Read Online Finding Evan by Lisa Swallow - Free Book Online Page B

stumble through the door. Why did I wear heels? I haven’t had anything to drink and I’m staggering. Jared catches my elbow and steadies me.
    “You sure you didn’t start before you left?”
    I scowl at him and he smirks back.
    Adjusting my eyes to the light, I take in the scene around me. Not only are people knocking back cocktails faster than they can be refilled, but some guys are running around with water pistols. Ducking the stream from one, I wind through the crowd following Jared and Ollie, and wonder how long before I lose them in the throng. Most of the med school is here, and the place is jammed with other students too. A free for all, not the exclusive event I expected.
    “Get the drinks in, Ollie!” yells Jared above the music.
    “What’re you having?” asks Ollie, turning to me.
    I thought Ollie might dress up more, maybe lose his T-shirt and jeans combination for the night, but no. He’s never scruffy, but he isn't dressed any differently than normal. Unlike Jared, who seems to have a handle on dressing well, in his designer shirt and hugging-in-all-the-right-places trousers. Jared made an over the top fuss about how ‘hot’ I looked, but thankfully, Ollie said nothing. And he didn’t check me out. I think Evan’s getting to me with his jealousy, because I’m on alert for any look or words that could indicate Ollie’s interested.
    “I’m not sure,” I reply. “What have they got to drink?”
    “Um. Cocktails? As it’s a cocktail night…”
    We head to the bar and Ollie hands me a drink in a tall glass. Every time the strobes illuminate the glass, the contents shine bright blue. Sipping the drink, I wince at the strength of the alcohol.
    I needn’t have worried about standing out in my dress. In the dim of the club and the masses around me, I’m nothing special.
    And neither is Abby apparently.

Anger shoots into my limbs as I witness Jared hitting on another girl. Not kissing, but arm around her shoulders, with hers around his waist. The way she rests her head against him as he strokes her arm proves they’re not just friends. I step towards them and Ollie catches my arm.
    “What the fuck?” I shout at Ollie over the music.
    “He’s Jared. He’s a dickhead when it comes to girls,” Ollie says, leaning into my ear.
    “Has he been two-timing Abby?”
    “At least. Maybe three or four. Be interesting to see what happens if more than one of his girlfriends are here.”
    “Why the hell invite Abby then?” I yell.
    Disgusted, I stomp towards a table covered in half-empty glasses. Ollie catches up.
    “Ignore him. Have fun.” He lifts his drink in a toast and I do the same, clinking glasses. As I watch the crowds, my glass empties quicker than I realize, so I grab another. I’m not comfortable. I never go to things like this. Ever.
    “Let’s find some others. Forget about my cousin, okay?” Ollie half-yells in my ear.
    He walks away before I can answer, so I hastily follow him. Still wishing I hadn’t worn these bloody stupid shoes.

    ***

    The spiral patterned carpet spins in front of me as I lean back on the sofa in the dimly lit ‘chill-out’ corner of the nightclub. I close my eyes, but the spinning intensifies . Shi t . I didn’t think I’d had that many drinks. I fixate on a colorful poster opposite in an attempt to stay grounded. The words and images swim around; I can’t even make out what it’s advertising. I want to lie down. In bed.
    Ollie disappeared with a gang of different med students ages ago, dragged off by Sonya, who spends time hanging around him in class. She seems okay, not as arrogant as some girls who are as stunning as she is, and Ollie deserves some attention. I haven’t seen Jared since the incident with the girl. Throwing my head back against the top of the sofa, I stare at the ceiling . Someone take me hom e . I press a cool bottle of water to my cheeks, but it’s not enough.
    A guy flops into the sofa next to me and I attempt to focus on his