Tyler is unfortunately very te for Lia’s birthday party. And he bmes it on the damn suit he’d had to get out of some pit in the back of his closet. It had been buried under a bunch of bags, and a shit ton of clothes. He bmes the clothes on his mother. He kept telling her he had more than enough, but she refused to listen.

  Could he have used one of his dad’s? Yes. But that was besides the point, because his father mostly wore gray and boring shades of brown. Which was absolutely not the vibe he was going for.

  Also, the bright blue suit was the only one he’d be caught dead wearing. The colour was close to cobalt, even in the shade, and was soft on his skin to boot. So, despite the annoyance, he was gd when he did find it. Next time he’d just hang the damn thing so he could see it at all times.

  Having found it, he checked his phone for the time. And shit. He was already half an hour te, he’d be even more so by the time he was done getting ready. He shotLiaan apology text, and quickly answered the one from Vicky. He ignored the rest, figuring either of them would be able to tell Brooke about it.

  After the camping trip, Vicky decided to sit with them more often, sometimes dragging Ally and Brooke right along with her. Which was why it was only natural that Lia would invite them to her birthday. They’d agreed and had caused Lia to squeal so loud in excitement that he almost wished they hadn’t.

  His poor ear drums. Thankfully he wasn’t the only one suffering. Nina had discretely stuffed a bread roll in her mouth automatically. Tyler smiled as he put the ironed suit one. It had been hirious to see her running away after.

  Vicky had also told him in no uncertain terms in the days after that he was dumb for not just thinking of that to begin with. And although he had wanted to deny that, he couldn’t.

  It was a very stupid moment for him. But in his defense, there hadn’t really been much change in their group over the years. So, it wasn’t entirely his fault that integration hadn’t been on his mind.

  Zachhad jokingly compined about being outnumbered by girls just once and had been met with seething gnces from all of them. That had made him back off immediately with raised hands, and never repeat the words again.

  Anyway, it was nice. He hadn’trealisedthey were so isoted from the rest of their year group before then. But it was nice making new friends at this stage. They fit in remarkably well after only a few days, the awkwardness fading almost immediately. A feat that was rgely due to Vicky’s presence.

  Which really didn’t help his developing crush, but that was besides the point.

  Tyler looked at his reflection in the mirror with a sigh. The tie around his neck felt odd and unfamiliar. If someone had told him just a few months ago that he’d be wearing a suit of his volition, he’d have called them crazy. But that was beforeLiahad became obsessed with the aesthetic and made it her party theme.

  “If you keep scowling like that, you’re face may just become stuck that way,” his mother tells him with an amused smile.

  “But it feels so weird!” That was admittedly more whiny than he should be at eighteen, but he couldn’t really find it in himself to care.

  Mum just ughs, shaking her head and walking up to him, fixing the tie and his hair before moving back with a nod. “Yes, yes. I know.” She smiles. “But I do like the look on you. Reminds me of your father when-”

  “Mum,” he interrupts her with a hurried voice. This could really get very long or embarrassing, whichever. He didn’t want either.

  She grins. “Oh, alright.” Then she sighs, hands going to his face.

  It surprises him enough that he stays still as her eyes wander over it. She has a weird look in her eyes. “Mum?” It’s like she’s not even looking at him. “Are you okay?”

  “Hmm?” She blinks, seeming to come back to herself. “I’m fine, just thinking of some things.” A soft smile pulls up her lips. “I’m just gd you’re happy now.”

  “Wasn’t I before?” Tyler didn’t think he was that much happier than he was a few months ago. What the hell was she talking about?

  “You were,” she concedes, “but not the way you’ve been the past few days. After the crash, I was worried I’d never see you this way again.”

  “Crash?” What crash? From the way she was looking at him, it was obvious it was important, but why couldn’t remember it?

  His mother looks at him for a few silent moments. “Ah.Nevermind, it’s nothing. Forget I said anything.”

  “No,” he frowns, feeling something niggling at the back of his head. “What crash?” The words are firm. Well, as firm as they can be with the pleading tone.

  “I…” She sighs, “You’re not going to drop this, are you?” The look on his face is answer enough. She shakes her head. “The Jones family crash. It’s old news now, but I remember you were great friends with their daughter.”

  That…Does sound familiar. An sudden pulse of pain goes through his chest, hand going to cover it on instinct. He can tears filling his eyes. They don’t get to fall. His mother wipes them away with a sad expression.

  “Don’t worry about it,” she tells him softly, “If you can’t remember it’s because you don’t want to.” She smiles sadly, “I wager it’s the same for your little friends.”

  He doesn’t answer. He can’t. Not with the whirlwind of emotions now swirling inside him. Tyler blinks out of it when a pair of keys is jingled in front of his eyes, the shock of it breaking through his thoughts.

  “Here,” his mother deposits them in his hands. “Send me a message when you get there. Have fun, and don’t stay out too te.” She gives him a pointed look to emphasize the st point and he feels a smile flicker over his face. She’ll be waiting. It will be nice to come home and not have it be to an empty house.

  “Okay,” he says. She nods, ushering him out the door midst reminders of driver safety.

  “I got it, Mum,” he says on a ugh. “I’m not stupid.”

  “Debatable” he hears her murmur under her breath. Which is rude, but he decides to ignore it. He’s already te, Lia might just kill him if he’s any more so.

  Making a quick check to see her present was still in the backseat where he’d left it, he started the ignition. Then had to tap through the radio to put on music for the drive. One of the disadvantages of not having his own car. But such was the case when you didn’t have a job.

  Not that he wasn’t looking for one. It was just turning out to be more annoying than expected. His allowance didn’t cover quite enough for everything.

  Tyler sighs, focusing on the music instead. Maybe he should take up his uncle’s offer, but that wouldn’t start until next year. He still had half a year to go before graduating and the adults in his life were insistent he focus on that.

  Technically he was an adult too. He grimaced almost immediately at the thought. He didn’t feel like an adult. Not really.

  He was saved from the spiral his thoughts had randomly decided to go on when the bright lights blinded him. He had to slow down and squint to not crash into anything.Lia’sfamily was rich rich, so they’d been able to decorate their veritable mansion up like a scene fromBridgertonwith ease.

  Where those actual flower petal on the footpath. And look at all the hanging lights. There was fucking red carpet leading up the entrance. Jesus Christ, Lia was extra. That didn’t stop his face from splitting into a grin as he was escorted inside.

  The chandelier was as big and sparkly as he remember from the few times he’d been there before. Lia didn’t really like funting the wealth in obvious ways, so they didn’t hang out here much. Something about uncomfortable atmospheres.

  A quick sweep of the room showed the people Lia had invited had more than understood the assignment. And there was admittedly a lot of them since she wanted to mark this milestone as grandly as she could get away with. Elegant dresses and suits everywhere.

  Now, where the hell were his friends? He couldn’t see them anywhere. Should he go up the stairs to the second floor, or keep looking. Frowning, he shot them a text. No response. The frown grew deeper.

  Was she ignoring him. But no. She wasn’t really the type to hold a grudge like that. If anything, she’d gre at him and tell him off for it. Nina wasn’t answering either.

  He found Zach in the middle of the room by the food. “You’re te,” he tells Tyler in between bites.

  “Yeah, I know,” Tyler rolls his eyes, “Hey, do you know whereLiais? I don’t see her anywhere.”

  “I…” Zach frowns, turning a gnce around the room. “That’s weird. She was right there the st time I saw her.”

  Oh. He tries to ignore the unease. “When was this?”

  “About…” his eyes turn to the clock, head tilting, “Ten? Yeah. About ten minutes ago?”

  “Cool,” Tyler says, trying to keep his tone even. It’s difficult with the pit starting to form in his stomach. That by itself isn’t really strange, but…“Have you seen any of the others? Nina? Vicky?”

  Nina would normally be right here with Zach, so her absence is hitting arm bells. It’s nothing. God, he hopes it’s nothing. First his mother with the crash, now this. Why can’t he shake off this bad feeling.

  “No?” Zach looks more worried now. Straightening up, food now forgotten as his eyes frantically search the room. “Shit,” he says, running a hand through his head. The next minute, he’s tapping a nearby man on the shoulder, “Hey. Have you seen the birthday girl?”

  “No,” he says with a shrug. Tyler’s terrible with names in general, but he thinks the kid’s name is An. Not that he’s going to ask.

  “Are you sure,” Zach asks again, foot tapping insistingly.

  “I-”

  “I don’t know where she’s gone but,” A girl, probably An’s friend grabs his shoulder to steady herself. Odd. He doesn’t think there’s alcohol here. Although, he supposes he could be wrong. “I did see that douche Joey walk in a while ago.”

  “What!?” That excmation comes from them both.

  Shit. That’sLia’spsycho ex, who stalked her for weeks after they broke up. And sent her weird messages. Shit. Fuck. Shit. He runs a frantic hand through his hair, messing up all his earlier hard work. Had the talk they had not sunk in?

  Fucking hell. “Are you sure,” he asks like an idiot. He already knows the answer, but he hopes, prays, he’s heard wrong. That asshole was the reasonLiahad been put off dating for months now.

  The girl’s lips purse and she grimaces, looking a little more sober now. “Yeah,” she says softly, “I am.”

  Tyler doesn’t need to hear anymore, he’s already turning to Zach, who’s in full on panic mode. “We need to find her. We need to-”

  Crash! A yelp breaks through the air, followed by lots of cursing. They share a brief look, before they’re both sprinting up the stairs to the source of it. The music still pys, but some people are now staring up there as well.

  Some just shrug it off, but others follow them up the stairs. He doesn’t have time for it. He sprints for the balcony, where the voices are the loudest, Zach close by. Then freezes. Mind stuttering to a stop at the sight he sees.

  “Why the hell-” The asshole is on the floor, and a heeled foot presses arming close to his dick.

  “Tsk,” Vicky says, giving him a scathing look. “When a girl says to leave her alone, you should listen.”

  “She’s-”

  “Shut up,” Vicky’s voice sounds colder than he’s ever heard it. No one says a thing as they watch her look down on Joey like a queen looking at a squished bug. “I’ve heard enough of you to st a lifetime.”

  Chills go down his spine. And Joey’s eyes bug out even as he tries for a brave front. Tyler hates to have anything in common with the parasite, but can unfortunately understand the sentiment.Liaand Nina are looking at Vicky with wide eyes and gaping mouths.

  “You bitch!”

  “Yeah?” Vicky grins sadistically, pressing her foot even further. “So what?” She tilts her head zily, “What can you even do?” Tyler can’t tear his eyes off her.

  Joey screams, jumping to his feet. And Tyler takes a step forward because Vicky lets him. Heartbeat picking up. This isn’t good. Tyler’s breath stalls as Joey goes to punch her, feet moving across the ground in a panic.

  But it proves to be unnecessary. Vicky catches his arm and flips him on his ass in a fluid motion. Crash! He lets out a louder scream this time and Tyler can’t say it’s not satisfying. On an slightly unreted note, he might be a little in love with her now.

  “You really should have stayed down,” Vicky says slowly, fully intent on castrating him now by the way she’s pressing down her heel.

  “I…”

  “Uh ah,” she grins, “Didn’t I tell you to shut the fuck up.” Joey can’t hold back his shiver this time. Tyler moves to stand behind her, careful not to get in her way, but within reach if the asshole tries anything. Although she seems to have this covered.

  “Now, here’s what’s going to happen,” Vicky says casually like the man isn’t in danger of wetting himself as they speak. He has never seen that much fear in someone’s eyes. But he supposes she did just flip him like a fucking ninja.

  “You’re going to delete her number from your phone. You’re going to walk out of this house and never look back.” Her voice turns sharper, and she picks up a long umbrel, using it like a sword under his chin. “Never talk to her. Don’t even look at her, is that understood?”

  “You’re not the boss of me!” Good gods, he’s still going.

  “Yes I am,” Vicky digs the umbrel in slightly at hisadam’sapple, “because if you don’t do as I say, I’ll make flipping you on your ass look like child’s py.” She leans down to whisper something in ear that Tyler doesn’t catch, but makes her prey bnch comically and gulp.

  “Is that understood,” Vicky says with a sickeningly sweet smile, “or do I need to drive the point better?” He nods frantically. “Use your words,” Vicky commands.

  “Yes!” He practically cries the word, “I understand! I’ll never come near her ever again. Let me go! Please!”

  “Good,” Vicky moves back, umbrel still held loosely, “Nowapologise. I don’t care how fake it is, you’lpologiseand then never show your face to her again.”

  “I’m sorry! Forgive me!” Tyler’s brows rise as he actually does as he’s told, but doesn’t dare to meetLia’seyes. What in the bloodyhellsdid Vicky say to him?

  “Is that good for you?” Vicky turns her head, pointing the question to Lia. Whose eyes are still wide, but there’s a smile pying on her lips now. Something tells him Vicky may have just given her more closure than she thought she needed. Damn her, he thinks with amusement, how is he supposed to beat this present?

  Lia nods, and Vicky turns to the man, who’s still ying on the floor. “Well, it seems you’re free for now. Get your ass off her floor and get out.”

  “Yes, ma’am.” And then he’s getting off the floor and making a run for it. The wide-eyed crowd parts to let him through.

  “Call the cops,” Vicky’s telling Nina. “Report it in case he tries this shit again.” Tyler takes an involuntary step back when she sends him andZacha scathing look. “It’s what you should have done the first time.”

  “Got it,” Nina says, already pulling out her phone.

  “Good, that’s-Ah!” Vicky’s eyes widen as her eyes meet the crowd. A blush seeps into her cheeks. “I…Didn’t know I had an audience.” She shoots them an awkward ugh and smile. “Sorry about that, you guys can go down now.”

  “That was freaking awesome!” Someone says, to a shouts of agreement.

  Vicky’s blush reddens. “Thanks,” she says, sounding like she wants to bury herself in a hole. Then clears her throat. “Can you guys make sure he’s gone? And give us some space? Please?”

  They smile, making an okay with their fingers before moving away. Tyler is amused by the way she comically releases a breath of relief and buries her head in hands. And so is Zach, if his smile is anything to go by. But he moves away to see how Lia is, giving them space.

  “So,” Tyler begins, “When did you learn the ninja moves?”

  She peers up at him between her fingers. Then seems to think better of it and straightens. “To make a long story, short, I did judo for a few years. And after...Well, when I came to live with Jade, she signed me up for a couple of self defence lessons,” she says, going for an easy grin. She fails, the redness is too strong over her cheeks for it to work.

  He ignores this. “Well,” he grins, “It really fucking cool.”

  She ughs, “Thanks.” Then it fades as she grimaces. “Though I think I might have just ruined Lia’s night.”

  “Nah,” he tells her, “If anything you might have just fixed the mess it could have been.” And she had. She doesn’t seem to believe him if the weak smile she gives him is any indication, but Tyler knows it’s the truth.

  She really was very cool. And scary. He decided then and there that he doesn’t want to get on her bad side ever. Now, to check onLia.