if by chance | ✓

09 | drunkenness is his best virtue

[ 09 ]

C O R A

✦

"What made you stop?" I ask, standing behind Rhys Crawford at the kitchen door. I mean, if he was contemplating to enter, why was he blocking my way?!

Amber, who was right beside me furrows her eyebrows and even in the dimness of the hallway, I could see her crunch her nose up ─ a thing she does when confused or trying to be cute.

"Hello there?!" I tap my fingers on his shoulder, which makes him flinch a little.

"Yeah, uh sorry. I think I should go." He says before dashing out in haste.

Amber and I, not knowing what went wrong or for that matter, what was wrong with Rhys, enter the kitchen to find out.

It was Noah. My fraternal twin Noah against the cupboard, pinned by Archer Morrison.

For some seconds, Amber and I were caught in a daze. I couldn't believe what I was seeing, even though it was just two people making out at a party.

Archer and Noah were so oblivious to our presence that they couldn't even hear me clear my throat. Sloppery kissing sounds and the panting made us obligated to leave them alone. So I quickly pour myself a glass of cherry wine and move out, not ready to meet Amber.

"You okay? Actually drop it, it's a stupid question." I say, sighing as soon as I am outside in the lawn with her.

"I am. Don't bother. I told you it's just a crush, it won't last. But, are you okay?" Amber asks me, her face clouded with concern.

"Uhm, I guess so. I can't control who he goes out with. Or hooks up with. But it certainly feels stressful." I shrug.

"Cora, I wanna be honest with you here. And I think," She pauses for a sharp breath, "I think it's gonna be weird."

I nod vigorously and take a long sip of wine which for me, is quite a terrible method to calm myself down. But luckily, it works.

"Yeah. Worst thing, Rhys knows."

"Why is it the worst thing?" Amber frowns.

"I don't know. I just wanted to be the first person to know stuff about my brother. And I don't want gossip." I explain.

"Rhys Crawford might be everything but he doesn't gossip." Amber states, pushing back a luscious ginger curl.

"Well, his cousin Rory happens to be best friends with Vivianne. I guess you're smart enough to make out the rest." I say, biting the inside of my cheeks.

"I didn't know Archer broke up with her. I mean, it's quite unbelievable."

"I know right?!"

"You really think Rhys would discuss stuff like this to his cousin? I mean, I don't if they're close. In fact, I've never scene Ror ─ oh shoot!"