ETHEREALLY | 18+

40 | Figured Out

I stepped out into the backyard, letting the door shut behind me, grateful for the quiet. I walked over to the pool, sinking down onto one of the sun beds. Exhaustion settled over me, all I wanted was for everyone to leave.

I still couldn't believe Zayn had invited so many strangers.

"What are you doing out here alone?" Chloe's voice broke the silence. She walked over, taking a seat beside me.

"There are too many people inside. It was starting to feel suffocating," I admitted, the relief of fresh air settling in.

She raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize you knew that many people." She glanced back at the house, where we could see chaos through the windows. "It's definitely going to be a night they won't forget."

I sighed. "I don't know them. Zayn invited all those people because he's upset over something so trivial."

"Which is?" she asked, eyes curious.

I sighed again. "He's upset because I know Knox and invited him over—even though it was his idea."

"Someone sounds very jealous," she noted with a smirk.

"I told him there's nothing between Knox and me, but he's still acting ridiculous." I ran a hand over my face. "It's exhausting."

"Most men are," she said sympathetically. "I hate seeing you so stressed."

I turned to her, forcing a small smile. "I'll get over it."

A mischievous look appeared on her face. "I have an idea."

I arched a brow. "I'm scared to ask."

"We could call the cops and get this party shut down, or..." she trailed off, "we could sneak out and go somewhere else. I only had two shots, so I can drive."

Honestly, both options sounded tempting. "Where would we go?" I asked, curious.

"My place, a bar, dinner?" she suggested.

I glanced back through the window at people dancing on my tables, drinks in hand. "I definitely need a drink."

"Then the bar it is." She grinned, standing and grabbing my hand.

"Let's sneak out the side. I don't want anyone to notice us leaving," I said, leading her toward the front of the house.

We quietly slipped around to the car, checking that no one noticed us leaving. Once in the car, Chloe started the engine, pulling away from the chaos.

I couldn't resist glancing back at the house one last time, catching a shadowy figure opening the door and stepping inside. It was too dark to see who it was.

"You're welcome to stay at mine if you don't want to go back," Chloe offered.

"I might have to," I mumbled. "The last thing I want is to go back and face Zayn."

She glanced over, a curious look in her eyes. "How were you even able to afford that house? It must've cost a fortune."

"Zayn bought it for me."

Her eyebrows shot up. "He bought you a house?"

"Yup."

"And your parents are okay with you living on your own?"

"Well...he actually threatened to kill them if they didn't leave," I admitted quietly.

She suddenly slammed on the brakes, making me jerk forward. "He did what?!"

"It's...a long story."

She gave me an incredulous look. "Well, we've got a long drive to the bar, so start explaining."