"You decorated my room?"
"Yes." She beams, her smile is vibrant and kind. I instantly feel guilty for not liking it. I mean, it's not that bad.
"That was really nice of you," I say, sincerely. "Where'd you get the pictures?"
"From Olivia." She adds, "Parker's mother," when I look confused. I nod, like that makes sense. Except it doesn't. How did Parker's mother get pictures of me?
"I know Kingston isn't where you want to be, but I promise we'll have the most unforgettable summer!"
"Maybe I should stay," Parker interjects.
"You know you can't," Lily tells him, pouting slightly. And somehow it looks sincere and adorable on her.
"I know." Parker sighs.
"When do you go back?" I ask him, suddenly not wanting him to leave either. But why do I need him to stay? Can I actually trust him? More than that, is he capable of helping me?
"Tomorrow."
"Oh." I slouch in the chair, unable to hide my disappointment.
"I'll be back though," he assures me. "We'll figure this out."
"What are you talking about?" Lily asks, looking between us. Then her eyes widen like she suddenly understands. "Oh!"
But now I'm confused. I turn to Parker for an answer. Then I hear someone shouting my name.
I cock my head, listening. "Is that ..."
"Ashton," Lily confirms.
"I should go find her." I stand and go to grab my plate.
"I'll get it," Parker tells me, getting to his feet. Before I can walk away, he reaches for my hand, pulling me toward him. My heart does this flippy-skipping thing in my chest. I'm trying to decide if it's excited or afraid, when he wraps his arms around me and murmurs low in my ear, "You really can trust me. Even if it's only as friends." He meets my eyes, letting me know he's serious. "You know I want more than that, but if it's all I can get, I'll take it." He leans down and brushes his lips against my cheek.
"Lana!"
Ashton hollers, much closer.
"I should go," I say softly, reluctantly easing out of his arms. Just as I turn around, Ashton appears, her eyes frantic.
"There you are! We have to go, right now! I totally forgot about the early curfew-thing this weekend!" She grabs my arm and pulls me after her.
"I can drive you," Parker calls after us.
"Lance is already waiting for us in your car," she tells him over her shoulder, still yanking me. She pushes her way through the crowd; swears trail after us as drinks spill and jostle.
Parker is still in pursuit. "Lance has the Rover?"
"He said to get it from the school tomorrow when your father comes to visit." There's a crowd congregating right in front of the entrance to the house. "Move!" Surprisingly, they do.
I'm half tripping, half being dragged through the house, wanting to free my arm from her talon grip. But I'm too busy trying not to fall on my face.
"I'll see you tomorrow!" I hear Parker say from somewhere in the distance.
"Bye!" I call back, not sure where he is or if he can hear me.
"Hurry," Ashton says, sliding in the passenger seat. I pop in the back.