He leans in closer to me. “Oh, yeah? You liked that?” His grin is full of mischief.

It’s nice to be this close to him. Even though we are surrounded by people, I feel like it’s only us as he wraps his strong arms around me, and we just sit there on the grass while I lean back into him.

The stars are bright, filling the sky. I never really notice them unless I’m with Todd.

“Penn State gave me a verbal offer tonight,” he says so softly I almost don’t hear him. I did, though. I just wish I didn’t.

Stay calm, be happy, or at least act like you’re happy.

“Wow. That’s amazing.” I squeeze my eyes shut, grateful he can’t see my face since I’m leaning against his chest.

He runs his hands down my arms, and I delight in his touch.

“Yeah? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” I say too quickly, like a false reflex. “Really, I’m good. I’m happy for you.” Despite feeling tears welling up, I try to make my voice sound as normal as possible.

“I wanted to tell you first. We all had meetings with the Penn State scout. I think they are really interested in Brian and Ryan, too, as a package deal. Wouldn’t that be amazing if we all ended up at the same school, on the same team?”

“Yeah, amazing.” I continue to force my voice to sound steady, even though I’m feeling the exact opposite.

“A few scouts even asked to meet with Johnny after seeing him at state and then tonight. I guess our glitter stunt was good for something.” Todd gives a sarcastic laugh while I feel his fingers glide over the nape of my neck. I hear his voice, but he feels so far away already, like he’s not really here with me.

I glance around the party to avoid dealing with my reality, and I notice Shane and Johnny across Mark’s sprawling yard. The reflection of the moving pool water is bouncing off both of them as they talk, and it makes me think of the last time I was at a pool at night. It brings a smile to my face, even in this moment of deep distress.

Their conversation looks heated, though. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’ve never seen that look on either of their faces before. I don’t like it; however, I have my own issue at the moment.

“Ash? Ashley?” I hear Todd’s voice and zone back into our conversation. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

I turn my body to look at him, and seeing his gorgeous eyes makes me miss him even more already. I can’t believe I won’t get to see him every day.

I press my lips together to compose myself before I say anything else. I need him to believe me, or I know he won’t be able to truly enjoy this news. I run my fingers over his cheekbones. He really could be a model.

“I am, really. I’m good. I’m excited for you. I know you’re going to be amazing, and I can’t wait to watch you on TV.” I muster the most genuine smile I can.

His eyes study me before he finally smiles, too. “Well, I’ll probably be red-shirted for the first year, so you’ll have to wait for TV.” He leans in, and his lips connect with mine. “But coming to games will be fun. Then you can come see my dorm room.” His smile fills in the blanks, and I know exactly what he’s thinking.

He leans back into me as his lips connect once again with mine. The electricity that soars through me whenever we kiss never ends. His lips belong on mine. I don’t care that we are surrounded by people at this party; all I want is him.

His hands run down my back as he pulls me in closer. Then I feel a tap on my shoulder. At first, I ignore it, but then I hear his voice.

“Um, I’m really sorry to interrupt; you guys look busy.” I know this sound, and I know this is Shane on the verge of losing it.

I turn to give him a WTF look, but as soon as my eyes land on his, I know something is wrong. Todd must read him perfectly because I feel his hands drop away.

“I’ll let you guys talk,” Todd says as he gets up, giving me an understanding nod.

“Hamilton! Where is T.H.? We need him in here.” Brian comes barreling out of the French doors that lead to the backyard.

“Bri, over here,” Todd shouts back. “Looks like I’m needed inside,” he says with a smile, squeezing my shoulders then patting Shane on the back as he walks away.

“Okay, Shaney.” I pat the grass next to me.

He looks back over at Johnny who is talking to a girl that is exuding I-want-you vibes as she twirls her light brown hair.

Shane looks back at me and shakes his head. “Not here. Let’s go to the front; less people.” He holds out his hand to help me up.

TODD

“You are going down, Hamilton!” Brian shouts as he gets ready to serve. “This is a drink pong rematch. You may have won last time, but this is my night. The true winners will reign.” Brian has a huge smile on his face as he pounds his chest. He leaves the table for a second to kiss Blythe who is leaning against the wall, poised to watch the game, already amused. “I’m winning this one for my girl, our little beer wench,” Brian says as he smacks her on the butt with a grin.

Blythe has four red Solo cups lined up in front of her and a crystal pitcher filled with beer, which I’m sure Mark’s mom would not be pleased to know about.

“It’s Ryan and Todd versus me and Mark,” Brian continues.

It’s clear he is already drunk, but he’s so damn happy it’s awesome. He loves competition; it doesn’t matter the sport.

“Just for those who haven’t played before, this is drink pong, not to be confused with beer pong. Drink pong is the drinking game where you actually play ping-pong.” He glances over at Blythe with a smile. This is definitely for her benefit since we have all been playing this for years.

“When your team scores a point, the other team takes a drink. It’s a win-win. And Blythe will refill.” He gestures to the crystal pitcher brimming with beer. “First team to eleven wins.” He leans over the table and shouts, “And you pansies are going down!”

“Just serve the damn ball!” Ryan shouts back with a smile.

“Oh, yeah? You ready for this?” Brian grabs onto Mark’s shoulder and gestures between the two of them.

“Oh, I’m sorry, Ryan, who was it that won the last time?” I mock confusion.

“Oh, why yes, Todd, I believe that was us.”

I stroke my chin. “Yes, that’s right. Thanks for the reminder.” I smile at Brian and Mark.

With that, Brian serves and we all immediately go into a play-to-win zone. Ryan and I are nailing shot after shot.

“Out!” Blythe shouts as her arm gestures to Brian and Mark’s side of the table. “Drink.” She hands them their glasses. We started with the glasses half full for each shot, but I can tell she’s eased up a bit on the portions, which I appreciate. Even though we are winning, I’m definitely feeling it.

Ryan has a perfect hit, which Brian goes for and misses.

“That’s eleven! And the first match goes to Todd and Ryan. Drink up, boys.” Blythe hands the cups to Bri and Mark.

I hear Gretch’s squeal before I see her as she runs up between me and Ry. “You won.” She drapes her arms around him, still wearing her crown, but it’s a bit lopsided now. She looks how I feel, and I know she’s pretty wasted. “I came to give you a good luck kiss,” she says as she attaches herself to him.

I shake my head, yet it makes me think of Ash. I scan the room, but I don’t see her. Where are they?

“All right, all right! Gretchen, remove yourself from my boy please. We’ve got a game to win this time!” Brian shouts over their impromptu make-out session. “Let’s go! Serve the ball, Ryan.”

Brian is clearly on a mission. For this next game, Ry and I have to drink almost every time. I keep squeezing my eyes open and closed to try to focus. Things are getting a little fuzzy, and I know we need to win a few, or I’m going to be in trouble.

I glance over at Ry, and when our eyes lock, I know he’s feeling the same way. Luckily, we win the next few and catch up.