I haveno ideawhat she’s talking about. But, before she explains, she gets to work whipping up another round and pushes a new full drink in my hand.
We take a moment to just chat over our drinks and laugh. Feeling good as the drink moves through me, she whips up another round.
“Okay, come on Jackie Boy, we’re up!” Claire tugs me by my strap across my chest, pulling me through the crowd until we get to the beer pong table.
“Uh oh, hide the rum.” A muffled voice sounds underneath a masked ghost face.
My eyebrow arches, not knowing who this is, until he props the mask up on his head, revealing a cheerful Gabe.
I smile, giving him a nod. “Scream. Nice.”
He drops the mask down over his face. “What’s your favorite movie?” He mocks the famous movie line, in that eerie creepy voice, making me laugh.
“Creeepy.” I shake my head, pretending to get the chills.
He chuckles as he lifts the mask back off. “What’s going on, buddy? You come here to get taken down?”
“You can try.” Claire smirks.
“Okay, let’s go!” He pats me on the back before Claire and I make our way to the other side of the table. A nearby buddy of Claire’s teams up with Gabe and soon we get to work, playing through a game.
For every ball that sinks, I notice Gabe taking a swig of his Gatorade bottle.
“Driving,” He shrugs, seeing me staring.
I nod and continue on with our game.
The more balls are sunk and drinks are downed, the less shitty I feel.
I wouldn’t say I’m forgettingallabout my tormenting birth father or the stinging absence of Elijah but…the drinks definitely are helping soften the pain.
Maybe tonight won’t be so bad.
***
“I’m just too good.” Gabe cackles, slapping the hand of his partner after sinking the winning cup.
“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Claire huffs, rolling her eyes. I watch in amazement as she downs her drink like a champ.
“Atta girl,” I laugh, patting her on the back. She lets out a quick ‘woo’ and cheers.
“Okay, I need a refill. You coming?” She shakes her empty cup in front of my face.
“Yeah, why not.” I nod, following after her.
Gabe gives us a head nod as we leave him as I follow her back into the kitchen.
“You sir, need to step up your A-game.” Claire hiccups, poking me in the chest.
A wide grin pulls at my lips. “We lost because ofyou, missy.” I poke her right back, inciting a wide eyed grin.
Elijah would’ve had this in the bag. He’s so good at this stuff.
I pull out my phone and tap my screen open but before I can pull up his contact info, she snags my phone from my hand.
“Hey!” I gasp.
She shakes her head. “Nope! You’re paying attention to me tonight. All your attention on moi.” She beams.
