“Ahhh. Okay, noted.” He gives my hand a squeeze and smiles, his eyes lighting up. “Hey—not the best moment, but I’ve been dying to tell you something and this will definitely be a solid mood enhancer. You’re gonna love me so much more for this.”
I turn to face him, laughing at the way he’s trying to cheer me up. “I already do love you more.”
“You’ll really love me now. Are you ready?”
I nod.
“I got tickets for us to see Hamilton…”
“Nooooooo. How is that possible? They’re always sold out!”
“A friend of my mom’s isn’t able to go and she sold me two tickets.”
“Your mom didn’t want to go?”
He waves his hand. “No, she’s not into that scene and I know how bad you’ve been wanting to see this.”
“Oh my god, I can’t wait. When?”
“This Thursday night. I’ve already okayed it with your mom.” He grins, extremely pleased with himself.
I hug him hard, squealing. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! This is so exciting. Best surprise ever.”
Ashton, Luci, and I have been sitting at our own table. Ashton and Raf’s relationship is obviously strained, especially after arguing about me. The first day Ashton came to sit with Luci and me, I thought Raf’s head was going to blow off.
Since the party, he hasn’t stopped glowering. He watches Ashton and me like a hawk, his face mutinous. I don’t want to cause more trouble for him and Ashton than I already have, but I think part of Ashton is relieved to have the distance. He’s been able to take a break from his feelings and work on getting over whatever it is he still feels for Raf. I get it. I’ve needed the distance myself, except for me, it’s still not enough.
At night, my dreams are invaded with Raf’s kisses. The feel of him against me, the way he felt between my legs, his lips on mine. I can’t escape him there. And during the day, it takes every ounce of strength in me not to obsess over what he’s thinking, what he’s doing, is he sleeping with Heidi, does he think about our kisses?
When I’m not thinking of Raf, I’m worrying about Luke. They’ve both taken residence in my brain and aren’t giving me much of a break. That’s why it’s been nice to have a couple of days to think about something else. I’ve wanted to see Hamilton since it first came out. We were supposed to go as a family before my parents’ marriage split wide open.
The day of the show, I leave as soon as school is out and hurry home to get ready. I wear a short black dress that makes me feel sexy and older, with my highest heels. My hair is still holding the curl from this morning and my makeup is heavier than what I’ve worn to school in a while. When I step back, my hazel eyes pop and the color on my lips make them impossible to ignore. I grin, my white teeth bright against the lipstick.
Mom gets home right before Ashton arrives and she takes a picture of us in front of the fireplace. Ashton says he wants pictures of us too and hands her his phone before putting his hand on my back and smiling wide, winning us both over even more.
It’s not just any car but a limo waiting for us outside.
“Wow, you went all out.”
“You deserve it,” he says.
“Are you trying to make me fall in love with you? Because it’s working.”
He gives me a side hug and we talk nonstop all the way to the city.
When we pull to a stop in front of a candlelit restaurant, I grab Ashton’s arm. “What else are you up to?”
“I heard this restaurant is incredible. Let’s see for ourselves.”
I feel like a grownup with the driver opens the door and I step out, walking into a fancy restaurant where they’re expecting us. We’re seated right away and when chilled sparkling water is poured in our glasses, I smile at Ashton.
“You’re the best date I’ve ever had,” I say, clinking his glass.
He takes a picture of me and I groan.
“Except for that.”
The show is even more amazing than I imagined it would be. We float out of there, singing the songs to each other as we walk back to the limo, hand in hand. We get another selfie inside the car—we’ve done that throughout the night. His idea every time, which sort of cracks me up.
“Since when are you a Selfie-ista?”
“When have we ever looked this hot?”
I laugh and reluctantly nod. “True.”
I doubt Raf would ever think of taking a selfie. I guess I’m not the typical girl either because I rarely take pictures and don’t post on social media, but it’s endearing that Ashton wants to document our night.
“Thank you for an amazing night.” I turn to Ashton and squeeze his hand. “I can’t remember when I’ve had this much fun.”
We sing all the way home and laugh about everything and nothing. I feel like I’m getting my joy back…it’s been so long. I lean back against the seat and look at Ashton. We’re about to turn down my street and I’m about to thank him for the zillionth time when his face changes.
He turns to me, gripping my hand hard. “Gabi, I don’t know what’s going on.”
I look out the window and my heart drops. There are police cars and an ambulance in front of my house.
Our driver says, “I can’t pull in the driveway. Are you okay to get out here?”
“Yes, thank you,” Ashton answers.
I’m out of the car before the driver can get out to open my door. There are police cars both on the street and in the driveway and when I step through the gate, a cop stops me.
“I live here.” I frantically try to spot my mother.
“Okay, calm down, miss. What’s your name?”
“Gabi Sinclair.”
Ashton stands next to me, his arm around me.
“Where is my mom? Is she okay?”
“I’ll have someone come
