Page 5 of Remember Me

“She’s in her Emily in Paris era, obviously,” Kayla gives me an eye roll and continues to chase Bella around.

“Obviously.” I take a sip of mojito from one of the pitchers and cough as the rum hits the back of my throat. Wow, that’s strong, won’t be having too many of those tonight.

As everyone takes their seat and starts eating, talk turns to tonight. I was planning to head home, watch a little TV, and enjoy my birthday cake, but it seems like everyone else has other ideas.

“There’s the end of season ball being held at Onyx,” Louis says around a mouthful of food. This is the first I’ve heard of it.

“Yeah, Kayla organized it,” Theo jumps in. She did? Why didn’t I know about this?

“It’s a masquerade theme. Don’t worry, Charlie, we’ve got an outfit for you,” Alyssa pins me with a look that suggests I better not say no.

“Don’t worry, it’ll be fun,” Hannah says, nudging me.

Famous last words.

Chapter 3

Charlotte

After being blindsided at dinner about an end of season ball, and with a lot of convincing—including a phone pep talk from Wren—I’m squeezed into the most beautiful red silk dress I have ever seen. I have to give the girls credit; I feel a million dollars in it. It’s floor length with off the shoulder straps and a sweetheart neckline that actually makes me look like I have some cleavage.

Alyssa is currently doing my makeup while Kayla is curling my hair. I am so overwhelmed right now my chest is tightening and my hands are starting to tremble. Alyssa notices and stops what she’s doing. “Babe, calm down. It’s ok. We’re going to have a great time tonight.” She squeezes my hand.

“What if I get separated from you? I don’t know anyone,” I squeak, my panic rising.

“Charlie, we won’t leave you. We promise. And besides, with how good you’re looking, Jake is going to be stuck to you like a fly on shit.” Kayla twirls the curling iron around a piece of hair.

What do they mean by that? Do they mean he’ll think I’m good enough to be his date? My heart clenches at the thought.

My bubble bursts when Alyssa says “Yeah, you know how protective he gets over you. All big brotherly and shit.”

As my heart deflates at her words, I try to school the look of disappointment that’s desperate to spread across my face.

Big brotherly. Got it.

Fixing the scarlet sequin and crystal mask to my face, I prepare to leave the safety of the car Jake provided for us. It’s only me and the girls. The guys went ahead of us as we were “taking too long to get ready.”

When Kayla and Alyssa were finished with me, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. I looked so glamorous and polished, something I’m not used to being. Let’s hope I can walk in these heels. At the moment, I feel like a child taking their first steps. If I make it the whole night without twisting or breaking my ankle, it will be a miracle.

The driver rounds the car and opens the door, lending me a hand to get out so I don’t fall flat on my face, followed by Kayla and Alyssa, who move to either side of me and link arms. There are a few paparazzi here, but no one pays us any attention as we’re not the stars, which suits me just fine.

As we walk in, I take in the tables adorned with candelabras and feathers, dark fabrics cover the walls and ceilings. It screams money and opulence. I feel like I’ve been thrust into the lovechild of Bridgerton and Moulin Rouge, and in this dress and mask, I actually fit in instead of being the outsider.

There are waiters walking around with glasses of champagne and canapes, and I quickly snag a glass, desperate to take the edge off. Downing it, I reach for another when Kayla’s hand lands on mine. “Slow down, babe, we’ve got a long night ahead of us.”

Taking no notice, I swallow the fizzy liquid while she and Alyssa share a look of concern over my behavior.

“It’s my birthday, girls. I thought we were having fun?” I say, careful not to slur my words so early into the night. I’m known for not being able to hold my liquor.

They shrug back at me, and Alyssa grabs a couple more glasses. “You know what they say? If you can’t beat them, join them.” For the next few hours, I dance, drink and have a great time with my friends, letting go for the first time in a long time.

I keep looking around for Jake, and every time I catch a glimpse, he’s being pulled from person to person—no doubt sponsors or management wanting to monopolize his time. I just wish his time was spent with me. I keep seeing him look my way, like he’s desperate to get to me, but he can’t seem to make it happen.

Stumbling to the bathroom to reapply my lipstick, I look at myself in the mirror; my cheeks are flushed and there is a sparkle in my eye. I know I’m drunk, but not so drunk I don’t know what I’m doing. I check the time on my phone, 11:50 p.m. Ten minutes left of my birthday and I want to spend it with Jake. I’ll pull him away from all those people if I have to.

As I head out back toward the dancefloor, I spot him waiting for me. His mask is reminiscent of the Phantom of the Opera and covers half his face, but I’d recognize him anywhere, and it seems the same goes for him. I haven’t seen him all night, and god is he handsome in his black tuxedo. My heart skips a beat, and I automatically bring my hand to my chest to steady myself.

“Hey, Lotts.” My face flames as he kisses my cheek. “I didn’t think I was ever going to get a moment with you. You want to dance?”