Nate and Maddy got to the party after midnight, and it was packed—music blaring, the stench of alcohol everywhere. Maddy clung to his arm, laughing too loud, her tipsy excitement already getting on his nerves. She was glowing, lost in her own world, while Nate just pushed through the crowd, trying to ignore it.

Its like she's a walking headache, He thought.

"I’m gonna grab more drinks," he said into Maddy’s ear.

Just to escape you.

She nodded, smiling lazily, too caught up in the music to care. Nate kissed her on the cheek and made his way through the throng of people, heading for the kitchen. It was quieter there, but still buzzing with a smaller group gathered around the island, talking and laughing.

As he grabbed a couple of cups and started pouring, he noticed one of Maddy’s friends standing by the counter. She was alone.