The Quarterback, Outcast and Me ✔

Chapter Twenty-Seven - Fireworks

The bass was pumping loudly, vibrating through my body. Thump thump thump. It had felt like that for the past three hours, ever since people had started arriving to the New Years Eve party at our house. Mom and Patrick had left on their honeymoon to somewhere in the Bahamas and they wouldn't be back until January 2nd. Which left Jace and I in charge of the house. For a whole week. A whole week of doing nothing but watching movies and annoying each other. We played pool a lot and Jace taught me some cool tricks. I didn't hit him once, which was a victory in itself, but I never won a game.

Another victory was that for some otherworldly reason, Patrick had allowed his son to have some people over tonight to watch the fireworks. Naturally, as the most popular guy, Jace had then invited the entire school. As soon as I found out I had called up Caleb and thankfully he said yes to coming over. He'd ended the call with an 'I miss you', making my inside squirm pleasantly. Everything had become so much easier after finding out about Clarissa. We went to visit her again later that week and her spirits were as high as ever. I brought her flowers and she gushed and gushed about how beautiful they were.

Caleb hadn't arrived yet, but I kept scanning the surroundings for any sign of him. It was kind of hard with more than fifty people milling about, drinking and dancing and shouting at each other. I had taken a stance in the hallway between the kitchen and the living room, giving me a perfect view of both sides. The smell of beer was everywhere, I had tried to not get too carried away like last time, so I was only on my second cup, keeping a firm grip on the red solo cup as I leaned against the wall. I smoothed my red cocktail dress with one hand. It was the most colourful dress I owned and thought it suited the occasion. I'd matched the dress with a red lipstick and darkened my eyes with eyeshadow. I'd gone all out. Leaving this year looking like a star. 

A guy from the football team stopped in front of me, swaying slightly on his feet. His party attire included a glitter hat with colourful feathers and a glitter bracelet. His head turned, his blue eyes catching my stare. I could tell he was drunk. He then proceeded to lean in extremely close, way way too close to my face.

"You're hot. Do you know where JJ is?"
I blinked a few times, having to get past the stench of beer and vodka on his breath in order for his words to make sense.

"Uhm, last I saw he was in there." I pointed towards the living room. The guy smiled, dazed, and then gave me the thumbs up before moving into the living room.

"Woah," I muttered to myself, taking a sip of my beer. I didn't even notice him until he stood right next to me.

"Hi there."

I turned smiling, knowing his voice anywhere. 

"Hi." It was incredible how much he took my breath away by just two simple words and a smile. He wasn't wearing any ostentatious party garments, simply just a grey t-shirt and dark jeans, but he still managed to draw my undivided attention. He was like a 5' 10" magnet that kept pulling me in, visually and mentally. Everything seemed clearer with him around. I felt his hand settle on my lower back and I leaned into it, resting myself against his touch. 

"How much have you had so far?" Caleb asked, eying my solo cup. 

"Only my second, I'm not planning on getting smashed." 

"Smart girl."

"I think 'smart girlfriend would be more appropriate." I could have sworn his cheeks changed colour, but because of the dimness of the light, it was hard to tell. 

"I have a very smart girlfriend." Now it was my turn to blush. I emptied the remains in my cup and grabbed Caleb's hand and led him to the keg set up in the kitchen. He grabbed a cup, but went to the fridge and filled it with water instead.