Chapter 17 The new boy is really cute

Chapter 17 The new boy is really cute


Harley

I chose to blame my inability to fall asleep after the warm shower and milk on the party going on downstairs, even though I could barely hear the music. But It was the only excuse I could think of so I could avoid thinking about what it really was.

“...if he doesn't see how beautiful you are without makeup or a pretty dress, then he doesn't deserve you…”

I squeezed my eyes shut and draped the comforter over my head. But somehow, I couldn't quieten the voice in my head, Asher's voice.

As if being tormented by Asher's voice wasn't enough nightmare, there was this tingly feeling on my chest that I couldn't seem to shake off. That feeling that seem to only lead back to one person, to one boy.

I flung the comforter off me and screamed in frustration. I rolled off the bed and padded to the bathroom to splash cold water on my face. If my brain couldn't conjure up any other scenario aside from Asher Henderson, then I'd rather not go back to bed. An idea struck me.

I walked out of the bathroom and strode towards the walk-in closet before I could talk myself out of it. I rummaged through my clothes. Most of the outfits in here wouldn't fit what I was intending to do. But after searching for a while, I finally found one particularly scandal dress.

“There you are.” I smiled to myself before grabbing the dress.

A black sleeveless tight-fitting dress that had gotten me into the VIP section of a bar during an overnight school trip last year. It was one of the few expensive dresses I had refused to give up. The dress and some heavy make-up would command lot of attention. And that was exactly what I wanted.

I changed into it quickly and started my make-up. I added an extra layer of eye shadow to give the smoky eyes and a deeper shade of red lipstick. Blowjob red was what the salesgirl called it when I bought it.

I was done with my make-up in no time. I stared at my reflection in the mirror and smirked with satisfaction. I straightened my hair and packed it in a high ponytail, leaving a few strands on my face. Then I grabbed my boots and walked out the door.

I shut down the voice that whispered to me to go back into my room. I was not going to be the pathetic girl who hid in her room while everyone partied. It was my senior year for fuck's sake and I had never had a boyfriend. I was determined to change that narrative tonight.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped into the hallway and began walking down the stairs. Eyes were on me as I walked past. People seem to stop what they were doing and turn to look at me. Just the way I wanted it to be.

I ignored the attempts of the boys who approached me to dance and made my way to the set up bar. If I was going to go through with this reckless plan, I needed liquid courage.

Thank God tonight wasn't a school night.

I grabbed one of the shots lined on the counter and gulped the content. The liquid tasted gross, but I forced it down.

“Can't believe the most beautiful girl in the room is standing next to me.”

I flinched at the sound of the voice so close to me. I had been so focused on getting the liquor that I didn't notice the guy standing beside me.

“Ryan, hi.” I said. “I didn't see you standing there.”

“I guess I was camouflaged by all the partying and the guys currently glaring at me for ruining their chance to speak with you.” He gestured to the group of boys standing in a corner and frowning at us.

My eyes locked with Ryan. He kept his eyes fixed on my face as if he didn't want to look anywhere else. I couldn't stop myself from blushing.

But despite the clear attraction between us, something felt off somehow.

Ryan leaned in and whispered into my ears. “You look gorgeous, Harley.”

My blush deepened. “Thank you. You look good too.”

He really did. His curly hair complimented his brown eyes and deep brown skin. He wore a simple blue shirt and jeans, yet he looked like he just walked off a runway.

“Thank you, Ms.” He smiled. “So why do you decide to show up here? You told me this wasn't your type of scene.”

“It's not. But I was bored and I didn't want to be alone. So I came. What about you?”

“Same reason. My friends were coming so I decided to come too. I'm glad I did.”

“Me too.” I smiled.

I dragged by gaze around the room, searching for no one in particular. Actually, someone. I hadn't seen Asher since I got downstairs. I spotted Ivan, the left winger who usually stuck around Asher. I could make out a few players of the football team, but there was no Asher.

Why was I searching for him anyway?

“Are you looking for anyone in particular? Maybe I can help you look.” Ryan said.

“Uhm… not really. I guess I'm just a little nervous.” I admitted.

“ Well, in that case, would you like to dance? I promise not to step on your toes.” He grinned.

I chuckled. “I don't think I'm drunk enough to dance yet. I'm not a very good dancer.”

“Okay then, drinks first then we dance.”

“Sounds good to me.”

The both of us grabbed the shots on the counter and gulped it down. The liquid didn't taste as gross the second time, but it was definitely stronger.

Ryan seem to feel the same way. “Damn, this is strong. Where does this guy get this shit?”

“Probably somewhere illegal.” I shrugged. Asher actively sort trouble. He definitely got all the alcohol through illegal means.

I pushed all thoughts of Asher and his nefarious ways out of my head. I came down here to do something about the lack of romance in my life, and there was a cute boy standing here talking to me.

I decided to start a conversation with him. “Do you usually go things like this?”

“At my old school, yes. I was a member of the track team. This was their usual kind of scene. Although, I have to admit, Golden High students sure know how to party.”

“Yeah, they do. Why do you decide to leave your you school anyway?” I asked.

His smile vanished for the fraction of a second, but his expression changed so quickly that I almost thought I had imagined it.

“Is this not appropriate conversation for a party? I'm sorry, I think I'm a little drunk.”

“No, it's fine.” He flashed me a smile that seemed a little forced. “There's no tragic story behind my transfer. I just wanted a change of environment.”

I nodded and took another sip of the gross liquid. “You don't have to keep drinking it if you don't like it. We can find something else. I'm sure there will be other drinks in the kitchen.”

“No, no, it's fine. I'm fine. Liquid courage, remember?” I raised the glass.

“We don't have to dance anymore. We can just sit here and talk. I like talking to you, Harley.” His smile seem to lighten up the entire space, his eyes sparkled with a different kind of light I hadn't noticed before.

“I like talking to you too.” I blushed.

I have been blushing so much in the past few hours, I really hope I hadn't develop some heart disease. Ryan brought his hand to my face and gently brushed the few strands of hair off my face.

“I was thinking about that coffee we were gonna grab, would you prefer if we were more than just friends hanging out?” he asked.

My heart actually did a mini flip at that moment. I had never thought I was going to have a relationship until I graduated high school, I hadn't even had my first kiss yet. But somehow everything seem very possible now.

“Are you asking me out right now?” I asked stupidly.

“Yes, Harley. I am. I know we just met and we barely know each other, but I really like you.”

“I really like you too.”

“Good.” He said. “So what do you say we go get that coffee after school on Monday?”

“I'd like that.” I replied.

The words had barely left my mouth when I looked ahead and froze. I had finally found Asher, sitting on the couch his hands around a familiar blonde.

Something in my chest cracked. I didn't know why I cared, I couldn't figure out why exactly it bothered me when it wasn't the first time he was doing it.

But somehow, I can't seem to look away as Meghan and Asher kissed each other passionately.