Proving your worth

"You're doing great," Lucas said in a low voice. "A natural at this."

I was itching to yell at him. I was feeling more like a trophy Lucas had earned. The trio of girls turned to go. I turned to talk to Lucas, but once more there was an interruption. For the following thirty minutes, this continued. Everyone who came up to us gushed about me and mentioned my relationship with Lucas multiple times. By the time the last one arrived, I had met so many people that I was overcome with names.

"I'm sorry, I need some air." I turned and ran outside, still feeling the eyes on me.

I paced on the front porch. I debated going for a run or at least back to Lucas's house, but I didn't know the way and would likely get lost. When the door behind me opened, I didn't look, knowing who it was.

Lucas remarked, "So that didn't go as planned. Please hold me responsible. I ought to have given you a head-up, or at least made them space it out."

"Warned me that everyone thinks I'm your new mate?" I asked, fe