Chapter３

"It's me, Emily. "Turning around, I recognized Stan's voice calling from behind me.

I closed my eyes, took a big breath, and spun around to face him. Attempting a smile, I extended my cup of coffee. I assured him everything was OK.

"It's now my time to speak. "His grin was wide and youthful. Stan's dark blond hair and green eyes gave him a beautiful, preppy appearance. He wore a blue button-up shirt and boat shoes, giving off an air of casual country club sophistication.

He's not my type, but his charm let me overlook his spoilt brat behavior.

"It's a miracle that I ran into you tonight. "

"I've been meaning to ask you something," he said with that haughty grin on his face.

“Yeah?” My toes wiggled and my fingers entwined in a nervous tic. Even if he did ask me back to his place, I knew I'd have to decline in shame. There was no difference in the amount of time since my previous sexual contact; I still had no interest in engaging in casual sex.

"We are having a party at the Sky Clubhouse this coming weekend. Please agree to go out on a date with me." Pride and arrogance filled him, and he lifted his head high with his chin leaned back.

The Sky was among the most prestigious of Nevada's after-class groups. The fact that Stan was a part of it at all was noteworthy. Moreover, I seldom ventured into such circles. Because of my shy nature and the time-consuming application process, I had given up on joining any final clubs during my time at Stanford.

Although Stan didn't exactly ask me out on a date, I would like the opportunity to see the clubhouse. Instead, he sounded like he was making a solemn proclamation. I didn't give much credence to his attitude, despite the fact that these parties were legendary for their wild excesses.

"Oh." I nearly attended the party despite my dislike of Stan.

A sly smile pulled at the corner of his mouth, and his eyebrows raised. “Oh? What if I interpret it as a yes?"

Inexcusably haughty. Despite my immediate irritation, I saw some doubt in his eyes. When it came to Nicola, neither he nor I wanted to be rejected. At least Stan was brave enough to ask me out on a date while I was having the guts to pursue a romantic relationship with Nicola.

I met his gaze and smiled up at him. “Sure. A date with me is an option."

Even though I wasn’t interested in him romantically, dressing up and getting an inside look at the Sky Clubhouse would be fun. I didn't have to marry him, though, as Ella pointed out. It was just a date, not a promise for a long-term relationship.

The only way I'd go was if Ella could come along, so I added that with fake confidence. Not only did I need my bestie as an anxiety buffer, but she would be even more thrilled to attend the party than I was.

Stan gave me back a beaming grin and then looked away from me to try to find Ella. When he first saw her, his eyes darted up and down to take an inventory. Without a doubt. Stannning women are always welcome to join us.

Attempting to hide a frown, I succeeded. The possibility that Ella and I were invited to the party solely because the male hosts wanted to attract as many attractive women as possible bothered me.

Stan's grin narrowed to the point where I felt compelled to take a step back. I tried to push aside the sneaking suspicion that the only reason there were women in attendance was to serve as arm candy. We were the new kids on the block.

It's like this, I told myself, because that's the way things are. Nearly all of the Stundents felt compelled to attend these events. Members were free to be as picky as they liked when deciding who to invite. That Stan asked me to be his date should be a huge honor. And having Ella by my side would be a great relief. Stan's willingness to readily include her was appreciated.

"cheers," he raised his beer and touched it to my cup, sealing our promised date. After being silent for a few seconds, I reflexively tipped my own drink back to show my agreement. He drank half of his beer in one sitting, while I could only manage a sip. I had no intention of drinking and losing control again.

The unsettling vibes from Stun were making me anxious, and it would be too easy to just chug a shot of vodka to calm down.

I wished Ella were here because I knew my worry was unwarranted. When my best friend saw that I was beginning to spiral out of control, she would always talk some sense into me.

Suddenly, my attention was drawn to the packed dance floor, where I hoped to spot her.

In an instant, Stun had my attention again by putting his hand around my iced coffee.

His fingers curled around mine, and I shivered slightly, but not nearly as much as I had when Joseph touched me. The bartender's hand had been steady and calloused, and his body heat had seeped through my clothes and into my bones. Stun's pint glass had frozen over, making his fingers numb and icy.