Again, none of us drinks.
“Never have I ever gone skinny dipping,” I say.
I’m not surprised when Rubin, Fraser, and Hendrix all drink.
“Never have I ever got a tattoo,” Fraser says.
“Where?” Fraser asks when Theo drinks.
“Only guys who date me get to find out where and what. I lost a bet,” Theo adds.
Fraser looks at Preston expectantly.
Preston holds his hands up. “I never kiss and tell.”
“More like fuck and tell,” Hendrix says. “I’d love a tattoo, but I’m too fickle. I’d get bored, and then I’d be stuck with it.”
“You’d look good with a tattoo,” Rubin says. “Maybe stars all over your back.”
Hendrix gives him a lopsided smile. “Are you an artist like Quinn?”
“Graphic designer.”
“Maybe you could design me a tattoo.” He waggles his eyebrows.
“Maybe.”
“Never have I ever cheated on a test,” Theo says.
“I’m beginning to think you’re all boring,” Hendrix says when no one drinks.
“Surely that includes you?” Theo retorts. “You didn’t drink either.”
“Why would I need to cheat on a test?” He gestures to himself. “I got a full house of A stars at GCSE and A level.”
Everyone stares at him, except me. I remember the conversation we had the other day when he told me everyone thinks he’s dumb. While I didn’t believe that, it’s clear from everyone’s reaction that they had underestimated him. I hadn’t expected that revelation either, making me guilty of underestimating Hendrix too.
“Fucking hell,” Rubin says. “Are you some kind of genius or something?”
Hendrix laughs. “Hardly. Preston, it’s your turn.”
“Never have I ever lied to someone in this room.”
Hendrix sinks down in his chair as he drinks. The only lie I know of was about his Sugar Daddy. The lie was told before I moved into the house. The revelation that he had lied came after.
“Never have I ever shoplifted.” Rory looks around the table, seemingly happy that none of us has a drink.
“Never have I ever kissed a friend’s sibling.” Hendrix stares at Rubin. “But I want to.”
“We can solve that.” Rubin grabs Hendrix’s T-shirt in his fist and drags him into a steamy kiss.
I can’t figure out where to look. At them? At the table? At my other housemates? When they finally break apart, Hendrix is blinking slowly and his lips are kiss swollen.
Rubin grins. “You need to drink.”
Hendrix nods and gulps his drink. It’s the first time I’ve seen him speechless. Rory drinks too.
“Never have I ever—” Rubin stops as a phone starts to ring.
