Adler | The Aces of St.Sinclair BOOK 1.

Thursdays | A THIRTEEN

Playing cards became surprisingly fun as it was addictive. I was growing more and more at ease around the strangers who I gradually learnt the names of. The redhead who went by the name Chelsea, was very perky along with a bottle of Spirits she cradled as if it were a baby. There was one hilarious bloke Gus who got drunk to the extent that he thought we were playing Go Fish. Even Hess wasn't a bother to me.

I felt secure in my place and out of it, a spark of daringness manifested. I took a shot. Truthfully, I'd always been curious as to what made the stuff so addictive that countless establishments served it. That my dad would secretly have one after work hours. My nan even carried a flask of wine inside her purse. So that's how I justified it.

Strong was an understatement to the taste. I made a sour face while it went down my throat and it had everybody cracking up. I persisted for a few more and soon all were growing flimsy about the rules and just helping themselves to a sip. When it started feeling too hot, along with wondering what Ashton and Liam were up to or Shaun, I was ready to call it quits.

The group dispersed and as I was slightly tipsy, Garren assisted me to my feet. I seemed to be the only one to find it peculiar how steady his balance was despite drinking thirteen shots- yes, I'd counted.

Suddenly, I felt chilly air hit my skin and I comprehended Garren relocated me to a balcony. A crescent moon hung in the inky, starless night sky. The place was soothing in more ways than one.

"This better?" inquired Garren.

I nodded, running a hand through my hair and taking in the freshness of the cool breeze against my face. I glanced at the boy beside me. "You're not going back in?"

"And leave you where you can fall off the railings and crack your head open? No thanks."

"I won't fall. I'm fine," I drawled, gripping the railing and swaying side to side. "I took gymnastics for two years. Was one of the best at it until Lola Chen showed up. Just came up out of nowhere and stole my spotlight. All the other girls liked her more so I quit."

"... Is that really the only reason you quit?"

"Yes... " It took all focus to blink. "Kind of. No. Anyway, my balance is rock solid. I could even walk on this railing thing with no problem, I'll show you-"

"Don't." Garren cuffed my elbow when I attempted to climb atop the rails. He kept me close his side, arm locked in case I tried to escape.

I giggled. "I was joking."

"No, you weren't."

"Yeah, okay. You got me." I let out a breath. "You're brilliant at figuring me out."

"I know."

"... You could figure out anything I can't then, right?"

"What can't you figure out?"

My lips pursed. "... The week I went to see my parents and we were walking Benji, I saw someone across the street who looked like Michael."

"Michael?" Garren parroted. "The club captain Michael?"

I nodded. "But this guy... wasn't in a wheelchair. So it couldn't have been Michael but..."

"But?" He pressed.

"I wanted to talk to Shaun more."

"What? Who's Shaun?"

"A really cute boy in my geography class." I gushed. "I hardly ever get to talk to him and I dunno, I think he might like me back or is that just wishful thinking talking-?

"Stevie, go back to what you were saying before that," ordered Garren.

"Before?" I slowly blinked. It was becoming a little hard to concentrate on my surroundings. Especially when the moon was so alluring with its glow.