The End of Seventeen

Chapter Fourteen

The evening of Camila's birthday finally arrived, and Lizzy found herself standing at the entrance of her best friend's house, her heart pounding in her chest. She glanced nervously at the crowded room, filled with people she barely knew. Camila had kept her promise and stayed by Lizzy's side throughout the evening, but now she was being pulled away by a group of friends who wanted to see her dance.

Lizzy watched as Camila disappeared into the crowd, feeling herself becoming increasingly uncomfortable. She sighed and looked around, scanning the room for a familiar face. That's when she spotted Parker. He was leaning against the wall, observing the party with a small smile on his face.

She made her way towards him, a sense of relief washing over her. "Hey, Parker," she greeted him, a touch of familiarity in her voice.

Parker turned to face her, his blue eyes lighting up as he saw her. "Hey, Lizzy," he replied. "You surviving this party?"

Lizzy chuckled softly, running a hand through her hair. "Barely. Parties have never been my thing, you know that."

Parker nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I know. But you're here for Cami, right?"

Lizzy nodded, grateful that he understood. "Yeah, she really wanted me to be here. It's her birthday, after all."

Parker's gaze softened as he looked at her. "Well, you're a good friend. Not many people would do something that makes them uncomfortable just to make someone else happy."

Lizzy shrugged, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "She's my best friend. I'd do anything for her."

Parker tilted his head slightly, his voice tinged with curiosity. "Even endure a crowded party filled with strangers?"

Lizzy chuckled nervously and glanced around the room. "Well, maybe not anything," she admitted sheepishly. "But I'll definitely try my best."

Parker smiled, his gaze warm and reassuring. "That's all anyone can ask for. You're already doing great, Lizzy."

Lizzy's cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she shifted her weight from one foot to the other. "Thanks, Parker. That means a lot coming from you."

Parker's eyes widened in surprise, and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Oh, uh, why me specifically?"

Lizzy shrugged, her eyes momentarily fixed on the ground. "I don't know. You've always made me feel comfortable, even in unfamiliar situations. Like right now, for example."

Parker's smile widened, and he stepped closer to her. "Well, that's because I feel comfortable around you too, Lizzy. You have this way of putting people at ease."

Lizzy's heart skipped a beat, and she glanced up at Parker, her eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and hope. "Really?"

Parker nodded, his voice gentle. "Yeah, really. You're genuine and easy to talk to. Plus, you have a great sense of humor."

A blush spread across Lizzy's cheeks, and she couldn't help but smile. "Well, I guess we make a good team then."

Parker's eyes sparkled with mischief, a mischievous grin forming on his face. "You know, we could make this party a little less uncomfortable together if you want."

Lizzy raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How so?"

Parker glanced around, spotting a secluded corner. He gestured towards it. "What do you say we create our own little bubble of comfort? Just you and me, away from the crowd?"

Lizzy's heart fluttered, and a shy smile spread across her face. "I'd really like that, Parker."

Hand in hand, they made their way towards the corner, escaping from the overwhelming party within their reach. As they settled into a quieter corner, the noise and chaos of the party seemed to fade away. They talked and laughed, their conversation flowing effortlessly. The awkwardness that had hung in the air before now transformed into a comfortable and intimate atmosphere.

Lizzy couldn't help but feel grateful for discovering this unexpected connection with Parker. With him by her side, even the most uncomfortable situations became bearable, and perhaps even enjoyable.