A New Love

Twenty

Are you kidding me! What the hell was she doing here?

I clenched the bottle so hard in my hand I was surprised it didn't shatter into a million pieces. Deep breaths, Y/N. Stay calm. You're getting over whatever feelings you had for Harry. Just let them go. Don't imagine repeatedly punching that girl in the face.

Joy poked me in the side as took in my facial expression. "What's wrong? You look like you're about to murder everyone."

"Just one person," I replied and not-so-subtly pointed to the girl. "That's her."

Joy's eyes widened. "The girl from the bonfire?"

I gave her a tight lipped smile. "The one and only."

Niall and Seth were too busy engrossed in their conversation to pay attention to my silent rage. Eyes still on Harry, I placed the tip of the bottle against my lips and downed it all.

Niall whistled. "Slow down there, Y/N."

"It's a party. Isn't it?" I turned to Seth, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Would you be a sweetheart and get me another beer please? Actually, get me something stronger."

Seth grinned. "I know just the thing. But," he held up a finger, "only if you dance with me."

I shrugged. "Why the hell not?"

Joy shot me a you-better-be-careful look. She knew how I could be when I got tipsy.

"One drink coming right up," Seth said before walking to the kitchen.

Niall leaned in close to me. "What was that all about? I thought you didn't like the guy."

"Feelings change," I replied. "I'm in the mood for some fun." I turned to Joy. "Sorry I took him from you."

She waved it away. "I can find another guy. Don't worry."

"Just be careful." Niall glanced behind us. "Don't let some guy make you do stupid things."

"How did you..." I trailed off. He knew me too well.

He smirked. "I'm not blind, Y/N. Besides, you and Joy don't seem to know how to whisper."

I rolled my eyes while Joy laughed. "It's not about him, Niall."

He was not convinced. "Whatever helps you sleep at night."

"Don't say anything to Harry," I warned. "You might be friends with him, but you and I have been good friends longer so that has to count for something."

"I won't say anything, but maybe you should."

"I just got out of a relationship."

"Like a month ago."

"It wasn't that long ago," I retorted.

He shrugged, almost callously. "You didn't even love the guy, Y/N."

Joy's eyes widened, but she knew better than to say anything in response.

"Wow." I shook my head. "This conversation is over."

Seth weaved through the crowd and brought me my drink. Just in time. "Here you go."

I took it out of his hands and practically inhaled it.

Joy looked at me in awe and a bit of worry. "You really should slow down. We just got here."

I didn't reply.

"Do you want to go outside?" Seth asked.

"I thought we were going to dance," I told him.