Hoax

Chapter sixty-one

Estelle Adler 

New Years celebrations seem to be in full swing.

As the dessert plates are being taken away, I feel a lifted weight of anxiety off my shoulders.

I'm relieved the food part is over – having managed to get through it with the help of Harry, who's hand remained firmly intertwined with mine underneath the table for the entirety of the meal.

We conversed, we socialised, we made conversation; all the while, secretly intertwining our fingers and squeezing each other's hands as a show of affection.

As guests start to leave the table, I turn to Harry – "I appreciate you holding my hand throughout dinner" I verbalise my gratitude.

Harry's face remains close to mine, as he responds – "You're welcome" He softly says.

I lean in and gently kiss his warm cheek.

"Guys-"

I detach my lips from Harry's skin, as a familiar voice beckons from behind us.

"Yes Richie?" Harry asks, before I get a chance to.

The three towering figures of Jenna, Richie, and Xavier are stood behind Harry and me.

"We're heading off now-"

"You can't be serious!" Harry exclaims, looking slightly put-out. "They've barely finished taking the plates away and you guys are already making a move?!"

"To be fair, our uber is outside, so we don't have much choice..." Xavier pipes up from the other side of Richie.

"What?! Where are you guys going?" I ask, directing my question mainly at Jenna.

"Blue lagoon" Jenna responds.

Blue lagoon – Jenna's favourite club in LA.

"What? Why?!" I query, genuinely confused at everyone's persistence to leave.

Jenna smiles sweetly and her expression softens – "You're more than welcome to join us, Stell" She places her warm hand on my back, as a show of gentility. "We just fancy a bit more of a night, night out, if you see what I'm saying?"

I do.

Looking around, I suppose a candlelit dinner amongst LA social climbers isn't exactly the sort of thing Jenna, Richie, and Xavier would enjoy.

"Yeah...you're right – I suppose this isn't really your scene" I respond. "Sorry for forcing you guys along-"

"Oh, stop it...inviting the three of us was incredibly kind of you, as always" Jenna cuts me off harshly, but pays me in compliments. "We're the ones who should be sorry for leaving-"

"Yeah...we truly appreciate the invite, but we just fancy a change of scenery, is all" Xavier says, from a short distance away.

"Won't you guys come?" Richie asks, causing me to turn in my chair.

He's wearing a pleading expression, like he's truly desperate for us to join them.

I shoot a glance at Harry, who's eyes immediately pull over to mine.

He raises his eyebrows – "You wanna?"

I contemplate for a moment.

On the one hand, sure it would be fun to spend New Years at a club with my best friends, but on the other hand, I could have a secluded, low-key New Years here, with just Harry and myself.

I'm torn.

"What do you think?" I re-direct my question to Harry.

He hums gently, as his eyes steadily bore into mine.