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Ever

"We were supposed to go to dinner by ourselves," I tell Rose as we stand on the opposite side of the roolass of wine distractedly "I forgot about this stupid party and so did he, but we thought we’d make the best of it Put in an appearance and leave--those were his exact words" I slowly shakehow earnest he’d see What a lie He came here to see Pilar, not to spend any tiether, but the moment we entered the doors he took off Hasn’t spoken to me since, and we’ve been here over an hour"

"Are you saying he ditched you?" Rose sounds shocked, though with a hint of sarcasain, surprised to find it e lighter than usual, too "Can you believe it?"

"No, I honestly can’t He’s always so attentive Soht," Ia little looser Must be the wine When one of the wait staff suddenly appears, I reach out and grab a fresh glass, leavingat him He smiles and nearly trips over his own feet

"What’s up with you?" Rose asks theweird"

"How a the buzz of the alcohol as it courses through my veins and how it heatsis black and sleeveless, with delicate sheer lace along the shoulders and stretched across the bodice I have on the highest, shiniest black heels I can h, and maybe it’s the outfit mixed with the wine, but …

I felt pretty, confident, as I prepared for the evening earlier The day had been positive froathered a collection of inspirational photos and sent them to Ryder so he and his team understood my vision Lily and Ifollowed by endless paparazzi We had a positive, sober conversation I’d been excited about tonight despite usually dreading these sorts of events

My excitement withered up and died the moment I realized just how disinterested Zachary was, particularly in me I don’t understand his hot-and-coldabout Zachary--and you never co wine like it’s water when you have a one drink maximum at these wretchedly awful parties, and usually just drink club soda And you flirted with that waiter," Rose says pointedly

"I did not"

"Did so You s"

"So?" I’ at a stranger Is that a criety over what other people think of you, yes It’s a crime for you, Violet Fowler" Rose slowly shakes her head, surveying the quietlycrowd before us "God, this is awful You, on the other hand, feel like a breath of fresh air"