two | h.s. - t.c.

45

Jenny's pov

"okay, drinks on me, but you only get one." andrew said over the music, pointing at me.

"i'm fine with that." i said back before we all suddenly left the floor, heading to the bar.

i leaned my back against it as i watched my surroundings, andrew getting a round of shots for us all. scott copied my actions, standing by me as we observed the room.

"what's the detective thinking?" he asked, leaning in towards my ear.

"she's wondering where alex went." i said, speaking up over the music.

"that shouldn't be of any concern, you know how she is." he said, turning around to face the bar as i stood in the same position.

"to a fun but cautious night." andrew said, scott sliding one of the shot glasses over to me.

we laughed, all of us holding our glasses before downing the alcohol, setting them back onto the counter. it was strong, making me scrunch my nose a bit before i exhaled, looking over at scott who made fun of me because his expressions were so contained.

they ordered another round for three, and i was more than happy to not be drinking tonight. i wasn't really planning on letting loose and having fun, so i didn't feel the need to drink. besides, i felt like i only ever had fun when timothée and harry were here. also, i was in the same premises as alex, the girl who hates me. if i got drunk, who knows how she'd swoop in and suddenly take advantage of the fact. she's already taken advantage of me.

as they enjoyed more shots, i looked around, trying to spot anyone that might be looking for me. alex did say that someone wanted to talk to me here—someone that would lend these expensive dresses for the night just to get a word with me.

andrew and emily went back to the dance floor after some drinks, scott pulling at my arm, ready to go dance. though i didn't want to, i allowed the very happy and tipsy scott to drag me along with him, all of us in the crowded area again.

i took this time to study the room with my eyes some more as i danced, trying not to be so paranoid. well, that was up until i spotted someone standing at the entrance of a corridor.

he was tall, leaning against one of the walls as he crossed his arms. he was dressed in a black suit and matte mask around his eyes, but i could still tell who he was. griffin.

what the hell was griffin matthews doing here? a party for night records. correct me if i'm wrong, but the head of the competing label shouldn't be here—he shouldn't even know about this party.

i had this thought that i could be making this up, that it could be just some stranger. but he stared right at me for a split second before looking around some more. i refrained from staring at him, making it seem like i didn't even see him.

he stood up straight, turning around and heading down the hallway. i froze, looking at my friends before looking back at the entrance of the hallway. scott froze with me, questioning me with his expression.

"i'll be in the bathroom, i'll only take a minute." i said close to his ear, not wanting andrew or emily to notice.

"okay, but if you don't come back i'll assume someone killed you, so hurry." he said, and i slowly made my way out of the group, heading down the hallway.

it was longer than i expected it to be, by the time i reached the end of the hall the music wasn't as loud anymore. i was cautious with my steps, not knowing if he was still around here somewhere.