Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 3

Avery's POV

Haley's gorgeous. Her only real flaw is demanding attention just by existing-if that even counts. She makes me look like the before photo. From the many sleepovers we had in junior high, I can say first hand how effortless her beauty is. Perfect hair, perfect skin, even in the morning. It's more than fair to say I'm jealous of her. Who wouldn't be? I've worked hard to come close—doing my hair even if I'm not leaving the house. My motto? Always be camera ready. She's nice. That's the worst part. I don't even hate her- that is, until she got interested in Theo.

She's not right for him, so it nauseates me to see her try and sink her hooks into him. And he's so clueless. A girl would have to spell it out in skywriting for him to notice and even then, he might not. Haley plays it subtle. She inserts herself into smaller hangouts—like this after party. Less competition, more opportunity. Then she ropes him into shots with the girls. Smart. Makes it look like she's just here to have fun, when really, she's getting closer to him. It's genius, really. She should write a book. I'd hate-read every page.

Listening to her siren call, he joins us at the bar, taking a seat near me though. Jackie and Haley are still deciding on shots, as I rest my leg on Theo. He looks at me, but I avoid his eyes. 
"Come on, just decide what shot we're doing. My buzz is wearing off." I groan, draining the last sip of my drink. Theo wordlessly takes the glass and starts making me another old fashioned. I've always wondered- did he know how to make them before me? Or did he learn because I drink them?

He hands me the drink and puts my leg back over his lap. No words. I smile and sip. Now he's avoiding eye contact.
"Avery, there's Jello shots in your fridge," Jayden says from across the room. "Made them a couple days ago." Jackie lights up.
"Hell yeah!" I just laugh before heading to the kitchen to grab them.

Theo's POV

How is he so oblivious? Jayden really can't get it through his skull that she doesn't want other people here, can he? I mean honestly, it's not that hard to get. It's written all over her face if he would just look. I get up and go into the kitchen, checking on Avery.
"Party for one in the kitchen?" I ask, seeing her take a Jello shot by herself. "Thought I should get a bit ahead of everyone." She says with a weak laugh.
"Yeah? And why's that?" I ask her. 

She shrugs a bit. "My mood was bumming out. Didn't want to drag everyone else down with me." 

She downs another shot. "There's trays of them in the fridge. It's like he preps for this shit now." She mumbles, but I still hear it.
I nudge her. "How about you blare the music and I'll call the cops? They'll all be out of here in seconds." I joke. 

She smiles- finally. "A solid plan B Teddy." She picks up one tray and hands it to me.
"But how about we try plan A first?" She asks me.

I take the tray from her, my fingers lingering on hers for a moment. 
"And what's plan A?" I question her. 

Her eyes meet mine. "We drink like hangovers don't exist."
She grabs the second tray and walks out, her confidence a little forced, but there.
"Alright boys and girls, your jello shots have arrived. Pick a tray, any tray." She announces with mock flare. Jackie cheers and snagging one from her tray.

Haley saunters over to me and picks one.
"This is a good look for you." She says.
"Yeah? You think shot girl fits me?" I banter. She sorta looks me up and down.
"I'd hire you." She smirks. Bryan pulls her away, but I see Avery's expression tighten. I set my tray down and walk to her.
"What's wrong?" 

She rolls her eyes and steps over to the bar, setting her tray down as well.
"Why nothing Theodore. I'm just peachy keen." She says with a phony southern accent.
"Avery,"
She picks up her glass from the counter.
"It's a party, Theo. Loosen up." She plasters a fake smile onto her face and walks away to the small crowd of people.