What’s a Jack Sparrow without his Will Turner?
“I look like an idiot.” I bite back a laugh.
She rolls her eyes. “Do not insult my work. I worked very hard on this outfit.” She huffs.
I look her over, giving her a twirl as she shows off her Elizabeth Swann getup. “Andyou—you look beautiful.”
“Thanks love.” She winks, squeezing my cheeks in her palm. “Now, come on. We’ve got to get some drinks in you. The night is young and there’s a haunted mansion to explore!” She claps, opening the bathroom door.
“I’m driving.” I laugh.
Claire bats my chest. “No, you’re not. You’re sleeping here tonight. I’ve got more than enough space.”
I nod my head, letting myself get dragged out to the party. Eh, why not. It’s not like I’m going home to anything else but nightmares and loneliness.
Claire’s family is mega rich. With their huge house outside of town, they don’t have neighbors for miles. Which is the perfect setup for a huge Halloween party.
Decked out with flickering lights, fake cobwebs in every corner, punch bowls full of floating eyeballs, and masked mannequins around every corner that resemble clowns, scarecrows and reapers, her parents went the full nine yards.
Not to mention, she hired a damn DJ to blast the newest music throughout the house. Booming through my ears and thumping through my chest. Lights of all colors flickering to the beat of the music. It’s a lot to take in.
As I make my way through the house, it pains me to think how much I know Elijah would love this. He loves this horror stuff. It’s something we have in common and he’s missing it.
I watch the front door as more people swarm in. This place is packed. Claire must’ve invited everyone she knows and being the popular girl she is, she knowsa lotof people.
“Come on!” She laughs, tugging my wrist. We end up in the kitchen where some folks are already playing beer pong on her dining table.
“Hmm, what shall it be?” She taps her finger on her chin as she looks over all the drink choices.
My stomach twists. “Maybe I shouldn’t.” I shake my head. I’m not sure what this type of mood mixed with alcohol will bring.
“Nonsense.” She shoves my shoulder before picking up a tall bottle of vodka. “It’ll make you feel better about the whole thing. I promise.” She drops a healthy amount into a solo cup and gets to work making it tolerable by adding some pineapple juice and topping it off with some sprite.
“And what should I call this one?” I smirk, giving it a sip. It’s light, fruity and honestly doesn’t taste so bad. Elijah and his sweet tooth would love it.
She hums, puckering her lip. “Let’s call it the ‘Classy Claire’”. She winks.
“Sounds fitting.” I smile. Claire is a great friend to me. She always has been. I’m lucky to have her and I’m excited for the fool that falls for her. Which reminds me—
“Hey, whatever happened between you and Gabe? I thought you were going to go for it,” I ask.
Claire pouts. “Yeah, I was… but, um…” She shrugs, trying to make it seem like no big deal. “I guess he just wasn’t into it. Honestly, it shocked me a little, but… eh, what can you do?”
“You don’t get rejected a lot, do you?” I laugh.
“Not usually, no.” She gasps, grabbing my arm. “Wait, I’m wrong.I totallyasked you out and you completely weren’t interested.”
My mouth drops in a shock as I remember back a couple years. “Oh yeah. I forgot about that.” I can’t help but laugh. “I’m so sorry.”
Thankfully Claire doesn’t hold a grudge as she laughs too. “Don’t worry about it. I love you and Elijah together…you know, when he’s here.” She gives me a sympathetic look.
“Yeah, me too.” I nod, taking a sip of my drink.
“I’ll find my Tobias one day. I’m not too worried.” She says gleefully looking at all her party guests walking by.
My eyebrows shoot up. “Why would you want your ownme?”
Claire turns back to me, a weird look on her face as she looks me over. “You really don’t see it, do you?”
