ZARA.
The four of us arrived at the house party—music already vibrating through the walls before we even stepped inside. The house was packed, lights dim, neon strips glowing along the railings, the smell of alcohol and pool water mixing in the air.
We walked in. My ankle had completely become okay. Noah side by side with Mark, and Riley side by side with me. I could feel people’s gazes sweeping over us as we moved through the hallway.
“Hey, Mark!” someone called before we even settled. A guy was waving him over, surrounded by a group of other guys—I’m guessing Noah’s old circle.
“Hey dude, the guys want to say hi,” Mark said to Noah. Noah turned to me.
“We’ll be right back,” he murmured.
I nodded, and the boys disappeared into the crowd.
Riley and I continued forward, weaving thro
