Chapter 15
1698 Words
Madam Ivy’s Dress Shop was one of the fanciest boutiques in town. I’d passed it a hundred times but never dared step inside. Today, the second Flick and I walked through the door, we were greeted with sparkling water and invited into the fitting rooms.
I thought Flick had said her parents were struggling financially. If she was buying a dress from here, it couldn’t be that bad.
When she finally stepped out of the fitting room, I expected sequins or some over-the-top gown. Instead, the dress was surprisingly simple: a mid-length French lace prom dress, mink in colour, with thin straps and a delicate plunge neckline. It skimmed her figure without being too revealing. Elegant. Understated.
“Flick, you look beautiful. I love it.”
She studied herself in the mirror, uncertain. “You don’t think it’s too plain for prom?”
I walked over and rested a hand on her shoulder. “Not at all. If anything, most girls overdo it, buying dresses they’ll never wear again. Yours is classic. You could re-wear it to something special.”
Her lips curved into a smile. “You’re right. I do love it.” She turned to the attendant and nodded. “I’ll take it.”
---
Afterwards, we crossed the road to the grocers for snacks and drinks to take back to Flick’s. I’d promised Alec I wouldn’t stay the night—but spending the day wasn’t breaking any promises.
As we loaded the basket, Flick gave me a pout. “I wish you’d stay. It’s only me and Dean tonight.”
“Exactly why I can’t stay,” I teased.
She giggled. “I promise Dean will behave.”
I shot her a look. She laughed and hugged me. “Okay, fine—not tonight. But you’re staying for dinner. Dean’s buying.”
I grinned. “Deal.”
---
Alec
At the airport, I spotted Finn instantly—tall, lean, with chestnut hair brushing his shoulders and those ridiculous blue eyes. And the beanie. Always the damn beanie.
“Bro!” he called, arms open. “About time you visited.”
We hugged. “Good to see you, man. Visit’s long overdue. Same as your haircut.”
He laughed, punching my shoulder. “Could say the same about you. Bit longer than I remember.”
I ruffled my hair instinctively. “Yeah, my girlfriend likes it longer.”
He raised a brow, grinning. “Alec, you sly dog. Didn’t know you had someone. Come on—tell me about this saint who puts up with you.”
As we headed to his car, I thought about Jess. I could gush about her for hours. Maybe I would.
---
Jess
When Flick and I pulled into her driveway, Dean’s car was already there. Perfect.
As I climbed out, my phone buzzed. Alec. Butterflies exploded instantly.
Hey babe, just letting you know I arrived safe. Heading to Finn’s now. What are you up to?
Smiling, I typed back: Hey baby, thanks for letting me know. Finished Flick’s dress shopping, just got to her place. Have fun with Finn. I miss you xo.
Inside, Flick stood at the counter with a bright pink cake—and nineteen lit candles.
“Surprise! Happy birthday for yesterday!”
I laughed, touched. “Flick, this is so sweet.”
As I leaned over to blow out the candles, Dean strolled in, eyebrows raised. “Wow, Flick. Trying to burn the house down? What is Taylor turning, thirty?”
Flick smacked his arm. He chuckled, grabbed a drink, and strolled off.
I snapped a picture of the cake and sent it to Alec with the caption: I will!
Suddenly, an arm slid around me, warm breath at my ear. “Happy birthday for yesterday, Taylor.”
Dean.
I gave his arm an awkward pat and slipped free. “Uh… thanks, Dean.”
That wicked half-smile curved his lips. He stuck a finger in my cake, licked off the icing, and sauntered out again.
I exhaled. Awkward. Maybe worse because I didn’t completely hate it.
---
Later, Flick and I curled up on the couch watching Persuasion. We were both blotchy-eyed from crying when Dean reappeared, lugging speakers.
“Uh, what are you doing?” Flick frowned.
He scoffed. “As if you’d want this garbage louder. I’m setting up for the party.”
“What party?” we asked in unison.
Dean looked at us like it was obvious. “No parents means party. Don’t worry, not a big one—just a few people.” He waved toward me. “Honestly, Taylor, with your parents gone so much, I’m shocked you didn’t throw ragers.”
I smirked. “Maybe I did. You just weren’t invited.”
He clutched his chest theatrically, grinning. “Harsh, Taylor. Harsh.”
I laughed—until I thought of Alec. I should probably go. “Flick, maybe I should—”
Her face fell. “Don’t leave me with Dean’s friends.”
I sighed. “Fine. For a little while. But I’m not staying the night.”
She clapped happily. “Deal.”
---
Alec
Finn handed me a drink. “Man, I can’t believe you’re meeting with your dad tomorrow. But good for you. Maybe you need this.”
I shrugged. “Jess thinks I’ve got resentment bottled up.”
He grinned. “I like this girl already. And I guess that means no clubbing tonight?”
“Definitely not. I’m a taken man—and a happy one.”
Finn laughed. “Whipped. But you look good, Alec. Happier than I’ve seen in years. If she’s the reason, you’ve got my blessing.”
I thought of Jess and smiled. “She is. After Mom… I was in a bad place. Jess gave me my life back. I can’t see myself with anyone else.”
Finn raised his glass. “Sounds like you found the one.”
I clinked mine against his. “I think I have.”
---
Jess
By the time the “small party” began, random people filtered in. I even spotted Clay and Brock. And then—Audrey.
She beelined over, all smiles, sitting between Flick and me. “Hey girls. Sad movies? That won’t do. Come on, it’s a party.”
Soon music was blaring. Drinks were thrust at us. Flick tried to refuse, but Brock insisted. “One drink won’t kill you.”
Audrey tugged me to dance. “Let loose, Jess. You’re young.”
I exchanged a wary look with Flick. She smiled weakly. “One drink.”
I sighed. “Okay. One.”
Cheers erupted.
But it didn’t stop at one. Soon Flick was giggling, slurring, clinging to me like I was her anchor. A creep pressed against me, hands on me, whispering about drugs.
“No thanks,” I snapped, dragging Flick away.
Clay and Dean rushed over the moment they saw her. “She needs food and water,” I told them. Dean handed me a plate too, eyes unusually soft.
Then I told him about the creep. Dean’s expression turned murderous. He and Clay stormed out and threw the guy out within seconds.
By then, Flick was exhausted. I helped her upstairs, settled her in the shower. Clay thanked me quietly. “I’ve got her from here.”
Relieved, I grabbed my bag and started toward the door—when Audrey intercepted me.
“You’re not leaving, are you? Stay for a quick game.”
I hesitated. A game sounded harmless. Cards, maybe. “Okay. One game.”
Her smile widened. “Perfect.”
---
The “game” was spin the bottle.
“No,” I said immediately. “Not happening.”
“Come on,” Audrey coaxed. “One round. I’ll spin first.”
Before I could protest, she spun. It landed on Brock. She kissed him dramatically, then turned to me. “See? Easy. Your turn.”
Reluctantly, I spun. My stomach dropped when it landed on Clay.
“No. Absolutely not.”
“No backing out,” Audrey sang. “You’ve kissed him before. Easy one.”
“Not while Flick’s asleep upstairs,” I snapped. “I won’t do that to her. We’re not kids, Audrey. I’m not playing.”
Gasps and protests rose. Audrey grabbed my arm. “Fine. Alternative: seven minutes in heaven. With Dean.”
The room whooped. Dean looked stunned, but not opposed.
It seemed harmless enough. Seven minutes in a room, nothing more. “Okay,” I said.
Audrey grinned. “Great. Off you go.”
---
Dean’s room was surprisingly neat, walls plastered with basketball posters, shelves full of trophies.
I turned—and froze. Dean was close. Too close. His eyes burned into mine.
“So, what do you want to do?” His voice was low, dangerous.
Before I could answer, his mouth crashed onto mine. His hands gripped my body, his tongue demanding. My mind screamed stop, but my body betrayed me, kissing him back.
He pushed me onto the bed, heat pressing between my thighs. Panic surged. Alec’s face flashed in my mind—his hazel eyes, the way he’d look at me if he knew.
“Dean, stop!” I shoved him with all my strength.
He reeled back, confusion on his face.
The door burst open. Audrey smirked in the frame. “Time’s up. Or do you two need longer?” She laughed and shut the door again.
Humiliation burned my skin. I scrambled up, fixing my clothes.
“I have a boyfriend, Dean,” I said, voice shaking. “I’m not this person. I have to go.”
He reached for me. “Taylor, wait—”
I tore free, bolting past him, down the stairs, out the door. My car was blocked in. Panic clawed at me. I couldn’t go to my parents—I needed Alec.
So I walked.
By the time I reached his house, tears streaked my face. I collapsed onto the bed, sobbing.
What was wrong with me? Why had I let it happen, even for a second? Was I that weak?
Alec would never forgive me.
And maybe he shouldn’t.
- Writer
