I nod, folding my arms across my chest, regretting not wearing anything other than a green bikini top, linen mini skirt, and my white high-tops. Despite living in California, the weather gets cooler around here at night. Though I know wearing a sweater or something thicker would’ve been pointless; it’s a pool party, after all. I’ve been to a few parties, so I know how hot the houses get.
“I love that green on you.” Pen runs her eyes down the length of my body and lingers on my chest. The mesh bikini top has different shades of green—some dark, light, and bright. “Vi, you did a fantastic job on the makeup.”
The girls insisted I do a little more than just mascara and lip gloss. I have nothing against it. I used to wear it, but all my makeup expired, and I never cared to replace it.
But Pen came prepared. She brought her makeup bag just in case I needed something. And because we’re the same skin tone, it worked out. Vi told me to sit, and I didn’t argue. In no time, she was done and when I looked in the mirror, a thick shard of glass lodged itself in the middle of my throat.
It wasn’t only because I felt pretty, which I hadn’t felt in a while, but it reminded me of a picture of Mom when she was my age.
I swallow hard, pushing past the discomfort.
“I feel like Edward,” I joke but it comes off so dry, I wince realizing that may have come off rude, but Vi snorts and hums the beginning of “Eyes on Fire” by Blue Foundation.
The girls burst out into fits of giggles, and my lips twitch.
I’m flooded with relief, the nerves that had quickly built up disappearing.
In Vi’s defense, she was going forEuphoriavibes and she nailed that. Our skins are sparkly from the body spray Pen brought, and our eyelids are shinier than a disco ball.
“Hey, I’m all for it. Who knows, I might have a biting kink.” Vi winks at me, voice louder as we enter the house. “Let’s go to the kitchen for drinks!” she shouts, interlocking hands with Pen, and Pen interlocks her hand with mine.
She does it so casually, as if it’s something we’ve always done, it catches me off guard. I almost tug my hand away at the instinctual reaction that I have about people touching me.
I know I’m thinking too much into something so simple but it really…threw me off.
We squeeze past the crowd, taking every inch of space in the living room. I don’t make it a few feet in before I get hot, I’m elbowed, and I’m hit in the head with a beach ball.
Pen peers over her shoulder, smiling at me, and squeezes my hand before she looks forward again.
“Ladies!” We’re greeted by a guy with a slight deep Southern twang, sparkling green eyes, unruly light brown hair, and a well-maintained mustache. His lips stretch into a wide smile, gracing us with the whitest and straightest pair of teeth I’ve ever seen. He and a few girls stand behind a table, two large glass dispensers filled to the top with some kind of punch. One isfilled with blue liquid and the other with red liquid. There are also tons of alcoholic beverages and chasers that litter the table. “Well, if it isn’t my favorite Garcia.”
“I better be.” Pen beams teasingly. “Grayson, these are my friends, Vienna and Josie. Girls, this is Gray. Don’t let his pretty face and abs fool you. He has a thing for beingniceand forgetting your name.”
Grayson dramatically gasps, staring at her like she stabbed him in the back. “Now baby G, why are you doing me like that? I’m very good at remembering names. I just get a little distrac…” He trails off, his gaze landing on the chest of a girl who leans over the table to grab a bottle of Pink Whitney.
When she leaves, Pen cocks a brow as if sayingtold you so.
“I didn’t forget your names,” he defends himself. “That’s Vienna and that’s Josie.”
“No, you forgot we were here,” she counters.
“I—” His lips part before they close then part again. “So, Vienna and Josie, what would y’all like to drink?”
“And me,” Pen states.
“Yeah right. You’re underage and your brother will kill me.”
She rolls her eyes. “We’re the same age, dumbass. I do what I want.” She grabs a cup from the table and fills it up with the blue liquid.
“If Danny asks, I said no.” He raises his hands in surrender. “Ladies?”
“How strong are we talking?” Vi questions, gaze bouncing between each glass dispenser and not so subtly tracking down his torso.
“You’ll get fucked up on both, black out even. But I can guarantee you’ll remember the next day with the blue. Now as for the red, you might end up in another state,” he tentatively answers, eyes narrowing on the red liquid. “Actually, that one is still pretty questionable but it’s good.”
He offers her the friendliest smile, but I feel the subtle hints of flirtiness behind it, and I don’t miss the way his eyes rake over her body. It’s quick and smooth but leaves a lasting impression as I note the tinge of red that creeps on her deep bronze cheeks.
“Blue,” she says.
