Cloud Walking (A Find You in the Dark novella) by A. Meredith Walters Read Free Book Online Page B

and then it was my turn to get pissed.  Who the hell was she to give me a hard time about taking my ex-girlfriend to a party?  I really didn't recall making plans with her.  So, this time I really wasn't blowing her off.  So what gives?!
     
         “No need to be a bi..witch about it, Rach.  It's not like we had definite plans or anything,” I snapped, though I was glad I had stopped myself from making the colossal mistake of assigning her the “b” word.  That would have brought on the apocalypse for sure.  I was definitely playing for Team Dumbass this evening on all fronts.
     
         “You're right, Daniel.  We didn't have plans.  I guess I just wanted to hang out is all .”  Her voice sounded sad, even as she tried to cover it up.
     
         “I'm sorry, Rach.  Seriously...” I started but she cut me off.
     
         “Just forget it, Danny.  I'm being silly.  Of course you'd want to hang out with your girlfriend.  I get it.  Have fun and I'll see you there,” she backpedaled.  I wish she wouldn't do that.  It was as though she believed her thoughts and feelings were less important than everyone else's.  I started to tell her that Kylie wasn't my girlfriend anymore, because needing to clarify that seemed really important just then, but I realized Rachel had already hung up.
     
         It was going to be a fantastic night.  I could just feel it.
     
         Cue the sarcasm.
     
     

Chapter Seven   
    ~Rachel~
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
         Happy, happy drunk.  That was me.  And such a light weight too.  One and half beers later and I was feeling the warm, fuzzy blanket of alcohol induced euphoria.  I felt good.  More than good.  In fact, my earlier hurt feelings and overall need to kick Daniel Lowe's butt had subsided as I got my party on. 
     
         Maggie and I had been at Melissa's bonfire for less than twenty minutes and I was beginning to relax.  No signs of Daniel or Kylie.  So far so good. 
     
         I was nodding absentmindedly while Jeremiah and Lila tried to rope me into their latest fundraising efforts.  I was half listening as they droned about a clothing drive for homeless tigers in Africa or something.  
     
         My head bobbed to the music and I finished the last of my beer.  Raymond Lewis stumbled by and shoved another Solo cup in my hand.  “Here ya go!” he yelled enthusiastically as he pushed his way past me.  I peered into the cup and shrugged.  Looked okay.  I took a drink and cringed.  Yuck, warm beer. 
     
         Okay, I was done with the philanthropic duo.  I gave Lila and Jeremiah a polite smile and excused myself, looking for Maggie.  Where the heck had she gone?
     
         Ah, I should have known.  She was with Clay.  They seemed to always find each other.  Like magnets or flies to garbage...whatever.  I chastised myself mentally for my immediate jump to the negative.  I didn't even know Clayton Reed.  All I did know was my best friend was bat poo crazy about him. 
     
         I watched the two as I slowly headed toward them.  And seeing them, standing close together, Clay's eyes on Maggie's down turned face, their bodies angled toward each other as though they couldn't resist the other's pull, I could admit it was sort of beautiful. 
     
         So, maybe it was the alcohol talking, but I think I liked Clay right then.  Because I could see how much he cared about Maggie.  Body language didn't lie and his body was practically shouting how much he loved her.  And she didn't think he thought of her in that way...psh...she was an idiot.  Or blind.
     
         “Hey guys!” I yelled, overly boisterous.  Maggie smirked as I joined them.  I tried to smirk back, but I think my face ended up doing something else, because Maggie just looked at me oddly.  I glanced over at Clay and my heart softened toward him.  He looked so adorably awkward.  Completely out of place but obviously