Chapter 65: Second Place

"Hey," Bradley said, his voice wavering. "I didn't mean to interrupt."

"No, it's fine," she said, tossing a glance over her shoulder at her friends. "We're done here anyway." She stepped aside. "Come in."

"Uh. . ." Bradley hesitated. "No, it's okay. I can come back later."

"Don't be ridiculous." Carissa grabbed his arm and practically dragged him into the room; then she shut the door behind him.

He stood awkwardly near the head of her bed, hands shoved in his pockets. His face was flushed, and his expression was wary. He looked frazzled. She wanted to ask him what was wrong, but she had a feeling he didn't want an audience for that conversation.

"Y'all having a party?" Bradley asked with a nervous laugh, his southern twang coming out unexpectedly.

Tiffany grinned, her gaze dancing from Bradley to Carissa, and her smile widened. Carissa narrowed her eyes and gave her friend a warning look. Not that a scathing look would do any good when Tiffany got into one of her moods.