Zoey 101: You Must Of Had A Broken Heart ☑

Chapter 34

“Oops.” I smiled, covering my mouth. “I didn’t realize we were supposed to be quiet.”

“Don’t worry about it,” he said, smiling back. “They’re just taking this way too seriously.” I was confused by what he meant, but most of tonight seemed confusing. I’d figure it out eventually, hopefully.

“Do you do anything else besides play basketball and ski?” I asked, still trying to keep the conversation alive, but not as stressed after our outburst.

“I surf and try to go white water kayaking when I can.” Then he continued to talk about the best waves he’d ever surfed – in Australia. I listened and was soon engrossed in his story.

We continued back and forth until it occurred to me that it had been a long time since Chase, Lola and Vince disappeared. I glanced around casually while contributing to the conversation but was unable to make out any of their faces in the dark corners.

“I’ll be right back,” I announced. “I’m going to get another drink.”

“I need to run up to the bathroom,” James said, pointing up the stairs. “Meet you back here?” He actually wanted to keep talking to me?

“Sure,” I agreed.

I walked through the space with the sectionals again, discretely trying to look at the faces to find Chase or Lola. I was shocked to walk in on a few couples kissing - heavily. It didn’t seem to bother them that I was there or that there were other couples next to them doing the same thing. I kept my eyes to the ground until I heard the heavy breathing and walked faster.

When I was behind the closed door, I tried to figure out how I was going to get through there again. I inspected the other side of the basement, hoping there was a door that connected to the pool table side, but was disappointed. The only other door was a bulkhead that led to the backyard. Was I that desperate?

“There you are.” I spun around and found Lance closing the door behind him.

“Hi Lance,” I responded casually, trying to conceal my anxiety.

“I’ve wanted to talk to you all night,” he confessed while approaching me. “But I didn’t really want to do it here.” He presented the dingy surroundings, sounding overly cocky. “Let me show you around the house, and we can find somewhere private to…” he paused before adding, “talk.” He smirked like it was an inside joke. Everything suddenly made sense. I remained still, catching myself before dropping my mouth wide open in shock.

“Uh, well…” I stumbled, looking past him to the closed door. “Thanks, but I don’t need a tour. We can talk at the bar?”

“I was hoping for some place with less people.” He winked. No way, again?! I couldn’t help myself; the words were coming out of my mouth before I could stop them.

“Who are you?” I questioned, aghast at his boldness.

“What?” he questioned in shock.

“This is a hook up party, isn’t it?” It came out more as an accusation than a question. I couldn’t believe how long it had taken me to figure it out.

“Whatever happens, happens,” he said with a devious smirk. I remained dumbfounded by his arrogance.

“And so you decided to invite me?” I questioned, unable to imagine how that made sense.

“Why not?” he asked, not catching on, still overly confident.

“You obviously don’t know me,” I bit, unable to conceal my disgust. “Why would you think I’d want to hook up with you?”