Hoping it was empty, I rushed into the next room. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was a bathroom.

Sitting on the toilet seat, I wadded up some toilet paper and dried my cheeks as my tears continued flowing.

Fuck. Why? Why did I let Tyler in? I had no idea Tyler had made it into my heart until now, but somehow he had. Damn it. I just wanted to get drunk as fuck, so I could erase him from my mind.

Suddenly, someone burst through the door, but I didn't have the energy to tell them to get the hell out. I barely glanced over to see the girl Tyler had been in bed with. At least now she was fully dressed.

Her eyes widened in fear, but I had no reason to be angry with her, so I just looked back down at the rug as I kept crying. Instead of giving me the alone time I needed, she carefully inched her way inside and shut the door.

"Ember? It's... Ember, right? I know we don't know each other, and I know you probably don't want to talk to me right now." She laughed to herself. "I'm sure you probably wanna kill me right about now, but I just wanted to say I'm really sorry. I never meant for that to happen, but when Tyler Noble wants something, it's almost impossible to say no."

I scoffed and wiped my nose as my eyes slid over to the bathtub, hoping she'd leave. "That doesn't make me feel any better, but thanks for the apology. I don't blame you, so no hard feelings or whatever."

Rather than leaving, she walked to the counter and started analyzing herself in the mirror. "You're perfect, you know. None of us can compete. And I wish I had a good reason to hate you, but you're not mean, well, except to Tyler."

She turned on the faucet as she laughed to herself. "You know, Tyler couldn't even get it up. He was trying like hell, but he was limp as a noodle. It was actually kinda funny."

What the fuck was she going on about, and why hadn't she left yet? I just wanted to scrub the horrible memory from my brain, which was kind of hard to do with Tyler's latest fuck buddy standing next to me.

"And get this. He kept calling me Ember. I know I should've left, but he's a fantastic kisser, and I mean, come on, it's Tyler. He's so fucking hot, you know?" She opened her purse and started pulling out makeup. What the fuck was this? Girl time?

I felt her glance my way, but I didn't look at her.

"Hey... do you want me to do your makeup? I'm really good at it. I've always wondered why you don't wear any."

Oh, my fucking God. What was she saying? And why did I care?

"I just don't see the point." I shook my head as I wiped my eyes. The tears had thankfully stopped since little miss talkative entered the room.

"Really? Why?" She asked.

"It takes forever, and I suck at it, so..." That seemed like a good enough explanation. It was the truth, and whenever I had to get ready for a performance, I always asked someone else to do my makeup. It was just easier than me trying and failing to make myself look different.

She walked over to me and let out a long breath before she knelt, grasping my knee. "You want me to do it? I can make you look so good you'll have those boys bowing at your feet, and we might even be able to find you some hot ass clothes somewhere around here. Why are you wearing that?"

I glanced down at my plain long-sleeved shirt and jeans. "I guess I really didn't think it through. I've had a lot on my mind."

"Well, let's give these boys something to drool over. I swear to make you look so good that they'll be following you around all night. What do you say?" She chuckled, and I grinned softly as I lifted my head to look at her.

Her dark brown eyes and dark brown hair were the same color as mine. Actually, now that I was really seeing her, she looked a lot like me.

"I can do your hair too. Fuck it, right? This party doesn't have to suck. Anything is better than going home to our parents." Her pink lips spread into a cute smile. "I'm Faith, by the way."

I nodded. "Okay, but this doesn't make us friends."

Faith breathed out a small laugh. "Oh, I know. I just feel horrible about what I heard in there. I never meant to start shit, and I know they all feel terrible about it too. You should've heard the things they were saying. I had to ask to leave. It was awful."

My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I pulled it out to see Lucy's text.

: I'm here.

: Come upstairs to the bathroom.

: Be there soon.

"My friend's coming up." I stood with a sigh, surrendering to Faith's offer. "Thanks for being nice. I'm sorry for bursting in on you naked with... well, you know."

Faith waved me off. "Girl, I'm the one that should be apologizing. You're too good. I'd be ripping my face off by now. Come here and let make you look like a princess."

I sent her a tight grin as I sat on the counter.

Ten minutes later, someone knocked on the door, and Faith hollered. "Come in."

Lucy stuck her head inside, glancing around. "Everyone decent in here?"

"Lucy? Get your ass in here. I knew you were the friend Ember was talking about." Faith said as she applied my eyeshadow.

"Oh, thank God. I just walked into a bedroom by accident, and you guys do not want to know what I saw. I'll never be able to forget it." Lucy's eyebrows shot up when she looked at me. "Holy shit, Ember! You look like a model."

I laughed since I hadn't seen myself yet. "Shut up."

Lucy's lips tugged up as she continued to study me. "I mean it. You're always gorgeous, but now you look like an actual goddess. I've never seen anyone prettier than you."

Faith chuckled. "I know, right? I tried to tell her that, but she doesn't listen."

Lucy shook her head. "She never does. Ember's way too hard on herself. You should see her dance. She's better than the professionals, and she still beats herself up. So, I have to know. Why're you guys playing dress-up?"

"Um..." I chuckled nervously as I closed my eyes for Faith to do my eyeliner.

How the hell was I supposed to tell this story? Luckily, Faith took the honor of filling her in.

"Tyler brought me up here to get me alone. I know it was a stupid move, but come on, it's Tyler, and oh, my God, Lucy, he couldn't even get it up, and he kept calling me Ember. I don't even think he knows my name." Faith laughed and pulled some lip gloss out of her bag, holding it up to my lips. Shaking her head, she put it away and dug around for another color. "Anyway... long story short... Ember walked in on us and told Tyler where he could shove it. Then, I came in here to clean up, and Ember was doing the same thing. I'm just lucky she didn't beat my ass."

Lucy lifted her hands to her mouth as her eyes flicked between mine. "Oh, my God, Ember. I'm so sorry."

I sent her a soft grin. "It's their loss. Now Faith is my new costume designer. So, fuck them."

"Them?" Lucy's eyebrows pinched together. "What did Lucas and Justin do?"

My gaze fell to the floor. "Nothing, but I don't know. They're kind of a package deal, and I freaked out on all of them."

"I can understand why, but we both know things always change." Lucy gave me a knowing look. "Wanna get drunk?"

Faith smiled as she applied more mascara to my lashes. "You guys aren't getting drunk without me. I wanna see what happens when those three start drooling all over her. It's gonna be frigging epic. Speaking of, Lucy, will you text Steve and ask him where we can find another outfit for Ember? I want her to change. She needs to be drop-dead gorgeous before she makes her appearance downstairs."

Lucy's eyes shot to mine as she took in my mediocre outfit. She sent me an apologetic look. I didn't want her to feel bad for taking my clothes, so I chuckled. "I suck at choosing outfits. I wasn't thinking when I picked out my clothes for tonight. I still haven't even unpacked completely. Things have been so hectic."

Lucy grinned before she pulled out her phone to text Steve. "Steve said Collin's older sister has a big closet of nice clothes upstairs. It's the same room that... Steve saved you a room?"

I laughed. "Yeah, Steve's one of the good ones, Luce. I owe him a big fat thank you. You're lucky to have him."

Lucy grinned as she texted. "I know. He's so sweet, right? He's always doing stuff like that."

"He sweet and he's an artist. Quite a catch, if you ask me." I said, hoping to get more insight into her feelings for him.

"Yeah, I've seen some of his drawings, and they are... absolutely mind-blowing. He's so talented." Lucy sent me a giddy smile as she pocketed her phone. "Faith, will you come help me pick something out? Ember, we'll be right back, okay?"

I nodded as I eyed their huge grins. "Nothing too insane, and if you decide to make me look crazy, you'd better be ready to make yourselves look crazy too."

Faith and Lucy nodded and giggled as they left.

I stood, slowly turning to take in my new look. Every time I did this before a big performance, it was weird. Like I was seeing a stranger.

But it wasn't like that this time. I mean, yeah, I looked better, but somehow Faith made me look more like myself. She highlighted my best features while enunciating my high cheekbones, full lips, and long lashes. I was a masterpiece, and I was entirely me.

I gave myself a sly smile in the mirror. Yeah, okay. I could work this look. I turned to the side, taking in my long, thick hair. It nearly hit my butt now, and I never liked to wear it down, but Faith talked me into it, and she had worked wonders.

That's when I realized what just happened. No matter how awkward the circumstances of how we met, Faith was part of my group now. She'd shown courage by simply speaking to me after what happened.

And, thanks to her, I looked hot as fuck. I would have a great time tonight, no matter what the guys did. This was my new life, and I deserved to be happy.

A hard knock came at the door before Lucy and Faith rushed in with mischievous smiles. Lucy was holding several pairs of boots and accessories while Faith had a substantially full duffle bag hanging over her shoulder.

"Collin's sister has a kickass wardrobe." Faith smiled as she dug through the bag. She handed me some skin-tight black pants and a sleeveless black leather corset with buckles all over it. "Get these on."

"I can't wear this." I stared at the corset top. There would be way too much skin showing. If I wore it, anyone could touch me in the crowd, and I would have a horrible night if I had a reaction to someone.

"Why?" Lucy asked as she set a pair of black thigh-high boots on the counter.

"I... um..." I searched my brain for any believable explanation. "I don't feel comfortable with my boobs hanging out. I've had issues with guys taking advantage, you know?"

"I really liked this one too, and it'll look amazing on you." Faith pulled a dress from the bag before she read the tag. "It's a black steampunk openbust tailcoat. I know it sounds weird, but on the hanger, it looked awesome."

Faith held it up for me to see. It looked like a nineteenth-century dress with ruffles, but it was jet black and long-sleeved with a large amount of chest showing, however there was a thin under shirt to cover my breasts. The dress was high in the front like a miniskirt while the back would hang down to my ankles.

"And you can wear these with it. It'll make you look badass, Ember. You have to wear all of it." Lucy begged as she held up thigh-high boots and leggings, a leather belt, wrist cuffs, and some jewelry.

"I'm gonna look like a freak," I said as I shook my head, taking in all the black accessories.

"No, you won't. You'll look amazing. Have you seen any of the outfits on the girls downstairs?" Faith's eyes studied mine as I shook my head. "Well, there are girls that look like straight-up strippers. We're about to make this party... epic. If you wear this, no one will ever stop talking about it, and you won't be alone. Lucy and I both borrowed similar outfits."

I smiled and ran my hand over the dress as my confidence escalated to a whole new level. "Okay. Do your worst."

Twenty minutes later, all three of us finally exited the bathroom in style. At my sides, Faith and Lucy were both entirely done up like me, wearing jet black steampunk clothes, and they looked gorgeous. For the first time in my life, I felt invincible, and it was glorious.

That's when I decided that no matter what happened earlier, I was going to have a good time tonight. People were going to treat me with respect from now on and give me the kindness I deserved.

Every head turned in our direction as we waltzed down the hallway. Guys seemed to be enchanted with our new look while girls gazed in awe.

"Let's get buzzed." Faith clapped her hands as we started down the stairs.

"Yes. Please." Lucy was excited as she looped her arm through mine. "And if I forget to say this, Ember, you look like a badass mamma jamma."

I broke out laughing. "So do you, my bitchin' badass bestie."

Faith looped her arm through mine as she tossed her long brown hair over her shoulder. "What about me?"

Lucy giggled before I said. "You're a kickass diva warrior, and you're part of our group now. I really hope you don't have another group because if you do, I'm officially challenging them to a dual for your friendship."

"Really?" Faith's eyebrows shot up as she hugged my arm. "I just love you. I don't know how this happened, but you're so awesome, Ember."

Lucy smiled as she caught my gaze. "Faith hangs with a small group that's run by a bitch from hell. Faith, why are you even friends with Trina? She's so mean."

"Because my mom forces me." Faith said in a nasty tone. "But that shit stops now. Ember and Lucy are my new crew."

We all laughed hysterically as we descended the stairs to the main floor, and the strangest thing happened.

Just like when Justin and I entered the house, everyone literally stopped what they were doing to take us in, but this time the music suddenly came to an abrupt halt, and the entire room hushed as people began looking at us like we were celebrities.

"Ember!" A guy from somewhere yelled.

"Ember? Where?" Another guy asked. "I've been looking for her."

"There she is." A girl yelled from across the room. "Ember, come sing for us."

What the fuck? Why were they acting like I was Justin, Tyler, or Lucas? This was just weird.

"What's happening?" Lucy whispered in my ear.

"We look amazing, that's what." I smiled at people in the crowd, trying to keep my cool. Everyone smiled back. "What? Haven't you seen gorgeous women before?"

Everyone in the room laughed as they took the three of us in.

What the hell was going on? I'd expected jaws to drop, but shit, this was insane.

"Drink, please?" Faith whispered as Lucy tugged us toward the keg.

The music started blaring again as the crowd parted for us. Faith giggled when everyone in line for the keg literally waved us to the front.

A short guy grinned adoringly at Lucy as he poured three beers and handed them over.

"Can we get three more, Jimmy?" Faith asked before spinning to face us. "Let's chug these first, so we can get this party started."

"Woo!" We laughed before we all began gulping.

"Chug! Chug! Chug!" The surrounding people cheered.

I finished mine way before both Faith and Lucy. The crowd cheered at my victory as people randomly started spouting out nice things about me. Don't ask me how I could hear them over the music, but I could.

"Way to go, Ember." Some girl said.

"Yeah!" Another girl screamed.

"She so fucking awesome. If I can't get her, I'm going for Faith." A guy whispered. "But, she'll never replace Ember."

"She sings like Christina Aguilera, but so much better." A girl whispered. "I cried when she sang today."

"She's my idol. I'm so glad she moved here." Another girl said.

"I heard she dances, sings, and acts." A random dude said. "I hope she performs tonight."

"I just hope she talks to me tonight." His friend answered.

I had no idea what was going on, but I couldn't complain.

As we walked away from the keg with full beers in hand, Steve waved us over to his group of friends as they beamed at us.

"She's coming over. What do I say?" A cute guy whispered as he grinned at me.

"Just let them do the talking." His friend whispered back as his eyes ran over me.

"You look great!" Steve gave Lucy his goofy smile and she blushed.

Thank goodness for Steve. He was so genuine and Lucy seemed to like him. I just couldn't tell how much.

I sipped my beer as Faith and Lucy were drawn into some conversation about art with Steve.

Suddenly, I knew the guys were watching me even though I hadn't seen them yet. I didn't know why, but I needed to find them. "Hey, I'll be right back."

Faith grinned and nodded. "I know where you're going. Don't be gone too long."

I laughed. "I won't."

All I had to do was turn around. That's when I saw them. My breath hitched in my throat.

All three of them were across the room surrounded by people. Their glowing irises were like spotlight beacons explicitly designed for me. Their gazes slid over me, caressing every part of my ensemble.

Without moving an inch, and with countless people crowded around us, I was somehow yanked into their emotions and found myself drowning in the strongest, most intoxicating desire that I'd ever felt in my life. They wanted me more than anything.

My heart thumped harder in my chest as I imagined their hands on me. God, I wanted them too. I wanted them any way I could get them.

Trembling against our connection, it nearly took me to my knees as I fought the desire to go to them.

Stop, Ember. You don't need them. They'll only hurt you.

Somehow, I ripped my eyes away and spun around as the cute guy winked at me.

Shit. This was going to be a long, long night.

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