We chatted about the costumes we saw, a few being even sluttier than ours, which I envied. And we were absolutely taking notes for next year. We drank our drinks and headed to the living room that was kiddie corner to the kitchen. We danced together and just enjoyed one another's company.
As we were dancing, I leaned in close to her. “My buzz wore off. Are you okay if we head back to find more booze?”
She smiled. “Hell yeah, I had my one, but you go crazy.”
We held hands as we walked through the sweaty bodies, making our way to the kitchen. “I missed this.” I sighed as I dug through one of the coolers next to the island. The kitchen was fucking massive. It was an open concept; you could see the majority of this floor even standing deeper into the kitchen. I think the counters were real granite, too. It was fucking nice.
The funny thing about parties like this was the fact that most people attending were only here to get laid. I looked up afterfinding the hard cider I wanted and spotted the girl from the ice cream parlor in town—dressed as Tinker Bell—heading upstairs hand in hand with a guy dressed as… Guy Fieri? I’d honestly pay to watch that, but only if they stayed in character.
Wren followed my gaze and burst into laughter, “Oh God, I’d pay to see that.” She was practically wheezing because she was laughing so hard.
I cracked open my can, vibrating with laughter. “Literally, I just had the same thought.” I took a swig of cider and smiled. “I missed this, Wrennie. Missed us!” I nudged her with my shoulder as we leaned on the counter next to a fridge that probably cost more than my tuition.
“I am so sorry I haven’t been around as much as I should’ve been. I knew you needed me, and I need to be a better friend for you.”
“Hey, don’t do that. You gave me a place to stay while my house is being fixed, and that led me to Cam.” I gave an apologetic smile, and she waved me off. “I’m happy you are busy painting and building a life with my brother. You both deserve to be happy. Especially after all you’ve been through. You are and will always be my best friend, my sister.”
She sighed and looked relieved. “Thank you so much, Harp. It’s weird, ya know? Having a boyfriend who treats you right and you can count on is definitely new for me. I don't know if I will ever get used to it. I’m so happy to have you, and I am so glad you and Cameron have each other. He needed you more than you know. You make him a better human. And it’s so nice to see you guys with Tucker. We should really plan something together soon.”
I smiled into my drink, taking another long pull from the can. “Honestly, whatever we have between us was the last thing I expected to happen, but fuck, I’m so happy. They both make me a better me. And I’m happy for you too. Reed would doanything to see you smile. The man is whipped.” I said, while imitating a whipping motion and sound.
She rested her head on my shoulder and spoke softly. “Would you have ever guessed we would’ve ended up with each other's brother?”
“Oh, absolutely. I could’ve put money on that.”
She whipped her head up, looking at me. “Seriously?”
I laughed at her shocked face, glancing back at the stairs to see who else was heading up. And that's when I saw him. “No fucking way.” I squinted as if my contacts weren’t doing their job.
“What?” Wren turns to look when my eyes have landed. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
Then he walked upstairs with a random woman dressed as Harley Quinn in his arms. “What the actual fuck is Dax doing?” I hissed through gritted teeth.
Wren shook her head in disbelief. “Maybe this is his rebound? He and Lenadidbreak up.”
I rolled my eyes and looked at her. “I know you are probably right. I feel kind of bad. I meant to check in with him sooner.”
“Listen, our friend group has been pretty distant since summer ended, but since he and Reed live together, they talk a bit. He’s having a really rough time. He’s constantly hoping she’ll change her mind and come home. I’m sure this is just a shitty way of trying to forget her.”
Honestly, I couldn’t imagine the person I want to spend the rest of my life with leaving to pursue something they loved. That would tear me up inside. I’m sure it has given him so many mixed emotions. I know Dax wanted to go there, but he has roots here. He has a tattoo shop. But I am definitely not judging him. We all cope differently. The initial shock has worn off, and it just makes me sad. I’ll have to make sure he gets out with the boys soon; maybe that would help.
As I finished my cider and walked over to the other side of the kitchen to toss it into the recycling bin, I stopped and thought—wait, whose house is this? Because honestly, having the recycling bin right there? Genius move. Yeah, I was definitely a little drunk.
I turned to walk back to Wren, and I saw her talking to… the Grim Reaper? She looked at me and waved me over. I quickened my steps, thinking she was in some kind of trouble. Fuck, this kitchen felt so much bigger than when we walked in. Before I made it to her, the Grim Reaper bent down and kissed her. I did what any best friend would do in that moment: I kicked his ass. Literally. One strong kick to where I assumed his ass crack would be.
He groaned and turned around, glaring at me. “Oh shit. Sorry, I didn’t see your face. I assumed Wren was being kissed by a drunk creep.”
Reed laughed. “Well, I don’t drink.” He bent down and effortlessly threw my best friend over his shoulder, ignoring her squeal and pleas to be put down. “But I am definitely a creep.” He waggled his eyebrows with a look of pure happiness. He gave her ass a playful swat. “Get a ride home with your guys.” He nodded behind me. I glanced over my shoulder to see two very tall men standing at the other side of the kitchen, then turned back to him. “I have plans with this one.”
“Fucking gross, guys.” I rolled my eyes, secretly loving how much he loved my best friend. Let’s be honest, itisweird to be okay with your best friend dating your sibling, but we are all adults here. I am sure it was weird for him to think about me with Cam and Tuck. I don’t think people like to know that their little sister is getting spit-roasted.
“Love you, kid!” he shouted, walking past me.
From over his shoulder, Wren gave me a small wave. “Sorry, your brother’s a possessive asshole.”
I laughed. “Have fun and be safe,” I called after them. Andthen I watched Glinda and the Grim Reaper disappeared into the crowd.
I brought my attention back to what Reed hinted at as my men. They were facing each other talking, but as they turned to face me, my hand flew over my mouth trying to stifle a laugh. Seriously? That’s what they came dressed as?
