5. VANESSA
PARIS
I should have known Lydia wouldn’t allow me to enjoy an evening without her.
She couldn’t attend the charity gala with me and my parents tonight because she has to study.
I could have given them an excuse and not come, but I was hoping Vanessa would be here.
Like me, she often gets roped into family events.
I wasn’t wrong, but as usual, our conversation went south fast.
I’m annoyed—or rather, conflicted as hell—about my motives for being at this party.
Dealing with Lydia on top of everything is not what I want.
She calls, citing a panic attack, and she’s alone in her dorm room.
I’m already feeling guilty. I went to talk to Vanessa with the excuse of apologizing, but the truth is, I just wanted to be near her.
I’m not sure what is it about her, but every time we interact—meaning argue—it brings back feelings I thought I had buried a long time ago.
She was my first crush, my first kiss, and truth be told, I’ve never gotten over her.
Hence why I walk out of the party without telling my folks I’m leaving. We didn’t come together, which allows me to sneak out.
No sooner do I get behind the steering wheel of my truck than heavy rain begins to fall, creating a curtain of water around me. I drive carefully, especially since I had a few drinks already.
Shit. This wasn’t a smart move, Paris.
I decide to park and wait for the rain to lessen.
As I look for a safe place to pull over, something darts in front of my car, and in a knee-jerk reaction, I turn the wheel sharply to my right to avoid running over whatever that was.
The tires lose traction, and the car spins out of control.
My pulse skyrockets as I attempt to stop what’s happening, which is pointless.
The car crashes against something solid, and pain explodes all over my face thanks to the airbag.
My breath comes in bursts, and it takes a moment for my heart to stop trying to jump out of my chest. When the shock begins to dissipate, the sound of an approaching siren makes me tense.
Hell. If the cops ask me to take a breathalyzer test, I’m screwed.
I throw my head against the headrest, close my eyes, and think about how I put myself in this situation.
Vanessa’s parting words come to the forefront of my mind. Being with Lydia because she helped me through tough times is not an excuse to stay with her. It’s been a while since she cared about anything other than herself.
The siren stops, and a car door opens. Johnny Law is here. I open my eyes and, a moment later, he’s standing just outside my window.
“Are you okay there, son?”
I lower the window and face my doom. “I’ve had better evenings.”
“The ambulance is on its way.” He narrows his eyes. “You’re on the Rebels football team, aren’t you? Paris Andino?”
I know there are quite a number of Rebels fans in Littleton, but I’m a bit surprised the cop is one of them.
“Yes, sir.”
He rubs his face, looking worried. “Can you move your legs and arms?”
“I don’t think I broke anything.”
“Good. Good. Don’t worry, son. We’ll get you out of here in one piece.”
He doesn’t even ask if I’ve been drinking. I can’t believe my luck. I close my eyes and send a little prayer to whatever is out there. It seems my ill-fated decision will not ruin my life after all. But it definitely brought much-needed clarity.
This accident might not end my career, but it’ll definitely be the end of something else.