Pull

“Taffy.” I joked without thinking.

Demetri’s eyes warmed. “Yes, that’s a good one. I eat taffy to keep addictions at bay. Addictions were my way of coping with fear and loss. What else? Anyone?”

Holly raised her hand. “Avoidance.”

“That’s not healthy,” Sam interjected looking more upset than I’d seen him all night. Geez, what was with him tonight?

“I know,” Holly mumbled. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

“So why do you keep doing it?” Sam yelled. “Why do you avoid the truth? Why don’t you tell everyone? Do you think this makes it better? Do you think this makes me feel better?” He stood and pointed his finger at her. Connor grabbed him and jerked him away.

“Cool off, dude! What’s your problem?”

“Life!” Sam yelled. “That and the fact that I’m so tired of secrets.” His eyes closed as he took a shuddering breath. “Aren’t you, Holly? Aren’t you tired of secrets?”

Nobody said anything. Sam cursed. “Whatever. I’m out of here.”

“Sam, wait.” Holly ran after him, leaving just Demetri, Connor, Aaron, and me.

“Anyone care to explain?” Demetri said raising his hands in the air in defeat.

Aaron shook his head. “Not my business to tell, man. But she’s been acting really upset ever since our last meeting.” He gave a slight nod to Demetri who nodded back. What was going on?

We all waited for ten minutes, but nobody came back.

Demetri checked his watch just as Aaron received a text message.

“She’s going home.” Aaron cursed. “Alright, guess we aren’t partying. I’ll see you guys later.” He walked out just as Sam walked back in.

“Sorry,” Sam mumbled. And that was it. He didn’t offer any explanation.

“Alright.” Demetri stood abruptly. “I guess it’s just us. Party at my house.”

I reached for his hand but didn’t feel like partying as much anymore. Something was bothering Sam. Did it have to do with the packet he gave me? My fingers itched to go grab it and read it, but fear held me back. What if it was something horrible? What if it ruined my good mood? For once, I didn’t actually want to think about the past or about Brady. I squeezed Demetri’s hand. I wanted to be there for him on his birthday.

“You okay?” He kissed my cheek.

“Yup!” I offered my best smile. “Time to celebrate being old!”

Demetri laughed and tugged me towards the front door.

**** “Holy crap.” We’d just pulled up to Demetri’s house. I’d never seen it looking so… famous? Was that the right word? Lights lit up the entire house, torches lined the sidewalk, and there were chic pieces of furniture out front with blankets, and candles on each table. It was the perfect place to watch the waves. “Alec went kind of… crazy.” I gulped when I saw all the photographers outside.

“Unbelievable.” Demetri muttered a curse. “I thought Alec took care of the paparazzi.”

My eyes took in about twenty people, all with cameras, waiting outside the house. “Yeah, apparently not.”

“Can you do this?” Demetri turned off the car and reached for my hand. “It will be really quick, I promise. Smile, nod your head, and don’t say anything, okay? Even if they say I’m a bastard and carrying Selena Gomez’s love child, just keep smiling.”

I burst out laughing. “If someone said that I would die laughing, so no worries there. Selena Gomez, huh?”

“One of the many rumors. Believe me. I bet Justin Bieber was getting ready to kick my ass.”

“That…” I kissed his cheek. “I would pay to see.”

“You and millions of girls worldwide.” He winked.

“Let’s go, birthday boy, before your head gets too big for this car.”

The minute we got out of the car the cameras started flashing, nearly blinding me with their intensity. To say I was scared would be a huge understatement. I mean, these people were so interested in Demetri, they were camping outside of his house!

We walked hand and hand towards the front door. A reporter lunged for us. “Is it true, Demetri? Are you proposing tonight?”

I stifled a laugh. While Demetri answered. “Yes, right after I find out if the baby’s a boy or girl.”

The reporter gasped and then narrowed her eyes. “Very funny.”

Demetri patted her on the back. “I thought so. Now, Clara, we’re on a first name basis, I mean, I buy your photographer coffee every other Saturday.”

“Thanks, bro!” someone shouted.

“No problem.” Demetri focused back on Clara as the lights continued to flash. “Think you could try to keep the crowd from going crazy? I mean, it is my birthday.” His heart-stopping smile nearly had me gasping for air.

“Damn you, Demetri Daniels, and damn your smile.” Clara nudged him and took a large step back. The rest somehow followed suit making it easier for us to get inside the house.

“You’re here!” Nat screamed launching herself into Demetri’s arms. I was suddenly super grateful I knew she and Alec were in love. The girl was gorgeous and was at this moment hugging the guy I liked as if he was the best thing since Starbucks was invented.

“Sucks, huh?” Alec said. I didn’t even know he was next to me.

“What?”

“Their connection. I used to hate it, but now, I’m thankful.