Chapter 17

So even Tristan’s bullying has a legacy. That does not bode well for me.

There are so many people already on the boat and the dock that I wonder if there’s going to be anything more than standing room. My palms are sweaty as I swipe them down the front of my jeans. Wearing a fancy dress to the last party didn’t do me any good, so this time I’m dressed in my own clothes. At least when I’m dressed like this, I know how to act, how to respond.

“This is not a good idea,” I groan as Andrew puts his arm through my left, and Miranda does the same on my right. They drag me through the crowd and onto the boat, locating a couch in the downstairs cabin that we can sit on. Drinks are passed around, but I don’t touch a thing. Not that I’d planned to, but this time, I don’t even pretend.

I was trying to fit in, and all it did was make me stand out. I think I’ll stick to being myself for now.

Miranda’s already on her second glass of champagne, but it looks like Andrew is wi