Ethan.
Sometimes it amazes me how me and my cousins have such different personalities, despite having grown up together and spending almost every single day together.
A good example is how we're currently dressed for Reagan's party. I'm a minimalist, and my outfit says it all. Black slacks, a simple white polo and white sneakers. One would think I'm going golfing instead of a houseparty. I'm wearing the Rolex Daytona that my mum got me last month for my eighteenth birthday and an azuki chain inherited from my grandfather. That's as far as accessories go.
Chris on the other hand is dressed like a celebrity attending a gala. He's wearing a white Burberry shirt, white slacks and black loafers. Silver earrings and a Rolex watch complete his look and he looks more of the Lovett heir than I do, which makes me feel relieved for reasons I cannot explain.
Lisa, Chris's twin, looks chic in a short, brown skirt, a black alter top and black, heeled sandals. Her long, black hair falls on her shoulders, and I take a minute to really admire how beautiful she looks.
"What?" Lisa snaps when I stare for too long.
I place my hand under my chin as I look between her and Chris. "I was just wondering… do you really consider yourself as teenagers?"
Lisa rolls her eyes and Chris snorts.
"I mean, you do think and behave like teenagers but, really, aren't you a little overdressed for a highschool houseparty?"
Chris throws his arm over my shoulder. "Okay old man, enough of the chitchat. We're ready to rumble!"
….
Reagan's party is everything that I thought it would be. Skimpily dressed girls, stupid drinking games and lots of alcohol and weed. Reagan's parents are in Spain together with my parents, hence the freedom. From what I know, it wouldn't matter even if they were out of the country. Reagan's parents are the most normal parents out of all the influential families in Valesca, so they indulge their children. That's one of many things we don't have in common.
I can feel the atmosphere in the room shift as soon as we walk in, and it takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. Chris flashes everyone a smile and fist bumps his buddies as we walk by. Lisa wears a shy smile and stays very close to me. I on the other hand don't bother with pleasantries and walk with my face as stoic as it can be, staring straight ahead.
I almost sigh audibly when we get to a quieter place and people get back to whatever they were doing.
Lisa and I accept drinks from Chris and all gulp them down in one go.
"Yo! I didn't think Lovett would make it," Reagan's half yells to be heard above the loud music. I can tell he's already drunk when he hugs me. On a normal day, Reagan would greet me almost professionally–a simple hey or a handshake works for us.
"The old man also needs some fun," Chris says as he takes Reagan's drink and downs it in one gulp. "Hey, have you seen Alexa?"
Lisa scoffs beside me and I smirk knowingly. Of course he cares if Alexa's at the party. Chris can act all nonchalant, but he's actually sensitive to the people he loves, and he's been with Alexa long enough to actually love her.
"Yeah, she's with her friends somewhere. Let's go take some shots."
They walk away together and Lisa sighs. "I don't know about you Ethan, but tonight I'm getting lit. You should also try it y'know. There's too much going on and getting drunk isn't such a bad idea."
My eyebrows raise skeptically. It's unlike Lisa to want to get lit. "What's up with you?" I ask jokingly and she smiles.
"How about you ask me the same question an hour later," she replies, winking at me.
A commotion at the front door catches our attention, and we turn our heads simultaneously.
"Well, damn," Lisa smirks as two girls walk in. I easily recognize Lexie Herman, dressed in a black leather skirt that shows off her shapely legs, a white top and black leather jacket. Her hair is tied up in a high ponytail, highlighting her chiseled features. I've known Lexie basically my whole life. We went to the same kindergarten, same middle school and we've attended several galas together since our fathers are business associates. I can't say the same for the girl standing beside Lexie, who's stealing the show with her short, wine-red dress and brown hair that falls in waves on her back and shoulders.
Ava Addams. It takes me a while to recognize that face, but when I do, I can't help the surprised look on my face. Her make-up is perfectly applied, her eyeliner outlining her seductive, fox eyes, red lipstick to match the dress, and a sinister smile that makes her appear mature for her age. I can't look away even when
Lisa leans closer to whisper something to me.
"I think Chris's revenge plan just walked in."
I frown at the statement.
Lisa doesn't wait for a response from me and walks over to Ava and Lexie. I watch as they exchange greetings. Lexie seems excited, but the expression on Ava's face is impassive. I smile, impressed that being around Lisa Sawyer doesn't seem to affect her in the least.
Moments later, a guy I recognize as Alexa's brother walks in behind them. Lisa points to where Chris and Reagan are downing shot after shot and they all walk towards the table.
My eyes stay on Addams the whole time, scanning every inch of her body. With all the people I imagine staring at her, I can't tell how she discerns my intense stare from across the room. She looks around before her eyes settle on mine. I've never really paid attention to her, but right now it feels like the noise fades around me as I stare into her hazel eyes.
She holds my gaze for a few seconds, then her eyebrows draw together in a small frown. Chris is the one who interrupts the moment when throws his arm around her shoulder. Ava looks up at him with a familiarity that makes me frown in annoyance.