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“Yeah, you’re going to need to turn around.”

His exaggerated sigh has me laughing for the first time all day.

The party is upstairs in the penthouse, a mix of drivers and mechanics I haven’t seen the likes of since Theo’s birthday.

I grab a drink with Theo, downing the first shot with him. He hollers in delight as I grab a second.

“For the road,” I say as I grab a third and head in search of Megan and my other friends.

I lose track of time, indulging in a whirlwind of dancing, more drinks, some games. I check my phone but there’s nothing from my dad. Nothing from Jameson.

I’m spacing out when someone grabs my hand and drags me into a closet.

Theo.

Around us, the closet is full of coats. Music is muffled by the door.

“Sensory deprivation is very calming,” Theo intones.

“So is not going to parties in the first place,” I toss.

“I’m sorry about your dad,” Theo murmurs. And whether it’s this tiny hotel closet or the alcohol, I laugh.

“I’m sorry about yours,” I say, and mean it.

He pulls me against him. His hands stroke my hair. I lean into his touch, enjoying the feeling of being held.

“My dad’s probably kicking me out,” I confess.

“Mine too, if I beat Jamie tomorrow.” His lips tilt up.

I laugh.

“You make it look good,” I tell him. “Being second.”

He leans closer, his lashes lowering. “It’s not so bad.”

Awareness creeps over me. We’re close, and it’s Theo, the first person who was genuinely nice to me in this new world.

Sure, he’s gorgeous. But right now, he’s just the best guy I know.

The gap between us closes a millimeter at a time.

At the last minute, I turn, and his mouth grazes the corner of mine.

“You don’t want to?” he murmurs.

“It’s not that.” I lean my forehead against his shoulder like an idiot.

I like Theo. He’s hot and fun and funny and I genuinely care about him. I’m just not feeling it.

He sighs, the vibration through his chest rocking me, too. “It’s okay. You’ve had a rough day.”

I hug his arm with both of mine, holding on and pulling him closer even though I know it’s not the kind of closeness he wants.

“Time to face reality again?” he murmurs.

“Your penthouse party is not real life, but yes.”