Carter nods and raises a finger. “One Fireball.”
“Two,” I cut in.
He scowls. “You arenotdoing two shots.”
“One for you and one for me.” I give him a look that saysduh.
“I hate shots,” he grumbles.
“I know.” A smile spreads across my face. “That’s why I want you to do it.”
If he’s going to inconvenience me, I’m more than happy to do the same. Although, it’s that kind of logic which usually gets me in trouble.
“Fine.” He looks none too happy about the prospect. “Two shots of fireball. But that’s it! No more!”
“Sure, whatever you say.” I have no intention of stopping at just one. But I’m smart enough to keep that information to myself.
For the time being.
Once Dylan fills our glasses, we each grab one. I hold mine up and wait for him to do the same. “Should I give a toast?”
Carter rolls his eyes. “Sure, why not.”
Oh sweetheart, this is just the beginning. Buckle up, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
I hold my shot glass high in the air and clear my throat. “We drink to those who love us, we drink to those who don’t, we drink to those who fuck us, and fuck the ones who don’t!”
His lips twitch. “You couldn’t just say bottoms up, huh?”
I grin.“Nope.”
We clink our plastic glasses and toss back the alcohol. I scrunch my face as the liquid burns a fiery trail down my throat.
“Delicious,” I sputter.
A cheer goes up in the other room that catches my attention.
I crane my neck to see what’s going on. “Yay, beer pong! I love that game. Come on, let’s play!”
Carter is not going to deter my fun. If he wants to sit on the sidelines and watch, that’s fine. Just don’t get in my way.
“Seriously?”
“Yup.” I give him a wide-eyed look. “Feel free to take off any time. No one is forcing you to stick by my side.”
He shakes his head. “That’s not happening, Thompson.”
I shrug and beeline for the table. Carter trails after me, never letting me get more than a few steps ahead of him. Since I recognize a few people playing, I tell them I’ll take on the winner, but need a partner.
One guy jumps to his feet. “I’ll be your?—”
“Sit your ass back down.” Carter snakes an arm around me. “She has a partner.”
A new game starts, and before you know it, Carter and I hit a winning streak. But we’re still downing drinks. That’s the point of the game, right?
Concentrating, I throw the little white ball into the plastic cup. It goes right in, barely rimming the sides. I turn to Carter, jumping up and down with excitement and hold up my hand for a high five.
A smile hovers around the edges of his mouth as he shakes hishead. “What do you do? Stay up late at night and practice in your bedroom?”
