Surviving Stirling

Chapter twenty five

My fingers traced over the hollows of my collarbones, following the laced metal as I stared at my reflection in the mirror.

It already meant more to me than words could possibly measure and I didn't know how to feel about that.

I mean, why?

This wasn't a gift you buy someone you tolerate, nor was it something you buy your brother's bestfriend. This was a carefully chosen gift, thought and sentiment had gone into it. It was a gift you buy someone you care about.

Music started booming outside of my window, sound amplified and travelled over the marsh so it all seemed extra loud.

My fingers released the small dragonfly from my grasp before I rushed over there to look out.

"Oh no." I whispered, my heart filling with dread as I recognised several of the people setting up what looked to be the early stages of a party.

I hurried out of my room, crashing into Kingsley on the way. "I'm going to kill you!"

"It wasn't my idea but hey, I'm not complaining." He chased me down and out of the house where Charisma was talking to a group of men I didn't even recognise.

"What the hell is this? I said I didn't want a party!"

She looked shell-shocked by my reaction. "You told me I could invite a few extra people?"

"No I never!"

Kingsley spluttered a laugh behind me, much to my annoyance.

"Yes you did, when we were at college the other day, I asked and you said sure maybe." Her bright eyes scanned my body, "you look stunning, I love your necklace. Frozen margarita?"

"No I don't want a frozen margarita." I answered stubbornly, "and I certainly don't feel 'stunning,' I had no time to change and this dress is like a size too small."

"I'll take the frozen margarita." Kingsley grabbed the drink from her hand.

"Whose side are you on?"

"The alcohols."

Charisma swooped her arm over my shoulder, "first of all, if it's a size too small then it's working, you're hot. Secondly, don't waste your birthday being mad Rae, let your hair down and celebrate."

She grabbed another two frozen margaritas from a guy holding a tray of them.

"Frozen margaritas at sunset on the marsh, what better way is there to celebrate turning twenty?"

Kingsley and her clinked glasses in celebration.

"I don't know, maybe a small gathering like we agreed?"

"This is not exactly a rager Rae. It's a sophisticated gathering. Little bit of cocktails, little bit of dancing."

She handed me over the second drink I reluctantly accepted it.

"The only thing that can make your birthday any better is by finding you a guy to hook up with, you really need to loosen out all of those knots. What about him?" She pointed her glass at some random dude.

"No."

"Him?"

"Charisma I'm not hooking up with anyone. I want this party finished by midnight."