Our different worlds

A typical Kingsford Party

As soon as I saw James and Charlotte practically glued together, I knew it was time to make myself scarce. Wandering back to the beer pong table, I caught Dan and Thomas deep in their game. Thomas was a little too focused on something across the room, but as soon as I showed up, Dan's face lit up.

"Evelyn! How's your first 'real' party?" he asked, grinning.

I shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Trying to get the hang of it, you know."

Dan and Thomas both laughed. "We'll get you on the table soon enough," Dan said, smirking. "But maybe you need a drink first?"

"Maybe," I replied, and with a quick wave, I ducked inside. I managed to avoid some random hands trying to reach out as I passed, muttering, "Could you not?" as I poured myself a cup of something that was supposedly vodka and orange juice. Figuring the party might look better from somewhere quieter, I slipped out the front door, following a small path around the house until I found a little fenced-in garden with a swing. Perfect.

I sat down on the swing, taking a sip of my drink and letting the sounds of the party fade. This was supposed to be fun, but all I could think about was how wildly different everything here was from what I'd known. Lost in thought, I didn't notice the gate creak open until it clicked shut, and then, of course, I saw him: Alex.

"You hiding out here?" he asked, strolling over like he owned the place, which, knowing him, he probably did.

"Just... taking a breather," I said, trying not to roll my eyes. "But thanks for noticing."

He smirked, leaning casually on the swing next to me. "Too much party for you already?"

I narrowed my eyes. "Nope. Just a little quieter out here. Not that it's any of your business."

He shrugged, looking almost amused. "Fair enough. I'll just leave you to... whatever this is." Then he stopped and glanced at me again, his smirk fading a little. "Max is busy, by the way. If you're wondering where he went."

I raised an eyebrow. "Busy, huh?" I replied, already guessing what he meant.

"Yup," Alex said with an air of indifference. "With a girl, one he probably won't remember the name of tomorrow."

My lips tightened, and I stole a glance at him. He was watching me, clearly curious about how I'd react. "Does he do that a lot?" I asked before I could stop myself. "I mean... you don't do that?"

Alex gave a small, smug laugh. "Are you asking if I just kiss random girls for fun?"

"Something like that," I replied, my eyes narrowing. "Because you guys don't exactly strike me as saints. Especially you."

"Oh?" he said, his smirk widening as he tilted his head. "You think I'm a... playboy?"

I paused, debating whether to hold back, but decided he probably wouldn't let it go. "Look, Alex, you're rich, popular, practically a celebrity here. Every girl at this party probably knows who you are. It's not exactly a wild assumption."

He leaned back, crossing his arms with a small chuckle. "Well, I can't blame you. But no, not really my style. Despite what you think, I'm not on a constant hunt. Not every guy has that... 'mating season instinct,' as you put it."

I laughed, shaking my head. "Right. I'll believe it when I see it."

"Think what you want." He shrugged, seeming completely unaffected. Then he tilted his head toward me, his gaze thoughtful. "What about you? Any scandalous secrets you're hiding?"

"Scandalous?" I said, giving him a sarcastic smile. "Oh, definitely. You know, secretly ruling the underworld from my small dorm room. Really living the high life."