Reaching for Stardust // Josh Kiszka

Part XVII

Word Count: ~4000

Warnings: none:)

This chapter took me ages to write! But it ended up being quite a fun one. Hope you enjoy <3

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"I can't believe the boys actually wanted to go to a club," I said from the passenger seat of Josh's Jeep. Although it wasn't a super long drive to get to the city and to see our kinsmen again, I was glad for the break in the harsh winter weather that made the journey smoother–instead of the ice-slicked and snow-covered roads we'd been struggling to get used to again, the highway was clear and dry, the snow kept to the sidelines. The woods lining the interstate were still coated in a seemingly perpetual layer of white which seemed to sparkle a bit with the rare and warm sunshine, the sky a wall of gentle blue and sparse clouds, the sunlight strong through the windshield. I was actually beginning to feel too warm with the heat from the vents and the sunshine licking my skin, bundled up with anticipation of the worst. You never knew when things might change. But underneath my coat, I was already in my "going out" outfit–a midnight blue sequined top with a deep v neckline that was slightly itchy on the inside but not enough for me to sacrifice it, a black skirt and matching sweater tights to complete it. Sequined black heels too, which made me notably taller than Josh, which he seemed to actually love.

"It is a little surprising," Josh agreed, also dressed in his New Year's Eve celebration outfit–gray, almost silvery, pants and a matching jacket, a white shirt underneath, all topped off with a mixture of silver and gold jewelry. I figured we'd both be sparkling quite a lot throughout the night. "Then again," he continued, turning down the heat after he saw me close one vent. "I think they're always riding on the high of a much busier life these days. Going out to a whole myriad of places is more natural for them now."

"Yeah, that's true." I looked out the window again, following the treeline with my eyes, imagining how much fun those three boys must have after their shows. Josh and I heard a lot about those nights, sure, but it would be so different to be a fly on the wall. Or to actually be there.

"Jane didn't wanna drive down with us?"

"She's already there," I said with a laugh, pulling out my phone to check again for texts from her, though I had a feeling there would be none. "She drove down yesterday."

"Oh, they had a sleepover?"

"Yes. Imagine that." Yup–no texts. I clicked my phone shut. "I'm assuming it all went well since she hasn't texted me at all. Did Jake text you?"

Josh chuckled. "Nope. And why isn't Bev joining us tonight?"

"She's got another party to go to."

Josh gave an exaggerated, offended scoff. "Would this other party be better than spending the night with us at a club called Pearl, drinking overpriced champagne and smoking all of Sam's weed?"

I laughed. "I think she just doesn't wanna hang out with Sam, honestly."

I saw Josh's lips twist a little. "Ouch."

"No, no, it's not like she hates him or anything," I assured him. "I think she's still attracted to him but knows he's not interested anymore. So it's easier for her to take a step back."

"You think that or she told you that?"

"She told me. More or less."

"Well," Josh said, shifting in the driver's seat. "That makes me a little sad. Bev is great. Is this going to make their places in the wedding awkward?"

"She assured me that it won't," I told him and, for once, I actually really wasn't worried about it. "She's hell-bent on finding some hottie at her party tonight and bringing them home."