As soon as Zane opens the door for me, loud music spills out into the night. I recognize a Lana Del Rey remix; it actually sounds kind of good.
“Here goes nothing,” Lisa sighs as she steps out of the car.
“You’re here!” Tess yells from a distance as she quickly makes her way toward me and pulls me into a hug. “You look so good in purple,” she says.
“Tess, this is Lisa. Lisa, this is Tess,” I introduce them. Just like she did with me, Lisa pulls Tess into a tight hug.
“Prepare for me to cling to you two for the rest of the night,” Lisa jokes.
“It would be my honor,” I smile.
“Are you girls ready to go in?” Leo asks, and I realize I didn’t even notice him standing there.
“Nope,” Lisa says.
“Not at all,” Tess adds.
“Maybe?” I say, making the guys laugh. “Here we go.” I step forward and follow Zane inside.
People are everywhere, and the entire room is bathed in a dim red glow. Ice buckets filled with champagne sit around the space, along with actual bathtubs packed with ice and beer.
“Is this a Grizzlies party or a frat party?” I ask, looking around in disbelief.
“You thought there’d be a difference?” Lisa laughs.
“I don’t go to these parties much anymore,” Zane says, and I can tell he’s slightly defensive.
“Well, it looks like it’s going to be a fun night,” I quickly reassure him.
“Drinks?” Leo asks, and we all follow him over to the ice buckets.
Lisa pours herself a glass of champagne while the rest of us grab beers. We’re about to raise our glasses when Blake suddenly runs toward our group.
“Finally! Who’s down to party?” Blake yells, and we all fall silent for a moment.
“You?” Tess asks, breaking the silence.
“Damn right!” he replies before going around and hugging everyone.
“Do you even know him?” Tess chuckles, asking Lisa after Blake walks off again.
“It’s a long story,” Lisa says with a sigh. “He has the key to my brother’s apartment. I’m staying there, and he didn’t know I’d be there; that’s how we met. We did meet when we were younger, but we both forgot. Actually… that wasn’t that long of a story,” she shrugs.
Tess and Lisa drift into their own conversation when I suddenly feel an arm wrap around me. His touch is gentle, careful, but already familiar.
“Thanks for coming tonight,” Zane says as I instinctively lean into him.
“Thanks for inviting me,” I smile. He leans down and kisses my forehead, sending a rush of butterflies through me.
“I’ll make it up to you by making our next date a chill movie night at my place, ok?” Zane asks.
“You have nothing to make up for,” I reply. “But I’d love that.” I lean in and kiss him.
“Ooooh,” someone calls from a distance. “Miller has a girlfriend,” a guy jokes, followed by a few scattered laughs.
My mind tries to spiral, but I push the thought away.
“Oh, look, the Grizzlies’ water boy,” Lisa says to the guy, making Leo laugh. “I’m thirsty, Jake. Get me a drink.”
