"So you're telling me that if Jason was sleepy and he wanted to sit on your lap, you'd let him? I didn't take you for a comedian," someone said sarcastically.

"Jeremy, you're so full of crap, it's not even funny at this point. You're wilding."

"Since it's your party, I'm trying to be nice. I'll just save my words for Monday when we're at school."

I felt the vibration of Jeremy's words on his chest. My head throbbed and I instantly regretted drinking the beer. I inwardly groaned but kept my eyes closed.

"Denial doesn't look cute you on. Donovan does though."

The voices became clearer and I realized that he was talking to Jess and Samantha.

"What?" Jeremy asked. I could imagine the scowl in his face.

"Brianna literally confessed to you so many times. She's so beautiful. Even Lisa had a crush on you before she dated Jason. Even though you can be a douche, you're really handsome. How is it possible that you've never dated anyone unless you're —"

He cut off Jess with his words. "Why would I like Brianna? She's a horrible person. I don't care if her face is pretty. Her attitude is disgusting and I could never be attracted to that."

I don't know why that made me happy. I think I'm going to pretend to be sleeping some more.

"We thought that there was something wrong with you when you didn't want her. We kinda still do. Her beauty can't be overlooked," Samantha chimed in.

"So... Brianna has a bad attitude. What about Kelly? She's pretty and nice. You turned her down. Why?"

"Cause I don't want to date anyone..."

"Anyone or any girls?" Levina asked and I felt Jeremy tense up. I felt his hot breath on my forehead.

"I've never met people like the two of you. Annoying, nosy and persistent."

"You love us though. So what's up? Are you not interested in girls? Is that it?"

"I'm not interested in anyone. Male or female."

What?

"Are you like asexual?" Samantha asked.

"I don't know what that is."

"I'll send you a link later. I'd hate to misquote anything and give you the wrong information," Samantha said.

"Dang. We're sorry for assuming things about you. You should've told us to stop. You know we overstep all the time,"

Jess sounded apologetic for the first time ever.

"It's fine. I've never spoken about this with anyone. It feels good to get it out of my system."

"So what's the deal with Donovan then? Cause he's— well... I feel kinda bad talking about him with him sleeping right there. But, oh well. Donovan brings out the best in you. You were a loose cannon. I remember one time you nearly got into a fight because a guy said something about you and I remember the times you did get into fights. Since Donovan, you've calmed down and you look happier."

"Yeah, I can't explain that. I don't think I want to understand it either." His fingers brushed against my curls.

I've had enough. I pretended to yawn and stretched against him. I slowly opened my eyes since the room was so bright. The first thing I saw was the birthday girls. They were wearing sweats and t-shirts and they looked super tired. The makeup was still present in their face though. The ballroom was empty besides the four of us along with leftover snacks and garbage on the tables. I hesitantly looked up at Jeremy and instantly blushed by the look on his face.

"Let me finish the drink," he mocked and I hid my face in his chest.

"Can you not. I was blindsided."

He chuckled into my ear. "Blindsided by what? You sound like a person that's never had alcohol before."

"I am," I mumbled. I expected things to go a little more smooth. I feel like a mess.

Jess and Samantha started laughing too. "Why'd you drink in a public setting if you've never had alcohol before?" Samatha was definitely silently judging me.

"I wanted to be cool."

"You're already so cool Don. How much cooler can you get?"

How do I not fall for him? How do I survive? I squeezed his cheek and smile up at him. It's always so easy to forget that there are people around when he's near me. I cuddle into him not wanting to let go as yet.

Samantha and Jess squealed. "Our ship is sailing."

"What does that even mean? You say it all the time." Jeremy asked.

Samantha and Jess looked at each other as if they were having a silent conversation with their eyes.

"It's just an inside joke. Nothing serious. Anyways, we really need to start cleaning this place. Our parents said that since they paid for the party, they won't help us clean. And since you guys are here, you'll help. So let's go."

I turned my body and around and sat on Jeremy with my back leaning against his chest.

"I don't wanna help. Jeremy take me home," I whined.

I turned back and looked at him, but the expression on his face caused me to pause. His cheeks were red and he looked like he was thinking really hard.

"Are you okay?"

"Yup. Um- we should go help." He pointed at a nearby table with garbage, but I didn't move.

A sudden hard object poked me in my back. "Hey, is your phone in your pocket? It hit my back?"

Jeremy's cheeks darkened and he quickly pushed me off his lap and ran outside of the hall.

What just happened?