ASHLEY’S POV
Melissa’s hand looped through mine as we step through the double doors of Kathy’s mansion. Music pounds from the speakers. The smell of perfume, sweat, and cheap beer hangs in the air.
But the moment we walk in, it feels like someone hit pause. Conversations stop and heads turn…literally.
And suddenly, everyone is staring at me., at us
My heart jumps into my throat. For a second, I want to bolt, to turn around and run home, crawl into bed, and hide under the covers. But Melissa straightens her shoulders, lifts our clasped hands in the air like we’re strutting onto a runway, and says in a voice loud enough for nearby people to hear:
“Make way for the new queen!” she says.
People start to whisper while looking at us. My cheeks burn, but I can’t help the tiny smile on my
