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the hallway. Forcing away any lingering worries, I let Drew lead me to the dance floor.
    The way Drew and I danced, there was no way I could have panicked about Taylor even if I’d wanted to. We’d been moving all over the floor. I’d learned that Drew’s dance skills rivaled his riding ones.
    I leaned into Drew’s ear. “So thirsty,” I said. “You?”
    Drew nodded. “I’ll get sodas. Mind grabbing snacks?”
    â€œNo prob. I’ll find you in five.”
    We split up, and the music lowered, as did the lights. They were dim enough so the jack-o’-lanterns glowed brighter, the twinkly lights draped around the room seemedto wink at me, and the room really felt like Halloween.
    I hadn’t seen Taylor while Drew and I had danced. I’d been careful not to look for him too often and be rude to Drew. Khloe and Zack had swayed beside Drew and me for a couple of songs. It had been fun to dance with my friends!
    Just when I’d started to worry that I hadn’t seen Taylor, Lexa had given me the “okay” signal with her fingers when I’d mouthed Taylor to her. Instinctively I think I knew that my friends were keeping an eye on Tay and weren’t going to let any more surprises occur at my party.
    I smiled to myself as I grabbed a black plastic plate, thinking about how much fun I’d had on the dance floor.
    I used a ladle to pour candy corn onto my plate. Next, chocolate-chip-and-marshmallow-sprinkled Chex Mix that Jill had created a couple of days ago. A ghost cookie for me. A bat cookie for Drew.
    â€œLT!”
    I popped an M&M into my mouth, looking up at Khloe. She slid to a halt in front of me. She’d come so close, I thought she’d topple us over.
    â€œHey! How are things going with Zack?” I asked.
    Khloe smiled. “Amaze! He’s perrr-fect! If we’re not dancing, he’s getting me a drink or snack.”
    I danced in place. “Yay! I’m so glad you guys are having fun. I’m getting food, and Drew’s on drinks duty.”
    Khlo gave me a sideways look. “Tell. Me. Everything.”
    I nodded, making a serious face. “I will! But if I did that right now, we’d miss the rest of the party. You’ll get the full report tonight—I promise.”
    Khloe groaned, then made puppy eyes at me. “At least tell me one thing: Did Drew and Taylor meet yet?”
    â€œNope. I’ve been with Drew the entire time until now. I haven’t even seen Taylor, but Lexa signaled that things were okay with him a while ago. I hope he’s still here.”
    Khloe and I turned away from the food, both of us scanning the room.
    â€œIt’s too crazy in here,” I said a few minutes later. “I don’t see Jill or Cole, even.”
    â€œI’m sure Taylor wouldn’t leave without saying good-bye,” Khloe said. “But maybe he did want to go without interrupting you and Drew.”
    I turned back to the table and picked up my plate again. “I’m just glad that a serious fiasco was avoided and that Drew and Taylor each know the truth.”
    Khloe put a handful of cheese popcorn onto a plate. “And I know you—the party would have been ruined ifyou felt guilty all night. Instead you’re having fun, and so is everyone else.”
    I gave KK a one-armed hug. “Thanks to you, Lex, and Clare. You guys saved me during my Taylor thing.”
    Khloe gave me a sharp salute. “Sworn to best friendship duty, ma’am.”
    Giggling, we separated, and I finished getting snacks. I scanned the chairs for Drew and, thankfully, spotted him at a round table nearby.
    â€œWho’s the adorbs guy you came inside with?” Lacey asked, bouncing into step beside me. We had glee club and fashion class together.
    â€œUm, that’s Taylor,” I said.
    â€œMore deets, Laur!” Lacey jerked her head toward the pool table. “Raquel and, well, all the