𝒸𝒶𝓁𝓁 𝒾𝓉 𝓌𝒽𝒶𝓉 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓌𝒶𝓃𝓉

[Chapter 16] Nice Try, Knockout

I scowl as I scan the Cafeteria for Dakota.

Not to join her though. No, the opposite--to avoid her.

Finally spotting her at a table off to the side, I carry my tray to the complete opposite of the room in search of an available seat.

It's not that I hold grudges but after how she got on Saturday, I spent the remainder of my weekend at my mom's house.

"Kelly, hey!"

Amber's loud greeting grabs my attention and I wish it hadn't.

Within the split second it takes to look over, I witness Amber seductively running her finger up and down the side of Harry's neck while using her free hand to motion me over.

Although Harry being with Amber is what I want, the solution to keeping him away from me--something inside tells me it's not what I want.

I pause, a few feet from their table. "Hi, Amber... everyone."

I wave to the rest of the girls on either side of her: Mariah, Carmen, Vanessa but make a very clear point of not making eye contact with Harry.

This isn't even his lunch period, why is he here?

"So... heard about your new boo, congrats," Carmen comments, eyeing me up and down. "We all thought you were going nun for sure."

Stunned, I stumble over a response causing Mariah to scold her. "Carmen, chill. Kelly has dated before. Adam, right?"

Bad goes to worse as I witness Amber unsuccessfully hide an eyeroll.

"Um..." I hesitate, hands feeling sweaty to the point I'm worried I'll lose my lunch tray. "I don't think...that really counts."

"It doesn't." Amber's assertive tone only further makes me anxious. Harry's intense gaze doesn't help.

"Right, well--"

"So," Amber interrupts my attempt to exit the conversation and I press my lips into a thin line.

"I'm having a party next week. Friday. I remember you asking if you could be invited to the next one."

False.

"Consider this your official invite." She flashes a blinding smile as if she's just done me some incredible favor by inviting me to her dumb house party.

"Oh. Awesome." I try to muster up some enthusiasm but spending a Friday night surrounded by Amber and all her peers sounds like my own personal hell come to life.

"Ambs, I don't think Kelly's really the party type." Harry decides to finally grace us with his opinion, paired with a taunting head-tilt.

I stare at him as Amber swats him in the shoulder. "What? Shut up, yes she is. Aren't you, Kelly?"

"Well--"

"Isn't that what River said? You hate parties?" Harry won't shut up now and I force my jaw to unclench in order to speak. "Lake."

"Oh, even better! Bring Lake so we can all meet him."

My eyes widen and I'm praying it's not noticeable. "Bring...Lake?"They both stare at me intently and I feel a nervous sweat building up on my neck.

"Were you planning on showing up alone?" Amber inquires as if I should be embarrassed at the prospect.

"No." I keep my reply short to prevent further conversation and Amber smiles maliciously. "Perfect. Next Friday night, bring Lake and uh...make sure you're dressed for the occasion."