KODI caught sight of them — Malakai and Lip — just beyond the crowd, their faces tight, jaws set, voices low but heated. She froze, stomach dropping.
Of course. Of course.
They were at it again, because of her.
Before she could take a step toward them, a firm hand on her arm stopped her.
She turned to see her uncle Kev, his expression kind but serious.
“You should stay out of this, kiddo,” he murmured.
“No,” Kodi protested, pulling her arm back. “Lip always does this. I can’t even be happy for five minutes — he always has to ruin everything.”
Kev sighed, voice gentle. “Maybe it’s not about ruining anything, Kodi. Maybe it’s just about keeping you safe.”
She let out a bitter laugh. “By beating up every bloke I’ve ever tried to be with? How’s that keeping me safe, Kev?”
Veronica slid up beside them, shooting a look at Kev before glancing at Kodi.
“Shots,” she declared suddenly, holding up a tray. “Let’s do shots. To the Ball’s!”
Kodi hesitated, but Veronica raised her brows and smirked knowingly.
“Come on, trouble,” V coaxed.
Kodi nodded, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
In unison, they yelled, “To the Ball’s!”
The burn of the liquor was sharp as she downed her shot, but it did nothing to numb the ache in her chest — the sight of Lip and Malakai still standing across the room, both of them here because of her.
All she wanted was to be happy. To just be. She wanted to be with Lip — didn’t she?
But then there was Malakai. That strange pull she couldn’t shake, no matter how hard she tried.
Her thoughts were cut off by a nervous voice at her side. “So, uh… Kodi? Want to dance?”
She turned to see Carl, shuffling his feet, his ears red, hands shoved in his pockets. “If— if you don’t, that’s okay. I just—” he stammered, his words tumbling out.
Kodi blinked, then let out a laugh despite herself. “Why not?” she said warmly, and Carl’s face lit up.
They made their way to the dance floor. “You look really pretty, Kodi,” Carl said shyly.
Her heart softened. “You look very handsome, Carl. Dashing in that suit,” she teased.
His cheeks flushed crimson, and she laughed, leaning down to plant a quick kiss on his cheek. “Oooooh!” the whole room howled in unison.
Ian jumped on Carl from behind, ruffling his hair while Mandy laughed, calling out, “Look at ya, Casanova!”
Kodi giggled and shook her head, enjoying the tiny moment of lightness.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
