I Hate You Too

Ch. 2: Dallas

"Can you believe Amara managed to get posted all over Sunset Scandals only a day after all of the Jayden drama?" Jasmine asks as we walk up the driveway of Amara's house Friday night. "The devil works hard, but Amara Singh works harder."

The awe in Jasmine's tone annoys me, but I don't tell her this. I guess I'm a little impressed too.

Eyeing the front of the Singh mansion, which is already brimming with people, I have to give Amara some credit. While I've been scheming up ways to win Shelby back—ways that unfortunately all seem to involve Amara—it appears she's been doing her own work to win over Jayden.

I would have never thought to throw a party just to prove how okay I am after going through such a public break up, but Amara is just as petty as she is cruel.

After seeing the party plastered all over social media, I asked Jasmine to attend as if I wanted to go for fun. In reality, I have ulterior motives.

I'll never be able to convince Amara to get on board with this plan if I don't have a reason to be around her. A party hosted at her house is the perfect excuse to spend time with her.

But as the crowd gathers in the front yard, nerves begin to eat at me. What am I supposed to do if I run into Shelby?

"Come on!" Jasmine interrupts my train of thought. "I've heard Amara's parties are crazy. I've always wanted to go to one."

Following Jasmine, the two of us walk into the large house. My heart is in my throat upon reaching the front door.

Jasmine turns to me once we've managed to cross the threshold.

"Have fun!" she yells over the blasting music. "No sad Dallas tonight, okay?"

I manage a smile. "No promises."

The crowd in the entrance is a struggle to push through. Once I make it into the living room, it's nearly impossible to keep up with Jas.

Unfortunately, I manage to run into Shelby instead, as if it were fated.

The second I wander into the kitchen, I literally ram right into her. I take a step back, shaken by the accident. Opening my mouth to apologize, I gape like a fish as I meet an all too familiar pair of green eyes.

"Dallas?"

Shelby looks surprised to see me here, which I find offensive. Her eyes narrow as her stare meets mine.

"I thought that was you! Hi!" she says.

I flinch. Shelby's tone physically hurts. She doesn't sound at all pained to be seeing me after our breakup. She even looks perfectly fine.

Eyeing her as she offers a wave in greeting leaves me broken.

I search her expression for any sign of hurt. Of course, I find nothing.

"Uh, hi," I stammer.

"Cool party, right?" Shelby smiles as she speaks.

The small talk kills me. It's like the last year we spent together means absolutely nothing and we're right back to being strangers.

I know I shouldn't, but I still miss what we had. I'd give anything to have her back.

My chest constricts painfully.

"Yeah," I say over the music. "Really cool. . .party."

Shelby's grin is radiant and guilt-free. The blood in my veins turns cold at the sight. How can she be so okay, after everything that's happened?

"It's so nice to see you. How are you doing?"

My mouth gapes. I almost admit that I'm not doing very well, thanks to her. I almost let it slip that I'm miserable and I miss her.