The Summer Before

Chapter Twenty-One

Levi

We met the rest of our friends inside. Somehow they'd managed to snag a couple of tables along one side of the dancefloor- something I was more than happy about. I wasn't in much of a mood for more dancing tonight.

When the four of us approached, they cheered, passing each of us a shot they had ordered just before we arrived. It tasted fruity- probably something Leah picked out. It wasn't terrible, but I knew I needed something more potent if I was going to make it through tonight.

As I claimed a seat, I set my shot glass on one of the tables. Landon quickly plopped down next to me. "What up, dude? I'm going to grab another drink. You want one?"

"Please." I looked up as Landon headed over to the bar, making eye contact with the last person I wanted to.

Tessa hurried to avert her eyes, saying something to J and Charlotte before all three disappeared in the same direction as Landon. I leaned back, rubbing both hands over my face as I let out a deep breath. This is going to be a long night.

"So, what did you think of the class today?" I dropped my hands to find Micah leaning toward me.

I've always liked the guy. He never changed the way he treated me after the disaster that went down between Tessa and me last summer. I glance over at his boyfriend to see him side-eyeing me with a smirk. Colin always seems to know when something's up, especially if it has anything to do with me and his best friend.

Go figure; Colin noticed what happened between Tessa and me at the studio.

I leaned forward to answer Micah. "It was... Interesting, I guess."

"You and Tessa seemed to work well together," Colin chimed sarcastically.

Micah turned to him and whispered something which only made Colin shrug and mouth 'what' in response. I could definitely use that drink now.

Instead of stirring the pot, I simply replied, "I guess so. We're both still alive, at least."

Micah chuckled, and Colin's eyes grew wide as he made a strange face. Before anyone could say anything else, Landon, Charlotte, and Jason returned with several drinks. Charlotte passed one to Micah and Colin as Landon sat down beside me, relinquishing my glass to me.

When everyone had found a seat, Jason handed a drink to Charlotte, putting an arm around her as they sat close on the other end of our bench.

"Hey, where's Tessa?" Leah asked.

Jason looked back to the bar, his eyes full of confusion. "She was right behind us at the bar. Picked up the last of the drinks right after us."

I was the only one who noticed as Leah shot a worried look at Colin. After what happened last time, I'm sure none of us feel safe letting anyone wander off alone.

Shit.

An overwhelming feeling of dread came over me. I stood up, edging around the table so I could go find Tessa. "I'll check on her," I shouted over my shoulder as I quickly made my way to the bar, hoping she was still close by.

I shoved past the crowd, not caring who I pissed off. I had to get to her before something terrible happened again. When I got closer, I saw her familiar hair and the dress she'd picked for the night. She was still standing at the bar empty-handed.

What the hell! Did she slam both drinks and order more? Is she trying to simulate a repeat of last weekend?

My irritation grew the closer I got. I pushed my way next to her, making the guy beside me sling profanities as I pressed close to her. "What the fuck, Tessa!"