December 23rd, 11:49 p.m.
Inside the house, the Christmas party is buzzing with fifty people mingling under the twinkling lights, Bing Crosby's smooth voice crooning "White Christmas" in the background, and the air thick with the cozy scents of cinnamon and bourbon. Dad's booming laugh echoes from the living room, where he's belting out off-key carols with his boss, totally oblivious to the tension that's been simmering all night between me and Marcus.
I've been teasing him mercilessly right under Dad's nose, and it's got me worked up like crazy. In the crowded kitchen, with Dad just outside on the patio chatting awayhis back turned, but close enough that any noise could tip him off I see my opening. I "accidentally" drop a spoon at Marcus's feet.
As I bend down slowly to grab it, my sh
