SUMMER

I MEET Sylvie in her room to get ready for the party Halloween afternoon, after class. Anticipation rippled throughout campus the entire day, reaching a fevered pitch by last period, and no one could concentrate. The teachers pretend they don’t know about the party, but they have to. It’s all anyone can talk about. I wish I were more excited, but with Whit and me over, I don’t have much to look forward to.

I pretend to be excited for Sylvie’s sake instead.

We do our makeup first, sharing the bench at her vanity table, the both of us applying heavy eyeshadow and layering on red lipstick. Her excitement is palpable. It fills her entire room, giving me nervous energy, and I glance at my duffel bag sitting on the floor, almost afraid to put on the costume I know is going to cause a scandal among everyone who attends Lancaster Prep.

They might’ve never really noticed me before, but they’re going to see me tonight.

“Tonight is ripe for a scandal,” Sylvie announces once she’s finished applying her lipstick. She studies me, rubbing her ruby red lips together, her eyes sparkling. “This will be a life-changing party.”

“If you say so.” I’m reluctant to agree, because I need no life-changing events right now. I’ve already had one, thanks to Whit and I agreeing we shouldn’t spend time together anymore.

I’m loathe to admit this, even to myself, but I miss him. It’s stupid, when I’m the one who pushed for it.

My emotions for him make me feel stupid.

“Things are going to happen tonight, Summer. I just know it,” she continues. “If Spence makes a move, I’m going to let him.”

“Let him what?” I ask warily.

“Let him touch me. Kiss me. Fuck me. Whatever. I’m ready. I’m tired of saving myself.” She starts putting away all the cosmetics, shoving them back in the drawer with one sweep of her arm. “I’ve been preserving my virginity all my life, and I’m sick of it. I might not have much time left. I want to know what it feels like to come with a boy inside me.”

“When it’s your first time, you might not come when he’s inside you,” I tell her drolly.

She laughs. “Says the girl with allll the experience.” Ouch. That sort of hurts.

I say nothing, dropping my lipstick into my makeup bag and zipping it a little too fiercely.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings,” Sylvie says, her voice low, her expression contrite. “I was just teasing you.”

“I know.” I give her a grim smile. “It’s okay.”

She didn’t mean it. I know she didn’t. I’m not proud of my past fucked up experiences, but how is she to know that, when I haven’t told her everything?

She puts her hands together, her smile stretching wide. I can tell she’s trying to shift the mood. I’m a complete buzzkill and she’s so excited for this stupid party. “Let’s put on our costumes!”

I rise from the velvet bench we shared, going to grab my duffel bag before I head for the bathroom, but her voice stops me in my tracks.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m going to change in the bathroom.” I wave my bag. “I want my costume to be a surprise.”

“Oh, good idea.” She claps her hands as she jumps to her feet. “I can’t wait to see it.”

“It’s kind of sexy,” I add, frowning. “Probably too sexy.”

“Ooh, I seriously am dying to see it now,” Sylvie says, wagging her eyebrows at me. “Trying to drive my brother crazy?”

“Not even,” I say with a scoff, though that had been my original intent.

I ordered the costume online, before Whit and I ended things. I imagined he’d take one look at me and be unable to resist.

Now he’ll probably be all over some other girl tonight, giving her his undivided attention while I’m standing there looking pitiful with too much skin exposed.

Ugh.

Sylvie offers me a knowing smile and I ignore it, slipping into the bathroom and shutting the door with a quiet click. I remove all of my clothes hurriedly, even my bra and panties. The costume doesn’t allow for any undergarments. I take my time with the fishnet stockings so I don’t snag them, and hurriedly put on everything else, staring at myself in the mirror when I’m finished.

So much skin is exposed. Too much, really. This costume isn’t appropriate for a high school party, I’m sure. But there will be no chaperones or staff on hand to cast their disapproving looks. Whit and Sylvie are Lancasters. They can do whatever they want on campus, whenever they want to.

Taking a deep breath for courage, I walk out of her bathroom and do a little twirl. “Ta da. What do you think?”

I finish turning and face Sylvie, who’s mouth is hanging open as she studies me. “Oh my God, Summer.”

My stomach cramps with nerves. “Is it too much?”

She slowly shakes her head, snapping her mouth shut. “If you’re trying to get someone’s attention, it’s going to work. That costume is a freaking guarantee. And I thought my costume was revealing.”

Sylvie mutters that last bit under her breath.

I go to the giant full-length mirror propped against her wall, noting that it’s one similar to what Whit has in his room, not that I mention it. I tilt my head, studying myself, knowing that yes, I am absolutely pushing my limits when it comes to this costume.

I can’t help but think I look incredible. I stand a bit taller, though slightly unsteady on these high-heeled boots. I usually keep myself under wraps, trying not to draw attention, but Sylvie’s right—I’m bound to turn some heads tonight.

Maybe I’ll attract someone different. Someone new. I’m done with Whit. He doesn’t have any hold on me anymore.

Of course, I realize that deep down, he’s the one I really want to notice me. It might be a little pathetic, but I’m past caring.

Forget it. I want all eyes on me tonight. Every guy in the senior class, maybe even the juniors.

“You’re going to get cold,” Sylvie says, stopping next to me, checking out her reflection.

“And you won’t?” I reply. She’s dressed as a dark angel, flaunting tight booty shorts and a black corset that accentuates her figure. Her skin’s so pale it’s almost translucent, revealing blue veins. Her legs look long and slender in black stilettos. “I love your costume.”

“You look amazing,” she responds, her voice filled with admiration.

I’m in a red-sequined tube top that bares my midriff. I considered red booty shorts but decided to go all out with red bikini bottoms. It’s revealing—I’m barely dressed. Fishnet stockings and thigh-high boots finish the look. A golden pitchfork and sequined horns top it off.

“You’re really putting it all out there.” She playfully smacks my rear, making me jump. “Does Whit know what you’re wearing?”

“We’re not…together anymore,” I explain, unsure how to label our relationship. “We ended things a few days ago.”

“Really? Let’s see how long that lasts. He’s going to see you tonight and lose it,” she says with a wicked laugh. “Was it because of Leticia?”

I frown, playing dumb. “Who’s Leticia?”

I mull over the name. Leticia. It’s beautiful. She’s probably gorgeous, refined, and polished. The type who wears twin sets and pearls, too modest to ever wear a daring Halloween costume.

“His future wife. Crazy, right? They’ve been set up since we were kids. She’s nice, pretty…and bland.” Sylvie rolls her eyes, nudging me with her hip. “Nothing like you.”

“What do you mean?”

“She doesn’t have a spark. She agrees with everything and everyone. My parents, me, and obviously, my brother. She stares at him with such longing while he barely notices her. It’s sad. Nothing wrong with her—just boring,” Sylvie clarifies. “I’m sorry if I’m being harsh. You probably didn’t know about her.”

“It’s fine,” I shrug, oddly comforted by Sylvie’s description of Leticia. I’d rather be the exciting one, even if it means being seen as less of a ‘wife’ and more like…well, someone more daring.

“I know one thing—Leticia wouldn’t dare wear a costume like yours. She’s too reserved,” Sylvie says.

Just as I thought.

“And I’m not?” I arch an eyebrow, turning to check out my reflection. My butt cheeks are practically visible through the fishnets.

I honestly don’t care.

“You usually are reserved. You downplay your looks, while every girl here tries hard to stand out. Including me.” She smirks, meeting my gaze in the mirror. “But you? You always try to blend in.”

“Not tonight,” I declare.

“Definitely not,” Sylvie chuckles. “Ready to go? I borrowed a golf cart from one of the staff. Whit loaded it up with extra drinks, so at least we won’t have to walk far in these heels.” She shows off her stilettos, aiming one at me.

“Good thinking,” I say, glancing around. “Are you set?”

“As much as I’ll ever be.” She rubs her hands together. “Got your phone?”

“Nowhere to put it,” I reply, spreading my arms. “It’s in my room.”

“Probably smart. Oh!” She rushes to her mini-fridge and pulls out a vodka bottle. “Let’s pre-party.”

We swig from the bottle, the cold vodka coursing through me, calming my nerves. Sylvie giggles as she takes a dainty sip.

“Let’s take some photos before we leave. We need to remember this night,” Sylvie suggests.

We pose in front of the mirror in her room. First, we’re all smiles and innocence. Then, we turn it up, hands on hips, chests out, tongues playfully out. I help Sylvie with her wings and snap a photo of her looking fierce with her legs apart and arms crossed. She looks stunning.

Hanging out with Sylvie is fun. She helps me forget my worries, as does the vodka. Her laughter is infectious, and I find myself laughing along. I’ve been down since the breakup, but tonight, I’m feeling unstoppable. I’m going to walk into that party and watch Whit’s jaw drop.

I just know it.

Once we’re done with the photos and Sylvie uploads a few, we head outside and hop in the golf cart. Sylvie drives like a maniac, veering off the path and laughing uncontrollably. The day started gloomy with gray skies and a light drizzle, but it cleared up after lunch. The air is chilly and the ground’s damp, but at least the rain has stopped.

When we arrive at the ruins, the party is already raging. People are everywhere, outside and inside the old building, holding beer cans or solo cups. The music blares from within, and the place is packed with bodies dancing and chatting in groups. Almost everyone’s in costume, many wearing masks, making it hard to recognize anyone.

“The party has arrived, bitches!” Sylvie announces as she stops the cart, throwing her arms up in the air.

A guy in black with a cape steps out from the crowd, and I recognize Spencer. His face is painted white, with fake blood trickling from his lips. He grins at Sylvie, showing off his vampire fangs.

“Looking great tonight, Sylvie.”

“Why, thank you, dark prince.” She hops out and rushes over to him, patting his chest and smiling. She glances back at me. “Look at Summer.”

Spencer’s eyes widen as I carefully step out of the cart. “Whoa.”

“Is it too much?” I ask, striking a pose with my hands on my hips.

His gaze sweeps over me, not sure where to focus. “Does Whit know?”

I feel a surge of irritation and brush past Spencer. “Forget Whit Lancaster. I don’t care what he thinks.”

I leave Sylvie and Spencer behind, striding up the old steps and into the building with my head held high. People stare as I pass, whispering as soon as I’m out of earshot, and for a second, I question my costume choice.

A group of girls sneer at me as I approach. One coughs and mutters, “Slut.”

I shoot her a fierce glare, but she just laughs.

A makeshift bar is set up in the corner, and I head over, downing a pre-poured drink. The alcohol burns down my throat, and I quickly grab another, swallowing it in one go.

There. A bit more liquid courage should help. I’m already feeling light-headed. I haven’t eaten since breakfast.

“Hey, gorgeous.”

I pull away from a hand trying to touch my hip and see a boy from my English class grinning at me. I try to recall his name as I study him. He’s in black, but that’s it—no real costume. He’s eyeing me up and down, clearly imagining me without my outfit.

“It’s Bryan,” he says when I don’t respond, eyeing the bar. “How much have you had?”

“I just got here,” I smile.

“Lucky me,” he says, his eyes lingering on my chest. “Why haven’t I noticed you before? You’re new, right?”

He assumes I know who he is, yet he has no clue about me. Typical.

“Yes,” I admit. “Brand new.”

“I like that.” His hand returns to my hip, and this time, I let him. His attention feels nice. At least he’s not mocking me. “What’s your name?”

“Summer.” I grab another drink, sipping it. The alcohol is strong, and I feel it going straight to my head. “Like the season.”

“The hot season where we’re half-dressed? Makes sense.” His gaze travels over my body.

I laugh and take another sip. “You know who I am. I’m sure Whit mentioned me.”

“Whit Lancaster?” He raises his eyebrows. “Can’t stand him. Thinks he owns everything.”

“Right?” I laugh, enjoying that he dislikes Whit. We could start a club. “He practically runs this school.”

“His parents do,” Bryan corrects, smiling slyly. “Big difference.” “He didn’t warn you about me?” I ask directly.

He remains unfazed. “Why should he? Look at you.”

His appreciative tone warms me inside.

The music shifts to a fast, popular song from a few months ago. I smile at Bryan. “Wanna dance?”

Without waiting for an answer, I drop my cup and take his hand. He follows me to the middle of the crowd. I start moving, the alcohol making my body feel loose and free. He barely moves, just watches me as I sway, arms raised above my head.

“Damn,” he breathes, making me giggle. All these months spent acting reserved and ordinary, hiding my true self… I’m tired of it.

I want to stand out.