Chapter 11 - Isla POV

“HAPPPY BIRTHDAAAAY” they yell out as we clink our shot glasses together. I throw back the tequila and feel it burn all the way down to my stomach.

This has to be my sixth? Seventh? shot..I’ve lost track, but the buzz I’m riding is supreme.

Audrie makes her way back to the dance floor with Connor and Liz. Paul and Anna go back to the shameless flirting they have been doing all night.

“So how’s it feel birthday girl?” Tate says turning to rest his back on the bar.

“Well right now I feel great!!” I giggle.

“Haha, I think that might be the tequila talking,” He says.

“Nah, I’m good, I feel free.This is the first birthday since my Grandma died I’ve even celebrated” I respond.

I see a tinge of sadness dance across his eyes. I hate that, I hate pity.

“Isla, I’m sor..” he started. “Nope, nope, nope! We are having fun and that sentence doesn’t sound fun” I interrupt him. “ I am going to grab some air, that tequila has got me sweating!” I say and I head toward the door.

Steppi