Flora's POV
The bass from the speakers vibrated straight through the soles of my shoes.
The Vault Lounge was packed to the brim with college students, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume, alcohol, and sweat. The strobe lights flashed in rhythmic bursts of blue and red, casting long, dramatic shadows across the crowded dance floor.
"Drink up, Flo!" Emily shouted over the roar of the music, sliding a bright pink cocktail toward me across our high-top table.
Beside her, Josh had his arm wrapped tightly around her waist, laughing at something his friend Marcus had just said. Marcus was the same guy from the beach trip pool party—tall, athletic, and currently wearing a tight polo shirt that showed off his arms. He had been staring at me since we sat down, his eyes continuousl
