20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Eighteen

After the song ends, I return to my seat, trying not to let my thoughts spiral.

I don't know what brought Kyle here. He didn't tell me anything. And who's that girl? I guess she's one of the ones who were swimming with him in the pool earlier.

"Did you know he was coming?" Jace asks, leaning closer.

"Huh?" I blink, pulling myself back.

"Did you know Kyle would be here?"

"Oh, no. I had no idea. I don't care though." I force a shrug. "I told you, we're not close. We don't really share what we're up to."

That's a lie. I tell Kyle everything. But if he doesn't, then fine. I shouldn't even want to know.

"He dances well," Jace says, watching him.

"Kind of," I mutter.

"Kind of?" He teases, raising an eyebrow.

"I mean, not as good as you," I add with a smile.

"Ah, thank you," he replies, his serious expression finally softening.

"How old is he?" Jace asks again.

"Twenty."

"Wow." He shakes his head, clearly judging.

I shift the conversation. "I can't believe I'll see my mom and dad tomorrow. Finally." My chest swells with hope. I really hope Kyle helps me get to them.

"That's great," Jace nods.

"These past three days felt like three years. Mom and Dad are everything to me."

"Don't you have siblings?" he asks.

"No. I'm an only child." I smile a little, thinking about my childhood. "I never really felt lonely. My parents gave me everything. I was their whole world."

"That's probably why you're so attached to them," he says.

"Yeah... but I do have people in my life I consider family. Like my best friend Emma, and my cousin Smith. And my grandma... she was the closest person to me." My voice cracks slightly. "She passed away two years ago."

"I'm sorry."

"I'm fine," I nod, though a tear escapes. I quickly wipe it. For some reason, I wish I was talking to Kyle instead of Jace. Things feel different when I talk to Kyle—more... real.

"Glad to know you have more than just Kyle in your life," Jace says with a sly smile.

I huff. "Kyle doesn't count. I told you, we barely know anything about each other."

I turn my head to search the room and spot Kyle sitting with that tall girl. He's staring straight at me. The girl beside him looks like a model. Of course.

"You should know things about him," Jace says, narrowing his eyes.

"Why?"

"Because you should know everything about the guy you're sleeping with. It's your right. Don't sleep with a stranger."

His words sting, though I know he's not wrong. Still, it makes me uncomfortable. That phrase—sleeping with him—rattles something in me.

"He's staring at you," Jace adds.

"I know. I don't know why though," I mutter. Kyle's such a—ugh. Why didn't he tell me he was coming? And why bring her? No, Twi. Don't be ridiculous. He doesn't think you like him. He's not that clueless.

"I'll go to the toilet," I say, needing an escape. Not for the bathroom—I just need a moment, some air, and to check my makeup.

I walk to the bathroom, check the mirror. My makeup's still okay. My face still feels... not like me. Too done-up. I remember Kyle's reaction—Who are you? Ugh.

When I leave, someone wraps an arm around my waist.

"Oh, what the—" I look up.

It's Kyle.

"What do you want?" I snap, placing both hands on my hips.

"What were you two talking about?" he asks, calm but sharp.

"How dare you ask me that?" I scoff. "And why didn't you tell me you were coming? All you said was be careful and don't drink."

"What were you talking about?" he repeats, now smirking.

"Mind your own business, okay?" I say and turn to leave, but he grabs my wrist.

"Stop it!" I nearly shout, pulling away.

"Weren't you talking about me?" he asks again.

"Who are you to talk about?" I lie. Honestly, we were practically talking about him the entire time.

"So, you didn't?"

"No. I've got more important things to talk about, don't worry," I say, and he finally lets go.

"Anyway... you looked so sexy when you danced with that asshole," he whispers in my ear.

And just like that, I walk away quickly, my heartbeat suddenly erratic. Sexy? That word spins in my head like music. No one's ever called me that. Beautiful, maybe. Pretty, sure. But sexy? That's new.

"I thought you left," Jace says when I return.

"No, I'd never leave without telling you," I reply.

"I just thought... since Kyle left too."

"He did?" I blink.

"Yes. Right after you walked out," he half-smiles.

"Oh. I didn't notice." I try to sound casual. "Anyway, I don't care."

"What would you like to drink?" he asks, changing the subject.

"Water, please."

"Water?" he laughs. "Okay, water with what? The vodka here is amazing."

"No thanks. I don't drink."

"If you're worried about your age—"

"It's not about that. I just don't drink."

"As you wish," he says, raising his hands in surrender.

"Tell me more about you, Jace. I barely know anything."

"Alright," he shrugs. "My dad's a businessman, very wealthy. I work here, at this hotel. I've got one sister, and my mom's an engineer."

"Do you have a girlfriend?" I ask, curious.

"Yes," he smiles.

"Really! What does she look like?"

"A bit like you, actually. She's got your blue eyes, long hair, and your figure."

"You're making me want to meet her now."

"She's got your smile too."

"Wow, she stole everything from me then," I joke.

"Maybe," he grins.

"Do you love her?"

"A lot. And she loves me too."

"That's sweet," I say. At least someone dates who they love... unlike Kyle.

"But her family is so suffocating," he sighs.

"They don't like you?"

"Yeah."

"I'm sure they'll change their minds once they get to know you."