#Chapter 200: Under the Purple Lights

Abby   With Anton’s words of encouragement still fresh in my mind, I take a deep breath, gather my composure, and push through the door back into the party.   The music and chatter rush back over me like a wave, and I feel a sense of deja vu wash over me. It’s as if I never left, as if I never took that detour into the alley to escape the sight of Karl and Shana dancing together.   My eyes begin to scan the room for Karl, but I don’t see him amongst the crowd, which has thickened since I was last here. It seems as though more guests have arrived, and for a moment, I almost consider rushing back to the kitchen to check in on my team.   But I can’t. I know that’s just an excuse, a way for me to get out of having to confront Karl.   Suddenly, however, I feel a tap on my shoulder. I whirl around, Karl’s name on my lips, but it’s not him.   It’s Logan.   “Kar—Oh, Logan,” I say, straightening a bit. “Hello. I wasn’t expecting to see you.”   He smirks. “I figured as much. You