Chapter 02.6

I looked over—she had her back to me and hadn’t noticed us. She was with three men and a woman, translating. She wore a modest gray suit but still looked incredible. Her new hairstyle was pinned up, though that one stubborn strand still curled loose at the side. I tried not to stare. I failed.

“She works as an interpreter alongside school,” Brian said.

“I didn’t know she actually went through with it,” I replied.

“She makes good money and only takes jobs that fit her schedule. She’s certified in every language except Japanese.”

“Why not Japanese?” I asked, still watching her.

“She says the official requirements for certain events are too strict. She doesn’t want the pressure.”

She turned, spotted us, gave a quiet wave, and went back to work.

“Come on, I’m picking this one,” Brian said, pointing to a rose sculpture. “Let’s head home.”

“Who’s she dating?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Sorry, man. That’s not something we should talk about,” Brian said.

He paid for the sculpture—it would be delivered after the exhibit—and we headed out.

“It’s probably some rich old guy, right?” I asked bitterly.

“Jay,” Brian stopped me. “You don’t have the right to be angry. You—” he emphasized the word, “—broke up with her. And what makes you think he’s old?”

“Because he bought her a car,” I blurted out. Brian burst out laughing.

“That’s why she threw the drink at you?” he laughed. “Makes sense now. The car was from Dr. Cox—so she could get home more easily.”

We kept walking.

“You heard about that?” I asked. He just nodded. “I was soaked,” I laughed.

“She’s always had fire in her,” Brian said as we got into his car.

“Jealousy’s tearing me apart,” I confessed as we pulled away. “It’s like a fire under my skin—I can’t sleep, I can’t think. It’s burning through me, and I can’t make it stop.” I whimpered.

“I know,” he said calmly.

“I hate that school,” I blurted out. Brian glanced at me.

“I know that too,” he said with a smile.

“This beard is driving me nuts,” I scratched my chin. “It itches like hell.”

“That I definitely know,” he laughed. “But I can help with that.”

“How?” I asked.

“Shave it off,” he grinned. I just nodded.

“Do you think I still have a chance with her?” I broke the silence.

“I don’t know,” Brian said. “Maybe Paul would. But I’ll tell you this—there aren’t many people rooting for you.”

“Is her new guy really that much better?” I asked, but Brian didn’t answer.

“You coming to Paul’s for the New Year’s party?” he asked instead. “He wants to make it a tradition.” He laughed.

“Yeah. I’ll be there,” I said, deciding.

I shaved and slowly got used to the sleepless nights. Thankfully, New Year’s Eve finally arrived. Everyone in the family had plans to go out, but I was the first to leave.

“I assume last year’s rules don’t apply anymore,” I said before heading out.

“Be home by morning at the latest, but you’re not bringing anyone up to your room,” Mom said matter-of-factly.

That evening, I went to Paul’s, where I saw all my friends again.

His house was still massive, but this year he’d added some colorful lights. All non-public rooms were locked except the bathroom, and the foyer was set up for the party. Two staircases led up from the sides, but they were blocked off with ribbon railings. Along the wall, a long table held various foods and drinks, and tall cocktail tables stood on either side. The color scheme was black and cream—everything in the house matched perfectly. The music system was in the corner, playing soft background music through speakers in each corner.

We talked about the usual things—school, how I was doing—but if things stayed like this, I knew I’d drift away from them by the end of the school year. I already knew most of it from Brian, but I let them talk. Still, from the jokes and conversations, it was clear I’d missed a lot. Aaron had clearly mellowed out—Jessica had a good influence on him, and he seemed to enjoy their drama. Diane and Daryl were still going strong despite the distance. No one mentioned Jenny—not even by accident. It was like she hadn’t existed since summer.

After the conversation, I checked out the food. I wasn’t really hungry, but I hadn’t eaten much all day, so I forced down a sandwich.

“If you weren’t such a mess, I’d kick your ass,” Paul said behind me, laughing as I swallowed the last bite. When I turned around, he hugged me.

“If I weren’t such a mess, I’d ask you to,” I grinned, remembering his words, and hugged him back.

“Seriously, you look rough,” he said after letting go.

“Thanks,” I shrugged.

“Eat something,” he said before heading off to greet others. “You need it.”