IN THE LINE

01| THORN ROSE

CHACE

When I arrive at Ashton's place, the party's already in full swing. The music thumps loud enough to make my bones vibrate, and the place is packed. When it comes to throwing parties, the baseball team knows how to do it right. Our team plays in the Independent League, we're practically celebrities in our neighborhood.

Girls look at us like we're gods, and guys either want to be us or hate us. It's the power that comes with winning. Ashton, Kevin, Dylan, Nate, Aaron, and I—we're the ones on top. The core of the team.

And for me, there' s only one person I actually care to see tonight -but I shake it off, trying to block out that thought. My eyes search through the crowd, taking in the sweaty bodies dancing, laughing, and talking. I spot the guys near the makeshift bar, eyes half-glued to the NBL game on TV and half-scanning the dance floor for their next catch. "What's up, losers?" I yell, joining them. Ashton tosses me a beer, a smirk on his face.

"About time you showed up. You're way too sober for this." He clinks his beer against mine. I force a grin, but my mind is elsewhere, or rather, on someone else. She's the one who's stuck there, like a song you can't shake off. The one girl who doesn't look at us like everyone else does. Chloe.

She's got this presence that makes people look twice. Guys drool over her, and girls shoot daggers, either out of envy or frustration. She doesn't fit in with the usual crowd here, but she stands out because of it.

I crack open my beer, taking a long sip as I scan the room. Kevin points out a few girls near the speaker. "Look at them, man. I can't even choose tonight. It's like a buffet."

"As if any of them would choose you," Nate shoots back, and we all laugh.

One hour later I have enough of beer and alcohol in my system to have the courage to talk to her when she'll get here. I know she will. Mia and Chloe are best friends. And Mia is pretty close with Ashton. And since this is his party I doubt she's gonna miss it. Yep! She is definitely somewhere in the house because I see that dork Daniel O'Connell she's dating.  I can't stand the guy. Too damn good all the time, with his constant talking about his dad's wood factory and his plans to save the world.

I can't understand what she sees in him.He is so lame and boring. Appearance? Average one. The only good thing I can say about him is he's loyal. Too loyal. He's got eyes only for her. Son of a bitch.

I'll better get another beer and continue to scan this place. Meanwhile, that looser has disappeared somewhere in the back garden. I'm not gonna lie. I'm glad that I don't have to see his average face for some time and help me God If he comes to talk to us. I'd have to listen to his philanthropic shit. Probably something about how he and Chloe help the local retirement home or how they try to improve the conditions for communities and homeless people here... Blah blah blah.

Although I don't like his boring presence, I respect what they're doing. Especially Chloe. It's fascinating how responsible and passionate she is about the things she does in her life.

I'm lost in thought, grinning like an idiot, when Ashton's voice snaps me back to reality. "Hey maan! Already buzzed? Come on! It's just the third shot."
I turn back to the group, raise my glass.

Meanwhile, Alessandra, the girl with blonde hair and impressive blue eyes steps up to Dylan. "Hey babe, do you have a minute? Alone?" – She glares at him like a kitten, a kitten that needs a fuck- desperately.
"Sorry guys, I've got something to deal with" He's grinning widely at us. I give him a mischievous smile, Kevin pats his back saying: "Just go for it!"

It's getting hot in here, so I toss my jacket onto a bar stool when Aaron nudges me. "Check out that babe, Chloe..." My heart skips a beat, but then he adds, "Look at those legs. Damn, I'd screw her in a heartbeat if she wasn't such a prude nun."

My blood boils. "Could you just shut up?" I snap.

He raises an eyebrow, surprised by my reaction. "You're still hung up on that one, huh?" he says, shaking his head with a provocative smirk, clearly trying to get under my skin. That's just Aaron—always the instigating prick. "I don't know what you're talking about." I look away, scanning the crowd until I find her. Chloe's dancing with Mia, her moves just as hypnotic as ever.