When I first looked at the invitation, I knew the party was at Danlee’s house but didn’t think much about it until Aunt Lisa texted,Don’t be late, you know how far out she lives. I left early so “Olivia” would arrive on time, because no, I had no idea how far out she lived. But apparently no one arrives on time, since I was the first one here?
I’ve watched each girl arrive…in costume…and that’s been interesting. There’s no way that belt buckle Steph is wearing isn’t dragging her down. No way.
But I’m also freaking out that someone is going to see me, because I look like a perv creeper sitting on the side of the driveway like this.
Tap, tap, tap.
“Shit!” I yell, and jump in my seat.
Bianca is laughing at me while I roll my window down.
“Charlie, I didn’t mean to scare you.”
She can barely contain herself.
“What are you doing here?” I’m sure she’s wondering why I’m sitting in the car in front of Danlee’s house by myself.
I don’t want to out Olivia, so I’m left with looking like an idiot.
“I was waiting for Olivia. She left her bag in my truck and I knew she’d be here.” Dumbest lie ever.
“Oh,” she says.
And then I get a better look at her. She looks good. Really, really good. Opening the truck door, I hop out. “I’m liking this outfit.”
“Better in person, huh,” she says, then twirls around and does this cute little heel kick thing in those cowboy boots.
“Uh, yeah,” I say, not really following.
Bianca and I have been flirting all week. I like her. A lot. But I’m nervous about starting something with her, since we’ll be going our separate ways come fall. So as long as we’re both cool with keeping things easy, I’m all game.
Another few cars pull up and she glances at the road, probably looking for Olivia’s car. “We haven’t seen much of Olivia this week. Kind of weird, actually. Want me to take her bag in with me?”
“No, I’ll give her a few more minutes. I think she needed something in it before going into the party.”
And nowthat’sthe dumbest lie ever. I’m digging a hole and I’ll be buried alive under all these lies.
“Okay, I’ll see you later, then,” she says, taking a few steps away from me. “Won’t I?”
I close the gap she just made between us. “That can be arranged. I have family dinner tonight, but Judd’s band is playing at Superior after. Want to meet up there?”
“Judd’s in a band?” I haven’t found a person who wasn’t shocked by this development.
“Yeah, come watch them with me.”
She smiles, then tucks a piece of hair behind her ear while biting her bottom lip. I don’t care if she’s practiced that a thousand times in the mirror, because it’s worth it.
“I’ll meet you there.”
She walks up the driveway and gives me a wave before disappearing inside. Yee. Haw.
A few more cars arrive and park down the street. I recognize the Evil Joes’ car and let out a moan. This is the last thing I need.
I slide down low in my seat again. I know they’ll recognize my truck, but maybe they won’t see me. Of course they’re dressed identically in matching dresses and cowboy boots. And they did something weird with their hair. It’s in some complicated braid thing that sort of makes them look like they have horns.
Or maybe their real horns are starting to show and they’re just trying to cover them up.
They stroll past my truck and start whispering. Then they stop.
