“This isn’t the 1950s. We’re allowed to socialize with boys. Some girls are bringing their boyfriends, and a lot more are bringing their gay guy friends. Maybe we can find you a cutie.” Lorna strummed her fingers together like she was devising a devious plot. “A cutie to take your mind off your hottie.”
Ethan blushed. No one had ever taken interest in his dating life, not like there was much to take interest in. Still, it felt good to be asked. Even if he was hung up on one guy in particular.
She bounced in the doorway, and her excitement began to rub off on Ethan. His smile was elastic, and he got on his tiptoes for no discernible reason.
“You’re going now? I just got up.”
“You’re a guy. It’ll take you five minutes to get ready.” Lorna leaned against the doorway, taking a breather. “So are you in?”
Ethan thought about Jessica and his friends. They loved to sleep in and grab brunch off-campus, where they could avoid the football ruckus. Jessica probably had a new activity mapped out that would top the sculpture garden.
“I’m taking your hesitation and the fact that you haven’t slammed the door in my face as a yes,” she said.
But day drinking would also relieve tension. Possibly. Ethan nodded yes.
“Yes!” Lorna threw her arms up. “We’re going to have so much fun.”
He hoped so.
Φ
The tailgate was not a mosh pit. Lorna’s sorority set up a tent between two vans. The “bar” consisted of a folding table with bottles of off-brand hard alcohol and off-brand mixers, plus a keg in the corner. There was no furniture throwing, no fights, no madness. Just drinking and good times.
And peer pressure.
“You have to do one shot with me.” Lorna held a shot of vodka inches from Ethan’s mouth. The harsh fumes of the drink stung his nose.
“I don’t know. I think I’ll stick with beer.”Or what passes for beer.
“You’ve barely drunk your beer. Because it’s nasty.” Lorna eyed his red Solo cup, nearly filled to the brim. “Come on. Do one shot with me, and I won’t bug you for the rest of the day.”
Ethan never thought he would be the type to do shots at a party. He had never done a shot period. It seemed to be an important part of his college life and personal growth, too. He wondered what Jessica and his friends would think.What would Greg think?
Not like it matters.
He took the shot glass from Lorna.
“Yes!” she exclaimed. “Okay, what are we drinking to?”
“I don’t know. Go Whitetails?”
“How about to us? I’m glad you’re here,” Lorna said, sincerity peeking through her loud demeanor. That warmed Ethan’s heart.
And the vodka burned it.Holy shit.The alcohol sloshed down his throat, singeing anything in its path. He thought his insides were going to char, yet he was fine a few seconds later.
“Lorna! Are you doing shots without me?”
Ethan tensed up. He knew that voice. Sahil wrapped his arm around Lorna and grinded against her, singing to the music. Lorna scream-laughed. They easily drew all attention in the tent.
“Oh dear Lord. When did you start drinking?” she asked.
“Seven.”
“A.M.?”
“P.M., baby. I haven’t stopped since last night! Go Whitetails!”
Lorna scream-laughed again and joined his grind-dance. Ethan just stood there, not really sure how to proceed. He doubted he would ever reach their energy level. Some people were born on full blast.
