“We’re doingThe Outsiders,” Brad replies. “A lot of denim. Cody’s made the alterations on our outfits, so you know they’ll be extra sexy.”
I force a chuckle. “I bet.”
At one time, if he mentioned their friend, I wouldn’t have thought much of it, but now, all I can think about is Cody resting his hands on me, somehow extracting the rod that had impaled my body.
“What about you?” Luke asks.
“A little number. You’ll see.”
“Ooh, a sexy mystery? We’ll keep an eye out.”
We chat some more before I head to the gym and get in a good workout. Then I shower and throw on my costume for the party.
Unlike Brad and Luke, I’m not planning on having a good time.
Not tonight.
There are business matters to attend to.
*
After I arrive,I check my coat with one of the newly initiated freshmen on door duty. Even though it’s getting down to the thirties tonight, this hasn’t discouraged anyone from wearing the skimpiest outfits they could manage. Typical for the parties, which I love because I never mind showing some skin. I’ve always had a naturally lean, muscly look that works well for me, and no problem showing it off.
A quick glance around, and I already see two bare-chestedDirty DancingSwayzes with their Jennifer Greys, and threeRisky BusinessTom Cruises in open button-downs, sunglasses, and briefs.
I’m relieved no one seems to have picked my homage, which involves a crop top and navy-blue briefs. Yeah, there are plenty of crop tops around, but it’s clear none are from my movie, which I consider a success. Also, I don’t hate the way I’m filling out this shirt since I got a pump in at the gym earlier.
As I start for the kitchen to grab a drink, it’s hard not to notice all the form-fitting outfits the girls are in, hugging their tight bodies. I recognize one from Theta Phi dressed as Michelle Pfeiffer fromScarface, and it makes me reconsider making tonight just about business.
When I reach the kitchen, I find Seth and Cody laughing in a corner. Apparently, Seth wasn’t even allowed to wear a shirt—just jeans and a denim bandanna around his neck. And Cody’s in jeans and a leather jacket.
I’m transported to that night in November.
“Are you okay?” Seth asks.
I’m out of it still, just coming to.
I have so many questions—what were they doing in the woods? What was that thing that stabbed me? What did Cody just do to me?
Given how delirious I was, I’m surprised I didn’t just start asking questions. But the moment I saw Seth, a memory came back to me: Brad and Luke about to get into a fight, and Seth intervening. He did something to Luke that day, forced him to think that everything was fine when it definitely wasn’t. I’ve seen him do things like that before. His powers allow him to influence people—pushing, they call it. Usually, with everyone other than Luke, people he pushes on don’t realize what’s happened. They think they’re choosing to do as he says, even if it’s against their best interests. Because of this, I had to be cautious, fearing he might be able to get me to forget everything I just witnessed.
“What am I doing out here?” I ask Seth, and he looks relieved. Because I shouldn’t know what just went down.
“Hey, buddy.” Luke drapes his arm around me, and I turn to see him and his boyfriend in matching denim.
As we grab drinks, I’m pouring vodka into my red Solo cup when I hear, “You mind giving me a splash?”
I spin around to find Matteo Baros at my side. In sneakers,tighty-whities, and a backward cap, he sizes me up. “Ooh, Alexei, I like this number. What are you supposed to be?”
Outside of him being Brad’s dormmate, I don’t know Matteo too well. I’ve had a class with him before. He’ll play pickup games with us occasionally, and I’ve seen him around more since Brad and Luke started going out. But other than that, we run in different circles.
I pour vodka into his cup. “It’s fromWeird Science. What about you? Did Mark Wahlberg appear in any films in the ’80s?”
His eyes light up. “Ah, you got it. Nah. I just didn’t read the email. Saw ’80s and thought of it, but no one’s complained yet.” He winks.
“I bet they haven’t,” I joke.
Like Brad and Luke with their unstoppable sex life, I’m jealous of Matteo’s too. I’m always seeing him walking out of these parties with a girl on his arm. He’s slick, charming, and from what I hear, a great lay. When I’m game for it, I do fine, but with that jawline and those abs on proud display, Matteo’s the kind of guy who could have his pick of anyone he wanted.
