"It was your idea to bet," Dean says.
"Only 'cause you wouldn't shut the fuck up." Brendon's voice is angry.
It's never angry.
Leighton clears her throat. "It's no big deal, Kaylee. You're better off waiting. I didn't have good sex until I was twenty-one. High school guys can't fuck for shit."
Dean turns to me. "Being a slut is overrated."
"Can I get that in writing?" Walker asks.
"Yeah. I'd like to check the court record on that." Ryan tosses a towel on the spill.
"Not everybody is as soulless and empty as I am," Dean says.
Em looks to me. She mouths are you okay?
No. Yes. Maybe.
What the fuck is Brendon doing betting his friends I'm a virgin?
"I think it's great you're waiting for someone special, Kaylee." Dean slurs his words. "But if you're not." He motions to the private suite in the back. The one reserved for especially intimate tattoos. "I'm more than happy to pop that cherry for you. I'll show you the night of your life."
"Right." I plaster on a smile. I know Dean is joking. I can tell he's trying to get a rise out of Brendon.
But it's not funny.
It's not funny that everyone is laughing about the inexperienced girl with a crush on the guy way out of her league.
I push myself to my feet. "Excuse me. I'm going to get some air." I reach for the door.
Walker laughs. "Dean, you're that repulsive."
The door swings shut.
A tear rolls down my cheek. Then another.
I move around the corner. Find a spot against the wall—one where no one can see me—and I slink to my knees.
Tears stain my skin.
This is all fucked.
I can't even enjoy a party.
I can't enjoy anything.
I'm a broken freak. I'll always be a broken freak.
Why would Brendon want me anyway? He has his pick of any nice, normal girl. Plenty who are prettier, smarter, funnier, bolder than I am.
I suck a breath through my teeth and let out a slow exhale. It does nothing to ease the tension in my shoulders. Or back. These heels are awful. How does Emma wear these things all the time?
The bell rings as the shop door opens.
Steady footsteps move toward me.
Then it's Brendon's voice flowing into my ears. "Dean's an asshole."