"Hey, Sam," he said, leaning against the doorframe casually, as if he hadn’t just shown up unannounced. "Guess what day it is?"
I raised an eyebrow. "I don’t have time for guessing games, Palmer. I’m busy."
"You’re always busy. But today’s special. It’s Anya’s birthday, and I came to pick you up."
My heart sank. The last thing I wanted was to go to Anya’s party. The idea of being surrounded by people who would compare me to her, people who already saw me as second place, was more than I could handle. Not to mention Giovanni would be there, probably hanging off her every word. Just the thought of it made my chest tighten.
"I’m not going," I said, crossing my arms.
Palmer didn’t budge. "Oh, yes, you are."
"No, I’m not." I turned away, intending to close the door, but he stepped inside, preventing me from shutting it.
"Come on, Samara, it’s just a party. You can’t avoid them forever. And if you don’t come, I’ll just stay here and annoy you until you give in."
I sighed, glaring at him. Palmer could be relentless when he wanted something, and right now, he seemed determined. I could argue all day, but I knew he wasn’t going to back down.