Part 7 (1/2)

Thats how bad it was.

A commentary started and the guy could have been speaking a foreign language. All I was aware of was the gentle pressure on my thigh.

Seths head tilted my way; his eyes remained forward. 'Im sorry about yesterday. I was out of line. Sigh. 'You were right to call me on it. I just got wound up over . . .

The words were only a whisper, but I heard them. In fact they were all I could hear. The images on the screen were changing, moving, and a life story was being played out up there. I should have been concentrating.

Should have been . . .

'Its okay. Over. Done. I whispered back.

His head tilted again and stayed close this time. It didnt retreat. 'Sorry about before, too.

JoJo Grayson had just entered primary school.

'Thats okay. Somehow the words came without cracking. JoJo and her friends were dancing to the Spice Girls.

'I was a jerk.

JoJo went to high school.

'Yep.

'Wills? Are we still okay? Friends? Me and you?

Except that your thigh is burning a hole through my flesh? Sure.

I nodded, not able to say anything else.

His answer was simple. 'Good.

JoJo just won an award. I had no idea what for.

And then his hand crept across in the dark and found mine.

We were holding hands. His was big and warm against the bare top of my leg. Holding hands like friends.

'Your hand is chilly. Are you cold? he whispered. His fingers entwined in mine and his thumb gently stroked my wrist. Was I cold? Who knew? Maybe I nodded or maybe I just looked frozen but suddenly he was moving again. When his fingers pulled from mine I wanted to whimper in protest. But then he leaned over, and the leather jacket, warm from his body, settled over my shoulders. And his hand returned to mine. And resumed stroking.

JoJo Grayson just went to her first high school dance, and my heart was shattering.

I had no idea what happened to JoJo after that moment at least until her death. Because my brain was totally unable to focus on anything but the person beside me and the rhythmic movement of his flesh against mine.

Seth Pentecost and I were holding hands.

For the absolute wrong reason.

And then Demi Leverle threw her daiquiri at the screen.

Strawberry daiquiri.

A full gla.s.s that ran down the screen like rivulets of blood . . .

Somehow it seemed to fit the mood.

Chapter Seven.

'Theres always a critic, Seth whispered with a chuckle, but even in my current state Id have had to have been totally without senses not to notice the edge to his voice.

I was seriously still trying to come back to the present, but it was clear everyone was way ahead of me. Some people screamed, others clapped and the music came to an eardrum-breaking screech. The film stopped and there was JoJo caught mid-speech, her mouth twisted and distorted into something between a sneer and a bared-teeth growl.

It was an unfortunate spot to hit pause.

But possibly very appropriate.

Still so aware of that hand folded around mine, I reluctantly forced my brain to forge a path through the mush and try to wrap itself around the other issue here. Because there was another issue.

People were definitely not happy. 'I dont get it. Everyone is here to mourn their friend . . . Whats going on?

Seth turned as the lights came up and I stared into eyes that were so soft and deep I nearly lost the plot again. I mean, where were we? And why?

Oh yeah. Slowly it all started coming back.

Dead person.

Aggravating dead person who is driving me crazy.

Mad party to celebrate.

Even madder party guests who throw perfectly good drinks at walls.

If Seth was going to say anything, it got lost, because suddenly a catfight blew out on my right. 'You b.i.t.c.h! How dare you post that stuff on Facebook about my family! My mother is not a-a- Jade stammered.

Chloe answered with a very feline smile and I blinked in disbelief at her tone. 'Is wh.o.r.e the word youre looking for?

What? I shot to my feet just as Jades arm pulled back. Oh my G.o.d she was going to deck Chloe! Seth was faster and launched himself between them, catching Jades fist mid-swing. Im-press-ive. 'Ladies! he said firmly as he pushed each one back with an opposite arm.

Mascara streaked down Jades face as she wrangled to get closer to Chloe again. Hadnt these girls heard of waterproof mascara? 'Its you, isnt it? Jade screeched. 'Youve got her freaking phone!

A chill ran through me as the words filled the suddenly silent room. The Phone. But judging from the reactions around me, I wasnt the only one whod been spooked by those two words. Chloes face blanched and her gasp was echoed by several others as people crowded closer. But it was Seths face my eyes had settled upon. His expression had gone all tight, and the look he pinned on Chloe was something of a mixture of desperation and hate, causing another uncomfortable ripple to s.h.i.+ver through my body. Whatever was going down, Seth could not be a part of. He couldnt . . .

Could he?

A really unpleasant choking sound dragged my attention back to Chloe. The look she briefly returned was one of pure fear. 'I h-havent got the d.a.m.ned thing! I havent! Her eyes were swivelling around the room, trying to catch everyone, searching, desperate for support.

A waft of Juicy Couture closed around me and I didnt have to turn to know Macey had graced us with her presence. 'You know, she said after a minute, 'I was so wrong. This is a great party. Fabulous entertainment. Do you think they take bookings?