Strip Game - A Whirlwind Summer

45. 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋

♪✰❄︎𖤍❄︎✰♪

𝐋𝐔𝐍𝐀

The sound of my spoon clinking against the cereal bowl was the only thing filling the quiet kitchen. I sat alone at the dining table, legs folded under the chair, still wearing the fluffy socks Mom got me last Christmas.

My phone buzzed beside the bowl just as I took another bite.

A text from Molly lit up the screen:

MOLLY: "Don't you dare bail out on our matching outfit, Luna. Red crop top and those shorts or I'm disowning you. We're already getting dressed. See you at the party!"

I sighed, already dressed in the exact outfit she mentioned. My hair was done, makeup subtle but flawless, and my phone camera had confirmed at least three times that I looked hot. Still, I felt empty.

Travis hadn't come back. Not since last night. He hadn't even texted.

Another buzz. This time, a call. Kyle.

I answered quickly. "Hey."

"Hey, baby," he said, his voice soft and warm. "I got your text. I really, really wanted to go with you tonight but... my dad has some big business dinner and he's dragging me along. Some investor guy he's trying to impress. I'm so sorry."

"Oh" I replied, letting the disappointment sink into my chest while forcing a smile into my voice.

"It's okay. I get it."

I didn't, not really, but I wasn't about to make it harder for him. He was already doing that thing where he sounded disappointed in himself, and I didn't want to pile on.

"You look beautiful, by the way. I know it. I can picture you in that outfit, killing it. You're gonna turn heads tonight, and not just mine."

I smiled, trying not to let it falter.

"Well, that was the plan."

"Don't miss me too much."

"Too late. I already do."

He laughed softly. Then his tone dipped into something softer.

"I love you."

My chest ached. That familiar ache, warm and heavy.

"I love you too."

We stayed quiet for a second, letting it hang between us, and then he sighed.

"I'll see you soon, alright? Text me when you get back. And please... stay safe."

"Always."

The call ended, and with it, whatever leftover hope I had of tonight feeling... whole.

I grabbed my tiny purse and ordered a cab, headed to the address on the party invite. If I was going to be out there, I might as well do it my way.

The moment I stepped out, the scene was madness. The place was packed. It was a resorts, crazy! That asshole must be really loaded.

Our classmates. Unfamiliar faces. Loud music shaking the ground beneath my feet. This wasn't a party. This was a carnival of chaos.

The first sight I caught was Reagan and Jason dry-humping each other by the pool chairs. I rolled my eyes.

I kept walking, ducking past some guy offering shots, when I spotted Drake and his crew hanging near the big double doors, clearly enjoying their role as gatekeepers of their wild kingdom. My stomach twisted at the sight of him.

Nope. Not today.

Good thing I wasn't wearing heels tonight. I slid past the main entrance and followed a side path where other guests were sneaking in through what looked like a back patio. I didn't care where it led. Anywhere far from Drake.