Hanging out with her proves to be much easier under the influence of alcohol, and by the end of the night, we’re doubled over with laughter, stumbling out of the house with about as much grace as a horse with no front legs.
The cool night air hits us, but it only makes the giggles more uncontrollable, our words slurring together as we try to make sense of each other’s nonsense.
“I think I like you,” Lana admits as we make our way toward the waiting Uber I ordered a few minutes ago. River offered to stay and give us a ride, but I wasn’t ready to leave yet, so I sent them on their way.
“See, I knew you would,” I tell her, too drunk for my own good. So drunk, in fact, that I damn near eat the curb when I attempt to open the back door of the small black sedan.
Thankfully, Lana catches me by the arm, keeping me upright by the sheer will of God.
“Whoops.” I cackle, climbing into the back seat on hands and knees before twisting to flop ungracefully on my backside.
Lana settles in the back seat next to me, laughter still shaking her shoulders as she leans against me.
Maybe this year won’t be so bad after all. I let out a hum of contentment as the car begins to move.
“You know what we should do?” Lana straightens, turning so that her big brown eyes are pinned on me.
“What?” I almost expect her to suggest something crazy.
“We should go get pancakes.”
I bark out a laugh.
“I like the way you think,” I tell her, bopping her on the nose like she’s a child.
“I hated you.” Her humor falls away so fast that I can barely keep up.
“I could tell,” I say when she doesn’t continue right away.
“I was wrong to hate you,” she finally says. “In fact, I think we’re going to be great friends.” Her smile returns.
“I think you’re right,” I admit, the alcohol buzzing in my veins making me love the world at the current moment. Even if I hated her guts, I’d probably still want to be her friend. At least right now, anyway.
Though even I have to admit, tonight was a lot of fun. Perhaps I misjudged Lana. Just as I believe that she misjudged me over a situation I had no control over.
My interaction with Macallan comes flooding back, but I quickly shove it down.
Two years ago, I would have believed him.
But that was before he showed me his true colors.
Before I knew exactly what he was capable of.
I think I’ve given Macallan Stewart more of my thoughts than he deserves.
Perhaps it’s time I stop doing that.
With my resolve solidified, I turn back to Lana, allowing the easy smile to return to my lips.
I have practice way too early tomorrow and have no doubt that I’m going to regret all of my decisions tonightwhen I wake up in the morning. But right now, I simply do not care.
“Pancakes,” I say in a way of agreement.
“Pancakes.” She gives me a toothy grin before practically screaming at the driver the name of the twenty-four-hour diner not far from campus that has the best breakfast food you could ever eat.
My mouth practically waters in anticipation.
Char and Lyric are really missing out.
Guess that’s what happens when you get a man.
Which is a much-needed reminder as to why I absolutely do not want one.
At least not anytime soon.
Why would I, when being single is so damn much fun.
