Carmen
Freshly brewed tea. Nothing says definitely staying home tonight like this
For the last couple messages, she’s been teasing me like this. I smirk, rising to the challenge.
I know you’re rocking an amazing house party outfit on the other side of that camera
LOL. No
Besides, the caffeine from that tea will give you so much energy that you’ll just have to come out
Funny thing about optimism. Most of the time it’s unwarranted
But not this time
I go to the kitchen to refill my cup. By the time that’s done, she still hasn’t responded. I decide to hit her with the old double-text. I’ve never played it cool with this girl; no reason to start now.
You could just ignore me the whole night and get to know some of the girls here. Sebastian’s girlfriend and her roommates are over. They’re friendly and always down to induct someone cool into their group
Even if not tonight, I really do want to introduce Carmen to the girls. I think they’d get along well. Carmen needs some friends here in Cedar Shade. Not that I don’t believe she canmake them herself, I know she would if she put herself out there. But a little help never hurts.
Harper rents a house with Maddie, Scarlett, and Jasmine. Maddie and Scarlett are dating Rhys and Lane respectively, who graduated last year. Jasmine’s the odd girl out who hasn’t been locked down by a hockey player. I don’t think she’s looking for a serious relationship right now. They’re all cool girls, and I’m glad to still be friendly with them even after Rhys and Lane graduated.
Carmen
Well, ignoring you all night IS tempting …
I smile at my phone. I’m thinking of a witty response to keep our text banter flowing, when a conversation beside me snags my attention.
“Come on, V. Once you master this, you’ll be a fully integrated American college student.” Felix is pulling Veikko toward the middle of the living room, where we’ve cleared out the furniture to make room for people to dance.
Felix’s face is flushed. He’s acting even more boisterous than usual. He’s drunk a lot tonight. Not a worrying amount or anything, but he’s going harder than his average.
Veikko’s been throwing them back more than he usually does, too. He’s not as stiff and standoffish as usual. “I don’t know, Felix.”
Felix flashes him a smile. His eyes are eager. “Come on, you gotta be able to dance at a college house party if you’re gonna say you’ve had the American experience.”
There’s an odd look on Veikko’s face. It’s like he wants to give in to Felix’s encouragement, but he’s looking for an excuse to tell himself no. Felix decides not to give him the chance, grabbinghim by the wrist and pulling him into the mass of bodies moving around the living room.
I bark out a laugh as Felix brushes up against Veikko, trying to show him what to do with his arms and legs. To my surprise, Veikko’s face breaks out in a smile. He’s actually laughing. What’s really surprising is that he isn’t moving away as Felix gets right into his personal space.
I hold up my phone and snap a picture of them. I send it to Carmen.
Veikko and Felix are dancing together. Come on, you can’t miss this party.
My tongue peeks through my lips in anticipation as I watch text bubbles bouncing on her side of the screen.
Carmen
Fine. I’ll be over soon
“Yes!” I can’t hold back the exclamation. I actually jump up and down for joy.
I’m wired with energy and excitement. Carmen is actually coming. My shoulders and arms start moving to the rhythm of the song.
I hear Sebastian chuckle next to me. “What’s with you?” he asks.
I’m too over the moon to be embarrassed at how silly I look. “Carmen’s coming over.”
