Friday night arrived faster than Lana expected. The past few days had been a blur of orientation events, campus tours, and endless introductions, but this party? This was different.
Carlyle, sprawled across her bed in their dorm, watched as Lana got ready. "I still think this is a terrible idea," she said, twirling a pen between her fingers.
Lana checked her reflection in the mirror, adjusting the casual-but-not-too-casual outfit she'd chosen. "Then why are you still helping me pick what to wear?"
Carlyle smirked. "Because if you're gonna walk into the lion's den, you might as well look good doing it."
Lana shook her head. "It's just a party."
Carlyle raised an eyebrow. "It's Bailey's party. There's a difference."
And she was right. The second Lana stepped into the packed off-campus townhouse where the party was being held, she felt the difference.
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The Brooklyn skyline stretched wide as the elevator doors slid open, revealing a rooftop bathed in golden city lights. Music pulsed through the air, blending with the murmur of laughter and conversation. A glowing bar stood at one end, stocked with an absurd variety of drinks, while plush seating areas and fairy lights created the illusion of an exclusive lounge.
Lana stepped out with Mason at her side, taking in the unreal energy of the party.
"This is… a lot," she admitted.
Mason smirked. "Welcome to Bailey's world."
Bailey knew how to throw a party. That much was clear.
A group of well-dressed students lounged near the bar, sipping expensive cocktails that definitely weren't meant for freshmen. Others gathered by the glass railing, admiring the breathtaking view of the Manhattan skyline. Everything about this party screamed status, wealth, and social hierarchy and Lana was now standing in the middle of it.
Before she could process it all, Bailey appeared, as if summoned by the attention of the room.
"Lana! You made it!" Her eyes flicked to Mason. "And you brought your charming little bodyguard."
Mason exhaled through his nose. "Still not a fan of me, huh?"
Bailey ignored him, linking arms with Lana. "Come on, I have to introduce you to people."
Lana shot Mason a look, but he didn't follow. His hands were stuffed in his pockets, gaze unreadable.
Bailey led her through the crowd, effortlessly weaving through groups of students who greeted her like a queen holding court. She introduced Lana to names she wouldn't remember tomorrow all of them polished, all of them watching her with quiet assessment.
Eventually, they ended up near the bar, where Xander leaned casually against the counter, drink in hand.
Bailey leaned close, voice just for Lana. "So… what do you think?"
Lana glanced around. "It's… impressive."
Bailey smiled. "It is, isn't it?" She plucked a drink from a passing tray, pressing it into Lana's hand. "You'll get used to it."
Lana hesitated. Before she could decide whether to take a sip, Xander spoke.
"She's not really your type," he said lazily, looking at Bailey.
Lana stiffened. "Excuse me?"
Bailey just laughed. "Don't mind him. He's in one of his moods tonight."
Xander took a slow sip of his drink, eyes unreadable. "Just saying. You usually pick people who already know the game."
Lana narrowed her eyes. "What game?"
Bailey smirked, but before she could answer, a burst of laughter from across the rooftop pulled her attention away.
"Ugh, I need to handle something. Be right back." With a flick of her hair, Bailey disappeared into the crowd.
Lana exhaled, setting her untouched drink on the bar. Xander was still watching her.
She met his gaze. "You don't say much, do you?"
He shrugged. "I don't need to."
"Then why say anything at all?"
For the first time, something flickered behind his eyes amusement, maybe. "Because you're interesting."
Lana wasn't sure if that was a compliment or a warning.
Either way, something told her this night was far from over.