The Hazards of a One Night Stand (Hazards #2)(26)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

“That’s fine.” He let his eyes travel the length of me. “You look great.”

“Thanks.” I guess he liked the casual jean skirt look on me.

“Just so you know, we don’t have to go to this party.”

“What do you mean? Aren’t we going out?”

“Yeah, but we can do something else. Considering everything with your dad, I understand if you want to do something more low key.”

“The party sounds fun.” I forced an upbeat smile. Dad was okay, and sitting around thinking about how little he wanted to see me didn’t sound like a great idea.

“Okay, cool.”

He took my hand firmly in his own, and we walked down the steps. “Are you okay walking? It’s a few blocks.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. I wore the right shoes.” I gestured to my strappy flats.

“I see. Hopefully you don’t think I’m always going to make you walk places.”

“Drinking and driving isn’t my idea of cool. I appreciate you thinking ahead.”

“I don’t always have to drink, but I usually do.” He smiled sheepishly.

“Not a problem. I usually drink too.” My guess is most of the student body would have said the same thing. It’s not that alcohol was the only way to have fun, but it definitely helped.

He took my hand as we headed toward Wentworth Street. “The guys hosting are pretty cool. I’m not sure how big this party is going to be.”

“Are they Greek?” If they weren’t in a frat, chances were I didn’t know them. Without meaning to, I’d sequestered myself into the Greek scene.

“No, they didn’t join a house. Most of my floor mates didn’t.”

“Really? What dorm were you in?”

“Don’t laugh.” He looked away from me.

“Wait, were you in Teller?”

He nodded. “Yup, I’m an honors kid.”

“That’s cool. I’m in the program, but I opted for a regular freshman dorm.”

“That was smart. I probably should have. I think I was persuaded by the nicer rooms and stuff.”

I laughed. “I was at first, but I didn’t want to pigeon hole myself.”

“Yeah. I rushed so it wasn’t an issue, but it would have been different otherwise.”

“So is this background info a warning that this is going to be a nerd party?”

Tanner laughed. “Not at all. I’m just admitting it before all the reminiscing starts.”

“I’ll try to remember that.”

“I didn’t know you were in the honors program though.” He looked over at me.

“Yup. I’m not a complete ditz.”

He laughed again. “Because that’s exactly what I thought you were.”

He turned down a walkway and up a front porch. I felt a little bit of anxiety walking into a party of people I didn’t know, but I wasn’t about to show it. I held my head up and strode in.

“T man, what’s up!” A guy wearing a bright green polo strode right over to us.

“Hey, man. How’s it going?”

“Good. Good. I’m glad you could make it.” Then he seemed to suddenly notice me. “And who’s this?”

“Glen, this is Mallory. Mallory, this is Glen.”

“Nice to meet you.” He held out a hand. “I’m not sure what you see in this loser, but it’s got to be something.”

I smiled. “Nice to meet you too. And the jury’s still out. He’s in a trial period.”

“Ouch. Good luck, man.”

“This is our second date in three days. I’m not too worried.” Tanner put a hand on my back and led me further into the living room.

He ran into a few more friends, and I ended up standing around by myself. I decided to find something to drink. I settled for a plastic cup of beer from a keg that I found in the kitchen. It wasn’t ideal, but it was something. I people watched to ward off the boredom. I shouldn’t have been surprised Tanner had left my side so quickly. I had the sneaking suspicion he’d only invited me to show me off. But why? It’s not like Tanner had anything to prove.

“Hey! I didn’t know you were coming.” Jana smiled at me from where she stood with a guy I didn’t recognize.

“Hey. I didn’t know you were either. I haven’t seen you in a few days.”

She introduced me to the guy whose name I quickly forgot. I was awful about that. He went into the kitchen to refill his cup.

“Are you here with Tanner?” She glanced around.

“Yeah. I’m not sure why though.”

She smiled lightly. “Yeah, I bet. Kind of a different scene, huh?”

“I just don’t know anyone. He seemed really into having me come though.”

“Most guys like to show off pretty things.” Jana flipped her hair off her shoulder. I’d never heard her talk about anyone that way. I was really getting tired of her whole mysterious vibe about anything involving Tanner.

“You never told me why you thought Tanner and I would be a better match.”

She put a hand on her hip. “You never told me your secret either.”

“Mine doesn’t involve you. Yours involves me.”

“It’s not a big deal. It’s just that you guys come from more similar backgrounds.”

“What do you mean?”

“Please. I know you’re smart,” Jana snapped again. She had to be drunk. She never talked to me that way.

“Pretend I’m dumb.”

“You both come from money. I don’t.”

I swallowed hard. Of course, that’s what she meant. The only problem with letting everyone know your dad is a major bank exec is that you’re also making them think you’re loaded. Not the case with me. Dad sent the occasional check (i.e. the six month late birthday card), or some flashy jewelry for a special occasion, but he hadn’t even offered to help pay my tuition. I would have thought my ancient truck would have already dispelled the money rumor. I guess they bought that I had a unique retro style.

“You think you guys didn’t work out because you come from different backgrounds?”

“You don’t have to be so PC.” She swayed. “I’m poor compared to him.”

“If he’s that shallow, it’s not going to work for us either.” I was already realizing how incompatible we were anyway. Besides, if he only wanted to date girls with money, he’d lose interest when he saw my modest house in the boonies.