Jacob is a part of my life in the sense that I've permanently attached him to my body through my tattoo. Our tattoos were meant to signify our undying love to one another, and I should've been smarter than to assume we'd stay together long after high school. How things can change in only a few months. He doesn't show up to class on Thursday or Friday, which means I'll have to wait to talk to him until Monday because there's no way I'm meeting up with him over the weekend. Friday afternoon, the school seems to be buzzing. I meet up with Casey in front of the main building after school and ask, "What's going on today? Is it because of the football game?" She smiles at me. "Maybe, but probably because Dylan practically invited the whole school to his party later." A party? At Dylan's house? "Is this the other surprise you guys were talking about?" "I thought we were all going to tell her?" Dylan's voice asks next to me. He winks at me when we look at each other. "You're lucky she didn't hear from someone in class," she gives him a stern look. "Is inviting everyone really necessary?" He holds his hands up in defense. "I invited some people and it just took off from there." "What about Ethan?" I ask him. I'm also curious about his parents. Dylan hasn't said much about them, but surely they know about all the parties their teenage son is throwing? "He's staying at a friend's tonight. Which makes this the perfect day to have a little fun," he says, grinning. "What time is everyone going over?" I ask. If it's going to be a bigger party, I want to look better than last time. And perhaps wear waterproof makeup just in case. "Ten o'clock maybe. A lot of people are going after the football game." Casey hooks her arm onto mine. "That gives us plenty of time to doll up." We get to our cars and I throw my bag into the backseat of mine. Dylan and Casey meet me at my driver's side door. "So, ten o'clock?" Casey asks him. He nods. She glances between me and him and smirks. "I'll just go over here for a second," she says as she walks away. When she's out of his eyesight, she puckers her lips mockingly at me. I roll my eyes and focus on him. "She knows," his voice is low as he says it. Casey is sitting in her car, but she's still within earshot. "She knows a little bit," I say, shrugging. After the party at Raven's, she tried to get me to tell her what happened between me and Dylan. I only told her we talked about our feelings toward each other. I can't jump the gun because we're technically not together and Kay is still lurking around. "Well, I'll see you tonight," he says, tracing his finger along my arm. "Try not to fall in my pool again, okay?" Not falling in the pool? No problem. Not falling for Dylan? Impossible. "No promises." I laugh before peeking at Casey and making sure she isn't looking our way. I go on my tiptoes and swiftly kiss his cheek. "I'll see you tonight," I say, giving him an innocent smile. There is a look of desire in his eyes and it makes me weak at the knees. He shakes his head, but the smile remains on his face. Without saying anything, he walks to his car and speeds off. Casey stands next to me and watches him leave the parking lot. "You didn't tell me the whole story the other day." "I'll tell you when there's a full story to be told," I say. "For now, we should focus on what time you're coming over to get ready." Before I can tell my aunt about the party, I'm surprised to hear she's going out on a date. "Who is he?" I ask curiously. As far as I know, she doesn't go out too much. Maybe he's someone from work. "He's a genetics professor," she smiles as she wanders into her room with me following her. "I always see him in the mornings getting a coffee at the food court. He asked me to have a drink with him and I said yes." A genetics professor? "He sounds like a smart guy." "An equal match for a smart woman, don't you think?" she laughs. "I have no idea what to wear. I haven't been on a date since...well it's been a while." It clicks. "Casey is going to be here in a minute. She's my stylist, so I'm sure she can help you too," I offer. "This might be embarrassing to admit, but I'll need a little help," she sits on her bed. Casey casually walks into the room and put her hands on her hips. "Sorry to barge in. The door is unlocked. And I can totally help you." Casey was always one to walk into my other house without knocking. My parents had no problem with it since she practically lived there too. "Where are you two going?" she asks, eyeing us both. "Dylan is throwing somewhat of a birthday party for Lacey," Casey beats me to the punch. She even does a little hop in her place. "A party?" my aunt raises her brow. Once again, Casey speaks. "I promise I'll look out for Lacey. Hell, Dylan will look out for Lacey too. He's totally got a thing for her." My aunt grins. "I knew it."