“You didn’t think I’d let you walk alone, did you? Someone might kill you.”
“You’re right. You never know when Dennis might find me.” I pulled away from the curb and started down the block.
“Actually, I take it back.”
“Take what back? You didn’t give me anything.”
“Your singing is way worse than your screaming.”
“Stop being mean. My singing is great.” I came to a stop beside Ari and Sean.
“You’re alive.” Ari squealed as she climbed in back.
“She really does try to wander off a lot.” Sean got in after and shut the door.
“Told you.” I fiddled with my phone until a favorite band of mine came on.
“Emy, what is this? It’s so bad.” Ari pressed against her ears.“Why are people screaming at me? Oh my god, it sounds like your singing—”
“My singing is gorgeous.”
“No, I’m pretty sure you’re tone deaf,”Dennissaid.
“Is she really? I wanna hear.”
I pushed Sean away as he leaned forward.“Screw you all.” I turned the music up to drown out their insults the entire way home.
When we arrived, I waited for everyone to get out before leading the way inside. I caught Ari as she fell through the doorway, laughing when we both almost tumbled to the ground.
“She should get drunk more often. She acts almost as ditzy as you are sober.” Dennis chuckled as I playfully flipped him off.
“Why are you guys coming inside? Go home.”
“I’m good here.” Sean shut and locked the door before heading upstairs.
“You’re lucky my uncle’s not home,” I called after him.
“Where is he?” Dennis asked. “Is he ever home?”
“I dunno.” I caught Ari again as she tipped sideways.“He’s probably out with friends. Ari said he usually stays out with them Saturday nights. Okay, hun,” I grabbed Ari as she tipped once again, “we’re going upstairs. Can you walk up the stairs?”
“I dunno,” she looked at the ceiling,“where are we?”
I shot Dennis a dirty look when he laughed at us almost falling again.“Can you carry her upstairs? You’re being a waste of space. Make yourself useful.”
“Sure.” He grabbed her and effortlessly drapedher overa shoulder. She giggled and wavedat me.“Where’s her room?”
“You can put her in mine.” I brushed past them and headed upstairs.
“Who’s Dr. Kelsey?” Sean looked up from a business card as I entered.
“My psychiatrist. Move.” I took off my stilettos and kicked them aside,then nudged Sean off the bed as Dennis walked in.
“Here?” Dennis waited for me to nod, then dumped Ari where Sean had just been.
“That was a fun roller coaster.” She sat up, beaming.“Where are my pajamas? I’m tired of jeans.”
“Never fear, Emy’s here!” I thrust a fist in the air, causing her to laugh hysterically. I went to fetch a set of her pajamas, then came back and tossed them at her face. She thanked me and started to pull her shirt off.“Hold on.” I pushed her hands down and turned to the guys.“Get out.”
