Shouting ensues, bringing me back to the present.
“Don't be such a scaredy-cat. Come on, princess, what’s the worst that could happen? We make out, I get to taste that cocktail you’ve been sipping on all night, and then we go our separate ways.” Jonesy shrugs like it’s no big deal, but I can see the yearning in his eyes. Katie looks confused, almost upset that she can’t decipher his true intention when really he’s giving her his best poker face yet. He’s telling the truth and attempting to act like it’s not everything he’s ever wanted.
“God, you guys are so dull. Honestly, just make out already. We’ve been waiting for fifteen years,” Caleb grunts, tired of the show now that Mia and I are out of earshot.
“I’m leaving,” Katie announces.
“You’ve been drinking, you can’t drive,” Jonesy grits out, his teeth grinding.
“Fine, then I’m going to bed.”
She takes off up the stairs, Jonesy following on her heels. “If you think you’re getting the room with the ensuite, then you’re mistaken. I’ve already put my stuff in there!” we hear him yell.
“No,” Katie retorts. “My stuffis in there. Take the single.”
“I’m too big for that bed, and you know it.”
“I know nothing of the sort.”
“Well, I’m sleeping in here. You’re welcome to join me. Finally make good on that dare. Did you just want a little privacy?”
“Eurgh, you’re disgusting,” she screeches, a door slamming and a muffled curse from Jonesy calls out until another door slams.
The living room descends into silence.
Lottie is dozing, her body scrunched into a fetal position on the couch opposite us, her hand gripping her phone tightly.
“And then there were four, or three, if you don’t count sleeping beauty over there,” Caleb says, pointing at Lottie.
“We should get going,” I say, pulling Mia up with me. Despite the excitement of the last few minutes, her cheeks are flushed, and she lets out a big yawn.
“Did I pass?” she mumbles.
Caleb chuckles, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles. “Sure did, gorgeous. Welcome to the club.”
Placing my arm around Mia’s shoulder, I steer her out of reach. He smirks, his eyes crinkling around the edges before sweeping his arms under Lottie and lifting her until she snuggles into his chest.
“Goodnight, lovebirds. I’ll put this one to bed and lock up behind you.”
With that, he starts ascending the stairs, and I pull Mia closer to me as we head to the car.
???
In her sleepy and slightly intoxicated state, I walk Mia to her door. She fumbles with her keys, missing the lock a few times as she curses.
“You never got to play,” she murmurs, finally sliding the key into the lock.
“What’s that?” I ask, helping her step through the entryway. She slips off her boots and heads straight to the bedroom. I close the door for a moment, convincing myself that it’s only to ensure she gets into bed properly and has a glass of water.
“Truth or Dare.”
“We can play next time,” I say, heading to the kitchen to grab that glass. I check her bathroom for some aspirin and place it on her bedside table.
She sighs, her hand reaching for mine.
“Truth,” I whisper as her eyes flutter shut.
“Why didn’t you tell your friends we aren’t really dating?” Her voice is slurred, full of angst and longing, even when it's clouded with sleep.
