Maybe start one myself someday.
My friendship with Maisie could become more than part of my cover. I like her.
When Maisie goes to knock on the door, I shake my head at her and go for the handle, swinging the door open for her. Is this her first college party?
Even I've been to a couple, but this is my first one as an actual student at said college.
Inside is like being swallowed by some kind of hellbeast. It's hot as fuck, and all the walls and decorations are red. The pulsing lights play off the crimson damask wallpaper and streaming scarlet tinsel, making it look like we're partying in the devil's stomach.
There's a wide staircase leading up to the next floor in the middle of the entryway, and most steps are filled with people sitting and chatting—more like screaming into each other's ears over the music.
To the left is a massive room with a pool table set up, and to the right a room filled with sofas and stacks of discarded empty cans.
Maisie was right. I see at least four other Ghostfaces already. And there are two in the same mask Elijah wore at the Matisse heist. Another three in the tactical skull mask Atty chose.
The Menage a MaskTok really blew up on TikTok and the evidence of their virality is literally all around me.
Most of the masks are resting atop their heads as they drink, and will probably stay there throughout the night until they'reeventually discarded. Full-face masks don't exactly make good drinking buddies.
"You made it!" Bailey's voice rings loud over the music as he pounds down the stairs, red Solo cup in hand, black Ghostface getup swishing around him like a dress. His mask hangs by a string around his neck, bouncing against his back, already forgotten.
Of course, he'd be one of them.
"Hey you," he croons to Maisie, pulling her into a hug before moving on to me. "Nice costume. Were you trying to match with me on purpose?"
I give him a look that doesn't stop him whatsoever as he pulls me in for a tight embrace that smells like beer and bad decisions.
I can't quite put my finger on why I don't like him, but I just don't. I should've trusted my gut with Jesse when I first met him. This time, I'm listening.
"Follow me!" he says when he lets me go. "Let's get you ladies a drink. I know Trip was hoping you'd show up, Maisie."
Shit. I forgot she had that date with him. I've been so caught up in my own shit I never even asked her how it went.
Maisie blushes and is so quick to follow Bailey that I am genuinely concerned for her. I stop her and shake my head, calling to Bailey. "We brought our own booze, but thanks!"
"Oh, you gotta try the monster punch. My guy Philips makes it. Shit's lethal."
Because that's really selling me on it…
"I want to try the punch." Maisie is all smiles for him as she shouts over the music.
"Come on, Aurora," Bailey says, and there's a gleam in his eyes that I recognize. "Just a little taste."
I jerk Maisie back. "We're going to go shoot some pool."
Behind Bailey, two men in coordinating masks appear. One with a glowing smile and crossed-out eyes, the other in the skull mask.
"Hey!" Bailey calls to them, indicating me. "This is the girl I was telling you guys about—from Professor Ryan's class. Aurora, this is Philips and Trip."
"Hey, Trip," Maisie says with a cutesy smile and he lifts his mask to appreciate her properly, eyeing her up like a fresh cut of meat.
"Looking good, Mais."
Bailey fumbles to get his Ghostface mask back on over his blond hair, pulling his dark hood up. Once he's got it, he puts his arms out with his buddies on either side of him like he's the main act. "Recognize us?"
He makes the peace sign like Seven did in the original photos.
The fact that they are literally dressed up asmymen makes me want to laugh and rage at the same time.
