Chapter 26: Us

I don't return to the table when I'm done using the rest room. I feel hot and I need to feel the night's cool breeze on my skin. It is why I'm seated outside the lodge, on one of the steps, staring at the stars in the sky and making vague wishes on them. "Hey." I glance up. Staring up at Ryan from this angle takes me back to first time we met. I was just as drunk that day, and he was just as handsome. "Fancy meeting you here," I say, but my words slur a little, making it sound like a nonsensical mumble. "Why are you out here?" "What do you care?" "Amber," he says softly and I hate the way my name rolls of his tongue. It feels like a caress. "I care. You know I do." I snort, twirling a lock of my hair around my finger. "Get back to your date, Ryan. I'm fine. You don't need to worry about me. I can take care of myself." My head lolls left and I lean against the wall, feeling exhausted all of a sudden. "You must despise me. All I've ever done is lie to you." I feel his arm circle