Clique Bait - Ann Valett Page 0,44

Of course, I had a wardrobe disaster when the semi-casual dress I had picked decided not to zip up at the back. After tugging, sucking in my stomach, and swearing, I managed to break the clasp and ruin it.

By the time I found a new skirt to match the boots I’d been saving for the occasion, I barely had enough time to throw my cell and lip gloss into a purse before Mom dropped me back to campus. The parking lot was full of students, all sporting some kind of navy or gold, Arlington’s team colors. I first cursed myself for not considering the color scheme, and then cursed myself again for leaving my jacket on the back of the chair in my bedroom.

I could already see William standing at the end of the field as I walked to the stadium. Even I had to admire how good he looked in his navy captain’s jacket and shorts, his brow furrowed in thought as he discussed something with the coach.

When he saw me, his face brightened, and he jogged through the milling crowd to greet me. I had to admit, it felt special to see the parted students turn around and gawk as he wrapped me into a hug.

Don’t you dare think about his lips, Chloe Whittaker.

“Why didn’t you bring a jacket?” William asked as he pulled away. I hadn’t even noticed my arms scatter in goose bumps. The temperature must have dropped ten degrees since classes had finished.

“I was in a rush. Didn’t want to miss the game.”

William smiled, the sun catching a dimple in his cheek as he shrugged off his jacket. “Here. I am your boyfriend, after all.”

“Really, William, you’re not my type,” I joked, mimicking something he’d told me weeks ago. But even so, blush creeped to my cheeks. Taking William Bishop’s jacket did label him as my boyfriend, loud and clear. I mean, it literally had his last name printed on the back.

“Anyway, I should get back to warm-ups,” he said. “Enjoy the game, Whittaker.”

He shot me a smile over his shoulder, a few of his teammates turning to slap his back and undoubtedly make idiotic remarks about how he was not only going to score in the game, but also with me tonight.

I hadn’t attended many Arlington sports games. I’d watched a few of Monica’s soccer matches in sophomore year, but she quit the team before the end of the season and I found myself pretty bored by them anyway, not that I’d ever tell her that. I wasn’t exactly one for school spirit.

But lacrosse games were popular. People stood in clusters by the bleachers, some wearing clothing that was much dressier than a game would warrant. They were undoubtedly the students invited to tonight’s exclusive after-party.

I was pacing around awkwardly, trying to spot at least one member of Level One, when I ran into Claire and Jack. Each of them was carrying a bucket of fries and sporting wide grins.

“Chloe!” Jack said enthusiastically, throwing an arm over my shoulder. “Nice school spirit. Want some?”

“No thanks,” I replied meekly, casting a side glance to make sure Sophie wasn’t around this time.

“Come sit with us,” Claire said, her smile hopeful.

“Or you could go sit with your new friends,” Jack said, the smile not faltering from his face.

I shot them a sympathetic look. “I might have to. We’re trying to get things ready for the party and they’re expecting me to be there to help . . .”

Jack looked to Claire and raised a brow. “A party?”

“You weren’t told?” I asked, then grimaced. Jack and Claire were usually welcome as Level Twos—Level One needed an audience, after all—but maybe this party was more exclusive than I’d thought. “It’s at Maddy’s house. You guys should come.”

“Really?” Jack asked doubtfully.

“Sure,” I said, my voice an octave too high. Then I spotted Sophie’s ash-blond hair in the crowd. “Look, I’ll text you the details, but I have to go now.”

“Okay,” Jack said, his voice wary. “We’ll see you later, then.”

I nodded quickly. I couldn’t decide whether inviting them was a mistake, or if their presence could be comforting.

Sophie led me to Lola and Maddy. The three of them had their own exclusive area in the stands, a defined partition created with a row of empty seats on either side. Something told me there was an unspoken agreement that those seats stayed empty.

I was grateful to see a vacant spot beside Maddy. I didn’t know what I’d do if they’d excluded