Always you

Chapter 21

The buzz of Topper's birthday party could be heard from the street. Music pulsed from the massive beachfront house, and flashes of colorful lights spilled out of the windows, dancing across the sand. Cars were parked along the road in chaotic rows, and the sound of laughter and shouting grew louder as Sasha, Sarah, and Layla approached.

Sasha adjusted the hem of her short, shimmery dress as they neared the house. She'd spent extra time getting ready tonight, feeling the need to look her best. Her hair fell in soft waves, and her heels clicked against the pavement as they walked.

"Wow," Layla said, her eyes wide as they took in the scene. "Topper really went all out this year."

"Didn't he always?" Sarah smirked, her own outfit a balance of casual and chic.

As they stepped inside, the party hit them like a wave. The house was packed, the bass of the DJ's music reverberating through the walls. People danced in every corner, others lounged on couches with drinks in hand, and some were already making out in darkened hallways. A cheer erupted as someone was pushed into the pool outside, and the smell of sunscreen, alcohol, and saltwater filled the air.

"Welcome to chaos," Sarah joked, raising her voice over the music.

Before Sasha could respond, a familiar figure stumbled into them.

"Kiara!" Layla laughed, steadying her friend, who already seemed a few drinks in.

"Sasha, Sarah, Layla!" Kiara exclaimed, thrusting a bright pink cup toward them. "Here, drink!"

"What's in this?" Sasha asked, sniffing the concoction suspiciously.

"Fun!" Kiara grinned before her name was called from somewhere in the crowd. "Gotta go! Have fun!"

And just like that, she disappeared into the throng of people, leaving the girls laughing at her antics.

"Well, that sets the tone for the night," Sarah said, clinking her cup with Sasha's before taking a sip.

The three of them navigated their way through the crowd, dodging couples locked in steamy embraces and groups of friends laughing hysterically. The DJ switched to a popular dance track, and the energy in the room seemed to double.

They found Topper near the bar, surrounded by a group of friends. He was grinning ear to ear, a drink in one hand and his other arm draped around JJ, who looked equally festive.

"Happy birthday, Topper!" Layla shouted, leaning in to hug him.

"Happy birthday!" Sasha and Sarah echoed, both giving him warm smiles.

"Thanks, ladies!" Topper said, looking genuinely thrilled. "Glad you could make it."

"Wouldn't miss it," Sasha said.

As the conversation flowed, Sasha finally asked the question that had been on her mind. "Have you seen Rafe?"

Topper shook his head, looking puzzled. "Not yet. He said he'd be here, but I haven't seen him all night. Weird, huh?"

Sasha tried not to let her disappointment show as she nodded. "Yeah, weird."

"Don't worry. He'll show," Topper assured her with a wink before someone else pulled him away to take a shot.

An hour passed, and Sasha found herself relaxing into the party. She, Sarah, and Layla danced under the twinkling lights strung above the backyard, laughing as they swayed to the music. Every so often, they'd bump into someone they knew, exchanging greetings and compliments on outfits.

But Sasha's mind kept drifting to Rafe. Where was he?

Just as the thought crossed her mind again, she caught sight of him by the pool. He was leaning against the railing, his hands in his pockets, staring out at the water with a distant expression. He seemed zoned out, even though his friends around him were screaming and laughing. Ever so often he would include himself, just with a small laugh of nod, but he wasn't actually there.

Sasha excused herself from the girls and made her way over to him.

"Hey," she said softly, stepping up beside him.

Rafe turned to her, his blue eyes slightly glassy. For a moment, he just looked at her, as though trying to process her presence. Then he smiled—a little lopsided but still warm.

"Hey," he replied, his voice rough.

"Are you okay?" Sasha asked, tilting her head to study him.

Rafe didn't answer right away. Instead, he reached out and pulled her closer, his lips brushing against hers in a sudden, impulsive kiss. Sasha tasted the alcohol on him immediately, and though the kiss was gentle, it was tinged with something she couldn't quite place—something heavier.

When he pulled back, he smiled again, but it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm fine," he said. "You should go have fun."

"Rafe—"

"Go," he insisted, giving her hand a squeeze before stepping back.

Sasha hesitated, but eventually nodded, her heart sinking a little. "Okay. But if you need anything..."

"I'm good," he said, flashing her a reassuring smile that still didn't feel entirely real.

Sasha rejoined Sarah, Layla, and Kiara, who had reappeared with another drink in hand. The girls welcomed her back with teasing remarks, pulling her onto the makeshift dance floor in the backyard.

But even as she laughed and danced, Sasha's mind kept drifting back to Rafe. What was bothering him? And why wouldn't he let her help?

The night wore on, the party growing wilder as more people arrived. The DJ switched to a set of throwback songs, and a spontaneous conga line broke out near the trampoline. Someone started a game of flip cup near the bar, and cheers erupted as teams faced off.

Sasha found herself swept up in the chaos, smiling and laughing with her friends. But every so often, she glanced toward the pool, where Rafe still lingered, lost in his thoughts.

It wasn't like him to be so distant. And even though he'd told her to have fun, Sasha couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.