Oh great, there’s two of them.
“Uh, hi,” I laugh nervously. “What are you doing here?”
Before he can respond, the girl next to him widens her equally blue eyes and points to my hand. “Oh my gosh, where did you find it?”
I was so aware of Carson that I forgot about the Claddagh ring I’m holding. Holding it out to her, I respond with, “Found it on the grass.”
“Thank you!!!” The girl lets go of Carson, stumbling slightly towards me so she can wrap me in a hug.
A flimsy, beer-scented hug.
She’s slightly taller than I am but it’s surprisingly not uncomfortable, just unexpected. Eyes wide, I look at Carson, who shrugs.
My eyes turn into little slits with the way I glare at him.
“I don’t know you but I already love you!” She lets go of me to slip the ring back onto her right finger. “I could have sworn someone had stolen it by now. You didn’t want this all to yourself?”
It’s now my turn to shrug. “Though it’s pretty, I’m more of a gold girl.”
She gives me a once-over before shaking her head. “You would look good in silver, too,” she remarks before turning to Carson. “Don’t you think?”
His cheeks turn visibly red and he stutters. “Uh, sure thing.”
Is it just me or does he look as uncomfortable with the predicament as I feel?
Choosing not to subject myself to this any longer, I reach for the fridge, grab a soda can, and hastily exit the kitchen without another word.
I think I’ve had enough of this party. Or any party for the foreseeable future.
When I reach the living room yet again, the first thing I spot is a set of long, black braids that I recognize are Lucia’s. I tap her shoulder and she whips around, a couple of braids hitting my arm. “What’s up, girl?”
Okay, she’s not drunk yet but Lucia’s not a lightweight, either, so it’s hard to guess how many shots she’s taken.
“I’m heading out,” I shout through the painfully loud music.
Lucia puts her drink down. “I’ll go with you.”
Shaking my head, I say, “No, don’t let me stop you from having more fun. I’ll be fine.” Looking over her shoulder, I notice Mason glancing in our direction before he quickly looks away. Yeah, that guy’s got it real fucking bad. “Besides, you’ve got Mason to keep you company.”
My best friend looks over her shoulder to find Mason and I swear her cheeks turn red. And is that giggling I hear?
There’s a time and a place for me to be around those two, and right now isn’t the moment.
“I’ll call you an Uber,” she says. In an instant, I can feel my stomach shriveling up at the mention of a car. Oh fuck no. I’ll risk my chances doing anything but sitting in a car.
“I can just walk home,” I assure her before turning around and squeezing through the crowds without hearing a protest come from Lucia’s mouth. Briskly walk towards the front door like I’m inching closer and closer to the finish line.
Before my hand can reach the doorknob, a body knocks into me and I’m pushed away. “Sorry!” A familiar drunken voice calls out.
At least I’m not on grass again.
I check my top for any creases, and my shoes for any stains, and just as I get the all-clear, I open my mouth to apologize when Carson’s voice stops me.
“You need some fresh air, too?”
I shake my head. “Going home. I’ll see you later.”
I reach for the doorknob a second time before he places his hand over mine. I turn my head to face him with eyes wide, not expecting the motion whatsoever. Or the small zap, which causes me to draw my right hand back in an instant and meet his gaze.
