God, she’s said that like ten times already. I wish I could be as excited as she is about the whole thing. I let her drag me into the living room where loud rock music is now blaring and people mill about talking and drinking and smoking.
Tessa’s right, and I look forward to studying, having friends, finding my way. My life went sideways less than three years go and it still feels as if it’s off the rails.
Which is why I came back to Madison WI, hoping to hit the reset button. Only, this town holds lots of memories, both good and bad. It’s where I spent a magical childhood, where I fell in love for the first time and had my heart broken. Where the accident took place, turning my world upside down.
Finally I spot Dylan at a table stacked with bottles, talking with a pretty dark-haired woman. He has his back to me, but his broad shoulders are hard to miss. I hesitate, watching the girl’s animated face. Should I interrupt?
Then Tessa squeals and throws herself at Dylan, hugging him from behind, leaving me no option but to follow her.
Dylan and Tessa. At school they were like a commercial for toothpaste—both blond and blue-eyed with perfect white smiles. They looked like twins and behaved that way, too. They’ve been friends since forever and lusted after each other for just as long.
They did go out for a while, a couple of months when we were fourteen. But then something happened, though neither of them will talk to me about it. Dylan’s eyes turned haunted, and Tessa seems to have demons of her own to fight.
What I do know is they’d be perfect together. Not because they look alike; because they hurt alike.
“Audrey is here,” Tessa says in Dylan’s ear.
“Audrey!” Dylan twists around, a grin from ear to ear, his arms open wide. “Come here.”
I almost fall over. I can feel my eyes going round. God, how he’s changed. His black T-shirt has a silver skull design, and his hair is longer in the front, purple bangs brushing his jaw. A silver ring glints on his lip.
I’m so shocked, it takes me a moment to realize he’s still holding his arms open. He lifts a brow, beckoning with his hands, and I have no choice but to walk over and be hugged.
“Hi. Dylan.” I draw back and try not to gape openly at him. Since when has he turned into a sexy bad boy?
“The prodigal daughter returns.” He pats my back and pulls away, his eyes sparkling. “How does it feel to be back home?”
“She hates it,” Tessa says and sticks her tongue out at me.
“Actually, being back is perfect,” I lie, a momentary twinge of unease in my chest. Because it’s perfect, and hard, and sad, and horrible, all of it at once. “Good to see you. How’s everything?”
“Great. Did you start classes? Haven’t seen you on campus.”
“Only got here yesterday. I’ll go on Monday. I need to get permission to enroll in the astronomy class.”
Dylan nods, grinning. “Astronomy. Hadn’t pegged you for a stargazer.”
“I’m not.” Which was why I want it. Something new, something different.
“Hey, I’ll leave you two to get reacquainted. Gonna grab a beer.” Tessa wanders away, inserting herself into a group of unfamiliar people.
I stare at her slender back, left bare by her black halter top and low-slung jeans. She used to wear ripped jeans and dye her hair black back in school, but I guess her oppressive family finally got to her, forcing a more conservative style on her. She hasn’t told me much about them lately.
No matter, though. Whatever she wears, Tess is beautiful. Right now she rocks the classy, laid back style and attitude, and I wish I was like her.
Dylan on the other hand rocks the somber punk style, with his black skull-themed T-shirt, tight pants and combat boots.
Jesus, talk about a make-over. He was always so clean and proper, a good boy from a good family, the stellar student and athlete.
“Decided on a major?” he asks, his eyes fixed on Tessa.
“Not yet.” I have no clue yet what I want—from my studies, from my life—and sometimes it feels like I’m standing on the edge of a precipice.
Seeing Dylan brings back so many memories. Tess is right. Ages ago, back when we went to high school together here in Madison, I had a fangirl crush on him. Then again, who hadn’t?
It’s easy to fall for Dylan with his killer body and that handsome, square-jawed face, the bright blue eyes and big smile. He was a quarterback and it shows. Half the female population of the school had pined for him and the other half had tried to get him.
Unsuccessfully. Dylan hasn’t been involved with anyone since he was fourteen, and I should know. Tessa wept on my shoulder when he broke up with her. I don’t really know why he changed, but hopefully after all these years he’s found happiness.