the music was too loud but not loud enough to drown out the sound of billies blood boiling

you didnt see her at first. you were too busy leaning back into the couch with your lips parted from the alcohol and head thrown back in laughter as two girls clung to you like you were gravity itself. one of them had her hand on your thigh, tracing circles she didnt earn while the other was whispering something in your ear, something you werent really listening to

billie saw you the second she walked in. she hadnt even wanted to come. she knew youd be here. of course you would. you belonged to this scene now. the flashing lights, the half dressed bodies, and the cocktails that tasted like poor decisions. it was your new religion and she hated how much she still cared

you finally looked up, maybe from instinct or because her stare was burning a hole through your skull. your eyes met hers across the room and your smile dropped for half a second but then you turned back to the girls

billie was already moving. she didnt care about the people she had just arrived with or about the whispers trailing behind her as she stormed across the room. all she saw was you and your damn smug face

"what the fuck is this?" she snapped once she was close enough, not caring who heard

you raised a brow, fake calm oozing from your expression "billie" you said smoothly "didnt think youd actually show. you hate fun."

"i hate bullshit" her arms crossed "three years and this is who you are now? some drunk cliche with a revolving door of girls who dont even know your last name?"

one of the girls on your lap leaned into your neck but you barely registered it. your gaze was locked on billies

"jealousys not a good look on you" you said flatly but your tone cracked just slightly at the end. not enough for most people to hear but billie heard it

"jealous?" she scoffed, stepping closer now "im disgusted"

"then leave" you said, smile fading now "no one invited you"

she laughed but there was no joy in it. just pain that was buried under sarcasm "no youre right. no one invites me anymore. im just the girl who spent three years loving someone who traded me for cheap tequila and strangers with nice thighs"

the girl on your lap froze and you swallowed with your jaw tight "you dont get to do this here"

"i didnt start it" she snapped back "you did