Tessa

It was exactly ten minutes before Colin and Micah pulled up outside my parents' house. They came inside to collect me and say hello to my mom and dad. Colin was bursting with energy as he chatted animatedly with Mom about our plans for the evening, telling her thank you for the gift she bought him and ensuring my dad that we would all be safe tonight.

When we left, we drove straight to their apartment, where Charlotte and Leah were already waiting. One margarita and two detailed stories from Leah about her most recent "definitely not dates" with Landon later, we were piling into Char's Tahoe and heading to the mall.

The birthday boy decided he wanted to pick up a few things for tonight, and his parents gave him a very generous gift card to his favorite shop.

Colin picked a few items before rounding on me between stacks of the season's newest ensembles. "I think we need to get you something stunning for tonight."

I blinked at him several times before narrowing my eyes. "Why? Leah brought me something to wear already. Why would I need to get something new?"

Colin shrugged, turning his attention back to a rack of designer jeans. "I have an itch to shop, but shopping for me isn't hitting the spot right now. So, as my best friend, I feel it's only fair that you help me out, and by that, I mean you're going to let me dress you for tonight. It'll be fun."

This wasn't the first time Colin insisted on doing something like this. Fashion was his second favorite f-word, and he had incredible taste. I just couldn't help but feel he had an ulterior motive for doing so this time. I just wasn't sure what it was.

He led me to the women's section of the store, picking out items left and right, looking totally in his element. I watched him as he did, studying him suspiciously for any indication that he had some wild plan up his sleeve tonight- a plan that involved me, a plan he didn't want me to be aware of.

As if he noticed my stare, Colin met my eyes, and a look of exacerbation flooded his features. "What? Why do you look like that?"

"Like what?"

He sighed, waving his finger up and down my body. "Like that. You look like someone just told you to explain the secrets of the universe in Latin. What's with the face, Tess?"

I shook my head, deciding to let it go- for now. Ruining Colin's birthday was not something I wanted to do. "Nothing, I'm just trying to figure out what look you're going for here." I gestured to the pile of clothes in his arms.

"You know I can only wear one outfit tonight, right? I'm not doing a mid-celebration change. One outfit, and I'm staying in it all night, Colin."

A loud huff breezed through his lips. "I know, Tessa. I'm just trying to find the right combination here. We can't have you going out tonight looking anything less than fabulous."

I cocked a brow at him. "What about everyone else? Are you dressing them tonight too?"

Colin made a face, and with a wave of his hand, he replied, "I've already seen what everyone else is wearing. Char even sent a picture of the outfit she picked out for her hubby. You are my last holdout."

Something grabbed his attention, and he returned to focusing on the task at hand. He was deeply engrossed in wardrobe management, so I let him do his thing. Even if I were right about Colin's motives, I'd at least come out tonight with a fabulous outfit.

~

I rechecked my phone, hoping to see a text from Levi. I hadn't heard from him since this morning. He knew I was staying with my parents, and I'd told him I was going shopping with Colin, Micah, and the girls earlier. He told me to have fun, and that was the last thing he said to me all day.

A pang of sadness crept through me. I wanted to hear from Levi, and the absence I felt when he didn't say more was tangible. After talking to him throughout the day these last few weeks, I was used to hearing from him much more than this.

He knew I was in town, but he didn't hint that we should get together. Maybe he was waiting for me to make a move. Maybe he was holding back for my benefit, giving me the space I told him I wanted when he showed up on my doorstep.

I needed time and space then, but now? It felt like the last thing I wanted.

It was tempting to invite him to the club with us tonight; everyone would be there- Colin, Micah, Char, Leah, Jason, and even Landon. I just wasn't sure how Colin would take it. His opinion of Levi was still up in the air, and I didn't know if he'd approve of a last-minute addition to the guest list.

In the end, I decided to let it go for the night. After all, tonight was Colin's anyway. We were all getting together to celebrate him. My love life could wait another day. Tomorrow I could figure out what to do about Levi.

Tonight, I'd have fun with my friends.

*

*

*

Levi

I was shocked when the text came through, asking if I wanted to come out with everyone for Colin's birthday. It came from Colin himself the night before, and it came with a warning not to tell Tessa I'd be attending. Why? I have no idea, but I chose not to dwell on that too long.

If I had any chance of reconciling with Tessa, I needed all the help I could get. And the olive branch Colin was offering seemed like a good omen.

It killed me not to tell her I'd see her that night. I had to avoid my phone to keep myself from doing so. It felt wrong. Not talking to Tessa was painful. Not talking to Tessa and knowing that she was in town was torture.

All I wanted to do since she told me she made it in safely was drive to her parents' place and pull her into my arms, tell her how much I love her, and shower her with affection.

But seeing Tessa would guarantee I'd spill the beans about Colin's last-minute invite. And I really didn't want my junk rearranged- which was part of Colin's threat if I ruined his surprise for Tessa. So, I did what I could to keep myself away from her. Lucky for me, Jason and Landon were available and more than happy to keep me distracted until the party.

Landon returned from the kitchen with fresh beer for everyone as we took a break from our marathon of Call of Duty. He planted one in my hand as he said, "I hear Tessa's back for the party. How you hangin in over there, Romeo?"

I shot him a glare over the top of my bottle. We'd gone most of the day without bringing her name up, but clearly, Landon couldn't help himself.

He smiled as he took another swig. "I hear Colin has her set up in some sexy as fuck outfit for tonight. How are you gonna keep your hands to yourself if that's true?"

I rolled my eyes as he kept poking. I knew he was just messing with me, hell, it's what we usually did, but it was hard as hell keeping myself composed when it came to Tessa. I could have gone the next hour without having the visual of her dressed to the nines in some sexy get-up stuck in my brain.

Thanks a lot, bro!

A growl from Jason drew both mine and Landon's attention. "Did you forget that she's my sister? Or are you just that big of a dick?"

Landon laughed. "I'm not that big of a dick. But my dick is pretty fuckin-"

A pillow smashed him in the nose before he could finish his sentence, easing the tension and making me laugh.

"Damn, dude! I was just messin around!"

"Speaking of," Jason started, "what's going on with you and Leah?"

That sobered Landon up. His cocky smirk faded, and he stared at a spot on the carpet. "Dunno whatcha mean, man."

"Mmm hmm. So, you can rib Levi about his shit, but I can't rib you about yours? What the fuck, man."

Landon sunk back into the couch, sulking. "It's just- well-," he sighed, running his hands over his face. "She doesn't want to make it a big thing, man. I don't know."

Jason glanced my way, raising his brows. "So, are you saying you want something to happen, and she doesn't?" I asked.

Landon sat forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "I don't know. She's fun- we have fun together- a lot of fun. I just get the feeling she doesn't want anything serious with me," he admitted quietly.

I looked back at Jason, and we shared a look of surprise. As long as I've known Landon, he's never had a serious girlfriend. He prefers to explore things casually but hearing him now; I almost feel bad for the guy. He's got it bad and doesn't seem to realize it.

As if realizing how he sounded, Landon shook his head. "It's cool, though, leaves me free to do whatever I want, with whoever I want."

Before Jason or I could say anything, he shot up from the couch. "I need another beer."

When Landon disappeared into the other room, Jason caught my eye with a shake of his head. "All I have to say is one of you two better get your shit figured out tonight, and I doubt it'll be him."

He took another swig from his bottle as I pressed mine to my lips. I hope I can, buddy. I really hope I can. 

A/N:

Hmmm, what is Colin up to? And Landon and Leah... wonder what's going on there. LOL