You're Mine

Chapter Twenty-Six

Riley

I rip the bag of chips open and pour them into the bowl in front of me. A glance at the clock reveals it's almost nine thirty- the room is full of people. Colleagues, friends, family.

Lucy hasn't arrived yet and a tiny part of me is grateful. Fey came with Rhys, after much convincing from the two of us. She wasn't keen to see Lucy and I understand why- they connected really well and I know Fey was unhappy to end it the way she did.

But Lucy wasn't ready and Fey was right not to keep the relationship going. Still...

I place the bowl back on the table and shoot a smile towards Fey. I tighten my hair and look around for Luke, spotting him by the window.

Luke and Ryan are chatting quietly. Ryan seems like he's somewhere else- probably worrying about Ashley. She insisted he come to the party tonight, that it'd be good for him.

But I know he wants to be with her. For whatever time they have left. Ashley can lie to everyone else but not to me- I see her getting skinnier. I see what's happening to her. But it's her business and when she's ready to tell us, we'll listen.

"You ok? You look..elsewhere." Raphael and James arrive beside me.

"I'm alright. Just thinking." I throw my arms around them both, hugging them. "I'm glad you're here."

"How much have you had to drink?" Raphael grins at me and I shove his face.

"Barely anything, thank you. I mean I was just..thinking about my year and I'm grateful you too are still around."

"We aren't going anywhere." James throws his arm around my neck. "But I guess it's going to go back to the old days now you're getting a new job."

"Aw I'll still be around. I'll come in for dinner at least once a week. Promise."

"We'll hold you to that."

"Hola!" The door swings open and Lucy appears, red cheeked and bottle of wine in hand.

A glance at Fey reveals she's paled slightly- but she holds her ground and keeps her eyes focused on Rhys, throwing quick glances in her direction.

I head over and hug her. "Where have you been?"

"Oh you know.." Her eyes wander. "Here and there."

"Ooookay." I take her jacket. "Drinks are over there. Why don't you grab one and then go find Luke?"

"Mhm where is he?" She's still distracted. I gently reach up and tilt her chin towards me, my pink nails a clash against her skin.

"Luce. I love you but please, go talk to Luke and just calm yourself.. Fey is on edge as it is and I promised her you'd behave." I let go and she nods, wandering off.

I hope it didn't come off as harsh but I don't want any big scenes.

The party winds on and the clock ticks closer to midnight. I curl my legs into Luke's and put an arm around his neck. Lucy sits beside us, her leg juggling nervously. We're trying to keep her distracted from Fey. I have a feeling it's not working.

"So that was the end of that." Luke smiles and the group around us laughs. He pats my leg, reaching out to nudge Lucy.

"I'm fine." She mumbles. She's not but she's our friend and until she decides to tell us she's not, we'll wait.

A loud banging on the door makes me jump and I get up, smiling at everyone. "I'm sure it's just a neighbour, no need to worry."

I scoot around the crowd, the music blaring louder and make a note to turn it down as soon as I get back.