the charms of someone who was a predator and took advantage of my naiveté. Call me selfish, but I’m not ready to give him up yet; I can’t.
I can pretend that my heart isn’t breaking and take every minute with him I can because I know this now has a shelf life, or I can end it now and regret it forever. I step out of the stall with a handful of toilet paper. When I look in the mirror, I’m happy that I didn’t ruin my eye makeup too bad.
“You can do this,” I whisper as I stare at myself in the mirror.
Chapter Twenty-one
Chance
I spot my parents looking at some of the items up for auction and scan the tables for Laken. She told me she was coming over to look at stuff with them. Mom notices me coming toward them and smiles. “Hey, honey.”
I kiss her cheek. “Where’s Laken? She said she was coming over here.”
“There she is.” Dad motions behind me, and I find Laken stepping inside the grand ballroom.
She looks around and smiles when she spots me, but as I move toward her, I realize her smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hey, are you okay?”
“I’m good. I just got a little warm and stepped out for a few minutes.” Laken grabs my hand and drags me toward the tables. “Let’s look at the tables.”
We walk around the tables, her arm around my waist. She bids on a couple things for Ava, and I bid on a pair of earrings for Laken. I lead her over to our table where my parents are talking to a couple other couples.
Dad comes over to us. “Hey you two, did you find anything good?”
“I-I found a couple of things I b-bid on for Ava.”
I wrap my arm around Laken, pulling her into my side. I kiss her temple and smile at her. “She bid on getting Ava her own American Girl doll. I guess they make them to look like the children who buy them. She also bid on a private tea party for her and three of her closest friends.”
“Aww … she’d love that.” Dad says as he smiles at Laken.
Hunter’s voice comes over the speakers. “Everyone, if I could have your attention. I wanted to again thank the alumni for throwing this amazing party. Pi Beta Pi men are some of the best I’ve ever met. Let’s raise our glasses.”
Our glasses go up, and we all shout Pi Beta Pi. Before Hunter is even off the stage, the music begins.
My girl and I tear up the dance floor. I’ll admit I have some moves, and they’ve always been a hit with the ladies, but there is only one lady I’m interested in being a hit with.
Dad even gets my mom out on the dance floor to do a little dancing. I swear this has been one of the best nights of my life.
***
A lot of us are staying the night at the hotel, including my parents, who went upstairs over an hour ago. I don’t even want to go there. I haven’t told Laken we’re staying yet. I walk to our table and find her talking to Hannah and Beth.
“Hey babe, can you come with me.” I look at the other girls. “Ladies.”
Laken takes my hand as she gets up, grabbing her clutch and tucking it under her arm. “What’s up, baby?” Fuck, I like that.
“I want to show you something,” I tell her. We step on the elevator, and I press the button for our floor. She smiles up at me as I pull her toward me so we’re chest to chest. “I love you so much.”
Her eyes turn bright with unshed tears. “I-I love you too.” Laken pushes up onto her toes, pressing her lips to mine. Our kiss turns heated, and then the doors slide open. I blindly lead her out, but have to pull back to find our room.
“Okay, I need you to close your eyes.” I watch as her lids slide shut. “Don’t worry; I’ll guide you.” I pull the key card out and swipe it in front of the door to let us in.
“You can open them,” I whisper in her ear.
A gasp leaves Laken’s lips as she takes in the room, which Nicole helped get ready. There are rose petals on the bed, chocolate covered strawberries, and a bottle of champagne. “This is amazing.” She runs her hand over the petals on the bed.
“I wanted this to be like