𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 ||The Girl Behind The Act||

Chapter 6

Tristan

"Alright, that's a wrap for today, guys! Time to head out!" Coach's voice boomed from the bleachers, whistleblowing as he spoke.

We all quickly made our way back to the locker rooms to freshen up before leaving school.

"Five, six, seven, eight! And that's a wrap!"

A familiar voice, one that could be recognized anywhere, echoed from across the field as the cheerleaders finally wrapped up their routine and started to disperse.

Ariana and her group of cheerleaders lingered behind, sharing laughter over something, the sound carrying over to where we were standing.

No doubt she was intentionally seeking our attention, as always, the ultimate attention seeker.

"Hey, you going to Ari's party tonight?" Josh asked as he joined me.

I took a few sips from my water bottle, contemplating for a moment.

"Nah, I'm good. Thinking of just staying home, maybe playing some chess with James if he's up for it." I chuckled.

"Man, that's way too plain and boring. Come on, Ari's parties are the parties of the year. You can't miss out on this one." I scoffed, slinging my towel over my shoulder.

"Not really feeling it. But hey, since I won't be at her party, can I borrow that new Xbox game you got yesterday? Need something to kill time with." I gave Josh a pleading look.

He smirked and shook his head. "Oh, come on, you said I could borrow it anytime."

"I'll let you have it, but only if you come to the party with me. Just this once, alright? There's a lot more you're missing out on, and this is Miami, dude. Live a little." I sighed, leaning against my locker.

Josh knows how to push my buttons. One of the reasons I value him like a brother.

If I go, I can spend the whole night avoiding Ariana while still having a good time. Plus, video games are a guy thing, so passing up this chance doesn't feel right.

"Fine," I reluctantly agreed, and he grinned.

I just hope I don't attract any attention when I get there.

Ariana

The party was in full swing, with nearly the entire school here at my place. Thanks to the help of the maids and my friends, everything was set up perfectly.

I peeked from my balcony, watching as cars pulled into the driveway and people streamed in.

One last check on my outfit—a silver bodycon dress that stopped at mid-thigh, with spaghetti straps crisscrossing at the back. Waves of hair cascaded down my back, and my makeup exuded bold confidence. Not to forget my knee-high black boots.

A final touch-up of plum lipstick and I smiled at my reflection. I knew Tristan was coming, thanks to Joanna's persuasive skills and Josh's efforts.

A knock at the door, and Shay and Joanna entered.

"Damn, girl, you look smoking hot!" Joanna winked.

"Aiii mami!" Shay chimed in, and we all laughed.

"Spare me the compliments guys, we all know that we're the hottest ones here tonight," I replied, putting my lipstick back on its vanity spot.

Taking in their outfits, it was an understatement to say they looked great. Shay rocked a black off-the-shoulder crop top with booty shorts and fierce leather boots. Her hair was in a bun up top and a cascade of black volume below. A lacy black choker added to her badass look.

Joanna stunned in a red strapless dress that accentuated her curves, topped with black stilettos. Her dark makeup gave off a seductive vibe, and her perfectly styled hair flowed down her back.

I loved my friends, and their beauty was undeniable, just like mine.

"Time to get this party going!" I cheered, and we headed downstairs to join the festivities.

As we descended the stairs, the partygoers in the living room—dancing, lounging, and making out—shifted their gaze toward us, erupting in cheers as we joined in.

Cheerleaders from the squad approached, praising our outfits, and we exchanged small talk.

"Here you go, hosts!" Jada, a cheerleader, handed us red solo cups filled with drinks.

Honestly, I wasn't a fan of alcohol, and I've never willingly been drunk in my life. I pretended to enjoy it to maintain appearances, though.

I took a whiff of the drink and cringed; it was brandy. I stifled a gag and scanned the room.

My eyes landed on the newcomers, and a smile crept onto my face. Tristan had made it, after all, thanks to some deal Josh made.

Tristan wore jeans, a gray "Bubble" shirt, and a denim jacket. He looked like he'd rather be anywhere else but here. I noticed Josh say something to him before walking off.

Perfect.

I headed over to Tristan, his eyes aimlessly wandering the crowd. Navigating through the crowd was easy; people parted for me.

When I stood in front of him, he finally noticed, his gaze drifting down before snapping back to my face with zero emotion.

"Hey, Tristan. Glad you came," I said with a smile.

"Didn't really have much of a choice," he replied, his tone bored. I raised an eyebrow.

Is he always this gloomy?

Brushing it aside, I mustered a flirty grin.

"Drink?" I offered, holding out my cup. He gave me a strange look, glancing between the cup and me.

"I don't drink," he said, a disgusted expression on his face as he pushed the cup back.

"Me neither." The words slipped out before I could stop them, and Tristan looked at me, perplexed.

Shit, shouldn't have thought about hating alcohol earlier. Now I've said it.

"Here you go, man." Josh appeared, offering a cup to Tristan. Tristan declined, still looking at me.

"Oh, hey, Ari. Awesome party," Josh said, finally acknowledging me.

I smiled and glanced at him. "Thanks. Well, enjoy the party, guys. I'll be around if you need some company." I winked and walked away, catching Tristan's eye roll.

Though tonight didn't go as planned, I wasn't too worried. Tristan would come around sooner or later.

But a nagging thought in the back of my mind disrupted my plans—something about Tristan made me hesitate. For the first time, I considered dropping the act, being genuine, consequences be damned. It was odd, unfamiliar, and Tristan seemed to trigger it.

The party stretched on, and I ended up dragging Shay away from the dance floor to a guest room. She was so drunk she nearly stripped on the pool table.

Midway through, I noticed Tristan leaning against a wall, arms crossed, watching as guys did shots off a girl's stomach. Clearly not the party type.

His eyes followed me as I danced, played beer pong, and even intervened when Joanna started to get too rowdy around Josh. The lengths we go to for our friends.

Tristan's gaze felt like a hawk's, and I grew self-conscious.

I began to watch my every move, cautious not to let any unguarded part of me slip out. Especially now that he seemed more aware of me, likely due to my alcohol comment.

Hope he doesn't catch on. I'd be in deep trouble if he did.