How to Stay Afloat

~20: Where She's Not His 'Friend'~

CHAPTER 20:

Where She's Not His 'Friend'

~~**~~

"Is everyone on the swim team rich or something?" Peyton mumbled as we stood outside Colton Miller's large Italian-style modern-looking house.

I could hear the sound of music blaring and people laughing even from outside.

Both Peyton and I had been taken aback when Colton invited us over to a party he was throwing at his place. We weren't exactly the kind of people who got invited to a lot of parties. Our social circle basically just consisted of each other.

The party was already in full swing when we stepped inside. The lights were dim and there was a makeshift dance floor in the living room. The kitchen island was loaded with all kinds of snacks. Everywhere kids who I mostly recognized from school were laughing, dancing, or making out. A couple of guys from the swim team were playing beer pong on the coffee table, they waved at me in greeting when they saw me and I waved back shyly.

I was wearing a turquoise romper that ended mid-thigh. I'd paired it off with my purple suede boots and a matching purple bow in my hair.

My eyes automatically searched for Archer's tall frame but much to my disappointment I didn't spot him. We hadn't spoken since he'd dropped me off at my apartment that night after picking me up from work after that reporter incident.

"Hey." A familiar voice called out. Peyton squeezed my arm excitedly.

I smiled when I saw Andrew Carter walking towards us. He was the cute guy with the crew cut who'd won a date with Peyton at the auction and from what Peyton had told me their date had gone exceptionally well.

And judging from the heart eyes she was making at him it was safe to say that my best friend was harboring a massive crush on Andrew.

"Hey, Fallon." Andrew greeted me politely and I waved at him. Then he turned to Peyton his expression growing intense, "Peyton, you look beautiful." Peyton's cheeks colored and she mumbled her thanks. I had to bite my lip to keep myself from smiling.

"Do you want to dance?" Andrew asked, not taking his eyes off her.

Peyton looked like she was going to decline his offer, and I knew it was because she didn't want to leave me alone at the party so I cut in quickly. "I actually need to go to the bathroom," I told her with a smile.

"I'll come with you." Peyton offered.

I shook my head, "No, you go dance. Have fun." I told her seriously before quickly walking away so she didn't have a chance to argue. I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw her finally taking Andrew's hand and allowing him to lead her towards the dance floor. I smiled as I watched the two of them start swaying to the music.

I went to the kitchen and grabbed a can of Coke. No one seemed to take any notice of me.

I wandered down the hallway and found myself looking at the numerous frames hanging on the walls. Most of them were pictures of Colton. A lot of them were of him at different swim tournaments and competitions. There was one of him at his middle school graduation and one of him playing in the ocean not more than six years old, I smiled at how small and innocent he looked. The next frame was him around seven, with a man and a woman.

The next one had the same man and woman only this one was more recent because Colton looked the same age as he was now. My eyebrows furrowed in confusion as I looked at the other pictures. They all had the same couple with Colton.