Before You

Chapter 21

I stand, shocked, staring at Jett. Why is he here? How did he know I would be here? There are so many questions crowding my mind. Jett doesn't break eye contact as he slowly walks towards me.

"Evy, what are you doing here? I told you it wasn't smart to go out into the city by yourself" Jett says.

"I'm not alone. My friend-" I say, but am cut off by Jett.

"Yes, I saw your friend. She looks more wasted than you are," he says plainly.

"I'm not wasted! I'm happy! I have other friends here too" I respond.

Even with the alcohol, I remember the last time I saw Jett. He said he wanted to be friends or even more. I ran away from him, caught off guard, and not knowing what to say. I don't like that he's here and once again seeming so concerned, but I don't feel angry. The drinks have made me more carefree.

"Here's your drink birthday girl!" Boston yells as she reaches us.

"I think she's had enough" Jett says and takes the drink out of my hand.

"Dude, you need to back off," Mason says as he and Zane approach us.

"Wait a minute!" I yell. "Jett is my friend from class. Jet, meet Boston, Zane and Mason. They are my friends from Savannah. We're having fun, so if you would like to have fun, you can join us! But if you're going to be a party pooper, you have to leave" I say as I poke out my bottom lip and make a sad face.

I quickly take the glass out of Jett's hands and drink it as quickly as I can. Within seconds the entire drink is gone. I don't taste the alcohol as much anymore. The burning taste is gone and only the fruity flavor remains.

"Hey man. I was looking for you everywhere" I hear a voice say.

Jett turns his head toward the voice and I see a man join us. I squint my eyes trying to get a better look at him. He has dark brown hair and his teeth look bleached way too white. I've seen him from somewhere before. Then it hits me.

"What are you doing here?" I yell at the man.

"You two know each other?" Jett asks looking at the man and back at me.

"Yeah, we've met before" the man says and smiles.

Jett turns towards Boston, Zane, and Mason to speak. "This is Andrew. He's a friend of mine".

"This is your friend? That says a lot about you. This jerk hit on me and then pretty much threw money at me when I turned him down!" I yell.

"Is that true?" Jett yells at Andrew.

"It didn't happen exactly like that. I think she's had a bit too much to drink" Andrew says.

Boston steps between Jett and me. "We're here celebrating Evy's birthday. Since you two are obviously not here to have fun, you should go".

I walk towards the bar to get another drink. I look back at Boston. She's still talking to Jett and Andrew. I can't believe they are friends. They don't even look like they have anything in common. Andrew looks way too preppy with his perfectly parted hair, super white teeth, khaki pants, and button down shirt. Jett isn't like that. He's wearing denim jeans, a solid white t-shirt and his hair is styled messy. He looks like he hasn't shaved in a few days and has a little stubble on his face. I find an open seat at the bar and take it quickly while ordering another drink.

"Okay, we're good to go!" Boston yells as she wiggles her way into a small space next to me.

I look back at Jett. He and Andrew have taken a seat at a small table not far from the dance floor. I don't see any drinks. Why is he just sitting there?