The day of Jr�s party had approached. All week I had fretted over the stupid thing. I knew Shane was going to be there, and I knew how much strength it would take for me to avoid him. So many thoughts ran through my mind. What if I break, and take him back? What if he brings HER?
I decided that none of that mattered once DeLana had told me that she and Kevin were going to be there. I knew that if I let myself get sucked back in, she would throw out the life preserver.
My stomach was in knots the entire time I got ready. I picked out a red baby tee and a pair of fitted black pants. I slid on my calf high boots and put on my belt. I made sure, before I left, that my hair and makeup were perfect.
I drove the short trip to Jr�s. I parked my car across the street from his house. The yard was full of cars, much like the first night I had been there. I walked through the sea of cars, enjoying the warm summer night that I had come to love while growing up in NC.
I saw Shane�s truck parked in Jr�s driveway. �This might turn out to be a long night� I said to myself.
I didn�t even knock once I reached the door. I knew that there was no point; no one would hear it over the booming music. I opened the door and slid inside. I made my way through the massive crowd of people, nodding at the few that I had recognized from hanging around the guys.
I was scanning the crowd, searching for any sign of a friendly face. I was halted in my spot when I noticed Shane standing in the corner talking with Tyler, Jr, T.J. and Martin. I saw his eyes, staring at me. He gave me a slight smile that so made me want to run up and kiss him. �Be tough Shannon� I thought to myself. I gave Shane a friendly smile back. Jr turned, looking in the direction that Shane seemed to be spacing out in. I waved and smiled at him. He motioned for me to come over. I hesitated; I really wanted to find Dee.
Jr continued to wave me over, and I finally gave in. I waded through the people and finally reached my undesired destination. �Hey guys� I said, pushing my hair behind my ears. I lowered my head to the floor to avoid Shane�s gaze. Damn those eyes. I chatted with them for a few uncomfortable minutes when I felt an arm drape around my shoulder. �Hey you� I said, pleading for an escape route with my eyes. DeLana chuckled at my silent request. �May I borrow Shannon?� she asked the boys politely. They all nodded and DeLana drug me off towards the bar.
I ordered a Southern and Sweet Tea and she grabbed a margarita. �C�mon lets go outside. We can talk without noise there.� I followed DeLana through the house. We walked through the French doors that led to the pool.
We both settled into the chaise lounge chairs. �So what was that all about?� Dee asked, nodding her head towards the direction of the house. �I don�t know Dee; just talking to him is so uncomfortable. I know I still have feelings for him. I�m scared that I will fall hard again and then get screwed.� I chugged down half of my drink.
�Well, why don�t you just talk to him about what happened that night?� she asked. �I don�t want to know what happened. I mean I already know just not every detail.� I answered. Dee gave an understanding nod.
�Oh yeah I almost forgot. I want you to come to the race at Dover with me this weekend.� Dee said. I hesitated, �Well isn�t Shane racing at Dover this weekend?� I asked. �Yeah so? You are going. That�s Final!� I knew that I couldn�t fight with Dee, she was way too stubborn. I finally waved the white flag and gave in.
�Come on I have to go find Kevin before he turn into a kid again and starts doing keg stands� Dee said chuckling. She held out her hand to help me up. �No I need to think for a few, I�ll find you in a bit� I replied taking another sip of my drink.
I sat back and tried to clear my head. I was looking up at the stars when I felt someone sit down on the chair next to me. I looked over at Shane. �Oh god, here we go� I thought to myself.
