’re all grinning at him like he’s their hero. I don’t get it. I mean he’s gorgeous, but something tells me that isn’t why they are also excited to see him.
As I approach, he glances up and directly at me. My pulse spikes and my heart flutters when I meet his dark hazel eyes. “You came? I mean, hey.”
And then he does the craziest thing. He smiles at me.
