“Yes!”
And because a super cute boy flirted with me at the library… I think.
Things between Abigail and I had gotten a lot better since last weekend. She still hadn’t opened up to me about her illness or where she went so early in the morning or what was in that suitcase. But I chalked it up to her being a little eccentric. She was making more of an effort, asking me how my day went, and we even went out for dinner one night.
“I know we talk practically every day, but I miss being around her,” I said.
“Any big plans?”
“The usual girl stuff—shopping, eating, maybe a movie. You’re more than welcome to come with us, you know.”
“Thanks, but I should catch up on my studies.” A weak smile of appreciation formed on her face.
Loud swift clicking of heels in the hallway followed by rapid-fire knocking on the door signaled the arrival of my best friend. I swung open the door and Maggie and I threw ourselves into each other’s arms.
“I can’t believe you’re here!” I squealed.
“Well, I am and ready to par-tay!” Maggie pumped her hands in the air.
I was settling into my new life, but still had moments of being homesick. Maggie being here was like a calming breath.
“Maggie, this is my roommate, Abigail.”
“Nice to meet you, Abbi.”
Maggie was already making herself at home. It never occurred to me to be so casual with Abigail.
“Hey.”
“So, Maggie, I looked up the movie times for tonight and…”
Holding up her hand, she stopped me. “When I said I was here to par-tay, I meant it.” She shoved a flier at me. “We’ve already got plans for tonight.”
I took the yellow neon colored paper from her and read the words scrawled across it.
Ultimate 80s Party!!!
Come pop your rocks tonight.
This party ain’t for everybody, just the sexy bodies.
“Maggie…” Just the thought of being crammed into a house with wall-to-wall bodies caused my anxiety to skyrocket.
“Hollis… We are going to this party. Abbi, you with us?”
“Thanks, but I have plans tonight.”
“I don’t think it’s a good idea to go to a party where we don’t know anyone.”
She flung her arm over my shoulder and squeezed me to her side. “Going to parties is how you get to know people. You wanted the total college experience and that’s what you’re gonna get, Baby.”
“You know how I am with crowds,” I whispered.
“You can always step out. I’ll be by your side the entire night. Besides, I gotta meet the cutie booty.”
“Maggie!”
“Who?” Abigail perked up.
I wasn’t sure if Abigail knew Risher, but I wasn’t taking any chances. I didn’t need the nickname I called him to fall into the wrong ears.
“Nobody… just… nobody,” I stammered.
She smirked and shook her head.
The thought of seeing Risher tonight made my heart and stomach flutter. Then it occurred to me that there’d be other girls at the party. It wasn’t like I hadn’t seen girls blatantly come on to him. But it was all hit-and-run flirting—as they passed by him in the hallway, walking across campus, or gliding by our table in the cafeteria.
A crowded frat house, alcohol, loud music, sweaty dancing bodies, and hormones all mixed together made me nervous enough. Then throw in the boy I liked who kind of… maybe… sort of liked me and it was doubtful I was going to come out a winner.
“Maggie, I really don’t…”
“We can sneak in, look around, if we don’t like, then we leave. No harm, no foul,” Maggie said, hope written all over her face.
I wanted to experience as much of college life as possible and I wanted Maggie to have fun. So I sucked it up, pushed down my fear, and decided to hold on for the ride.
“Okay, but you have to stick by my side.”
Jumping up and down, Maggie clapped her hands and squealed. “Like glue!”
Walking toward the bathroom, Abigail stopped and said, “And don’t worry about not knowing anyone, I’m sure Risher’s cute booty will make an appearance.”
I froze. “Oh, you heard that earlier, did ya?”
“Nah, but you do talk in your sleep.” She flashed me a big smile before leaving the room.
LEAVING ABIGAIL, MAGGIE and I spent the rest of the afternoon shopping for clothes for the 80s party. Maggie found a zebra striped strapless top that was outlined in bright pink, a pair of lace gloves, and a fake pearl necklace that worked perfectly with the short black skirt and heels she’d brought for the weekend. She was in full Madonna mode. I was willing to go to the party, but the rule was, I got to wear what made me feel comfortable, which meant not a lot of skin showing. I already had black leggings, a black tank top, and black and pink high top Chucks. When I threw on the oversized neon green sweatshirt I grabbed at the thrift shop, it screamed 80s. I cut the neck out of the shirt, so it would drape a little over my shoulder and I found a pair of leg warmers in almost the exact same color. I was so Flashdancing. We grabbed a variety of cheap bangles, big earrings, and tied big bowed headbands around our big hair. Bright pink lipstick and glittery eye makeup completed our look.
The sidewalk vibrated with energy from the party as we walked up to the house. Cars were parked haphazardly along the street and in the front yard. There was a constant flow of people in and out of the door. The pounding bass from the music reverberated so hard that I swore I saw the house shake. As we got closer I recognized a few faces from around campus, but I couldn’t put names with any of them. Stepping through the front door was like traveling back in time to every 80s teen angst movie ever made. The edges of my mouth curled up at the sight of the room full of 1980 throwbacks. Biting on my bottom lip, I tried to force my smile down, but it kept breaking free across my face. Even though I put up a fight about coming tonight, I was pretty excited. Having Maggie with me helped. I wouldn’t have considered it otherwise.
“Let’s find something to drink then we can mingle,” Maggie shouted over the music.
She grabbed my hand and we weaved our way through the crowded room, managing to find the kitchen without too much trouble. Soda bottles and snacks crowded one countertop while liquor bottles lined the other. There was a deck off the kitchen that housed several kegs.
Tugging at my arm, Maggie said, “Let’s get a beer.”
I stopped. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“Loosen up a little. I didn’t say we were going to get smashed. A few beers won’t hurt us. Come on.”
“Okay, but just one.”
Maggie rolled her eyes before leading me out the back door to the end of one of the keg lines. I scanned the area, trying to take in all the sights and sounds. Well, maybe not all the sights and sounds. There were a few questionable ones, like the large guy in the corner, whose back was to me. I assumed there was a recipient behind his gyrating hips, pushed against the railing. He was big and the light was dim, making it hard to distinguish everything. After my eyes adjusted, I realized I knew that back. It was Gigantisaurus from Algebra class. Looking past him, I noticed several people scattered around a pool, but none looked familiar.
“Is he here?” Maggie whispered in my ear.
“Is who here?” It was pointless for me to play dumb, but I did it anyway.
“Hollis?”
“What?” My eyes widened as I pursed my lips into a straight line.
Shaking her head, Maggie turned away from me.
My gaze moved around the crowd one more time when suddenly I was shoved out of line. I looked back, coming face-to-face with an already drunk Leah, dragging Risher behind her.
“Oopsie.” Leah giggled.
Staring at their joined hands caused a burning sensation in my chest. I wanted to yank her by her blond extensions and shove her painted face into the giant vat of French onion dip in the kitchen. Rational thinking took o
ver. Risher wasn’t mine to claim. She was mean, stuck up, and fake, but she wasn’t doing anything wrong. She saw a hot guy and went for him.
Risher jerked his hand from Leah’s. “Hollis, what are you doing here?”
Stumbling toward me, I could smell the hint of beer as he got closer.
“Maggie wanted to come.” I turned to introduce him to Maggie, but she had disappeared.
Craning my neck over the crowd, I saw her standing at the front of the line, holding a beer in each hand talking to Chuck.
Leah hooked her arm around Risher’s. “Come on.”
Never taking his eyes off me, he shrugged out of her hold and said, “I’ll be there in a minute.”
A loud huff came from Leah before she stomped off.
Risher took a step closer to me. “You didn’t use my number.”
“I told you I was a rebel.” I smirked.
“You look really cute, Hollis. The 80s suit you.”
As if on cue the song “If You Leave” by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack filled the air. The timing was ridiculously cheesy and romantic as hell. My gaze roamed down Risher’s body. He was wearing a pale blue T-shirt, white pants, white loafers, and no socks. A pair of Ray-Ban sunglasses were propped on top of his head.
“Thanks. Exactly who are you supposed to be?”
Pushing his sunglasses down over his gorgeous green eyes, he smiled. “Miami Vice, Baby.”
“You could arrest me anytime.” My jaw went slack as my eyes widened to three times their natural size.
It felt as if a ten-thousand-pound boulder had landed in the middle of my chest. I was completely dumbfounded. Being around Risher brought out the old Hollis. The one who was comfortable in her skin. But I wasn’t her anymore and I needed to keep that in mind, especially where he was concerned.
Risher slid his glasses down toward the end of his nose, smirking at me.
Recover, Hollis.
“I… um… better go find Mag-gie,” I stammered.
“I wish I’d known you were coming tonight.”
“Why?”
“We could have come together.”
“Really?”
Like a date?
“Absolutely. Chuck and I would have given you and Maggie a ride.”
The boulder that had been sitting on my chest rolled down to my stomach. A confusing pattern was forming between the two of us. Risher would say something that could be considered borderline flirty. I’d forget who I was and say something sassy. We’d keep this up for a few minutes. Then he’d say something obviously non-flirty, I’d remember what I looked like, and reality came crashing down.
I had humiliated myself enough for one night already, so I just nodded in response.
We both looked toward the front of the line where our two friends appeared to be getting friendlier. “Looks like they found each other all by themselves.”
Risher gave me a slight smile. “Looks that way.”
I may have been confused at what this was between us, but one thing was for sure, I had no reason to be jealous or hurt at the moment. Risher hadn’t done anything wrong, but seeing him with Leah bothered me more than it should have. I had two choices. Either continue to be friends and suck it up when he showed interest in other girls. Or not be friends with him.
“Risher!” Leah screeched.
My face automatically contorted at the shrill sound.
Chuckling, Risher said, “I better go see what she wants.”
She wants you.
He took one step and turned back to me. “I’ll see you later, right?”
“Not if I see you first.”
God, Hollis. When will you learn to quit while you’re slightly ahead?
Maggie bounced directly in front of me as I was trying to enjoy the view of Risher walking away. She was a total booty blocker.
“Whatcha gawking at, Hollis?” A big smile crossed her face as she handed me the red cup filled with beer.
“Thanks for leaving me.”
“What? I went to get us drinks while you were busy.” She looked over her shoulder to where Risher and Leah were dancing. “Who’s the skank?”
“Leah.”
“Bitch.”
“Maggie, you don’t even know her.”
“I know her kind.”
“And what kind is that?
“The hair flippin’ boob pushin’ kind.”
I bit down on my bottom lip when I felt it quiver. My hormones were working overtime.
Looking over at me, Maggie said, “Let’s dance ourselves over there, so cute booty boy can get a better view of you.”
“No!”
“Why not? Y’all looked pretty cozy a few minutes ago.”
“He’s my friend.”
“Hollis, I could see the sparks between you two from across the room.”
I loved Maggie. She was an awesome best friend even if she was delusional.
“Thank you, but don’t.”
“Don’t don’t me. I had a bird’s-eye view of cute booty boy and…”
I laughed. “Stop calling him that.”
“You have to admit, it is a cute booty.” Her expression turned serious. “Hollis, you are beautiful inside and out. I’m obviously not the only one who sees that.”
“I know.” I paused. “My parents are fond of me.”
“You’re impossible, you know that?”
“But you love me.”
“Yes I do. Let’s go talk with boys and make yours jealous.”
“Now who’s being the impossible one?”
Taking my hand, we went back inside the house. She was delusional about Risher’s interest, but she knew I was done with the show Leah was putting on in front of us.
For the rest of the night Maggie and I were social butterflies. Correction, Maggie was the butterfly. I was the wilting wallflower she dragged along behind her. I alternated between drinking beer and water, with a couple of Dr Peppers thrown in. We hung out with Chuck who was manning the kegs on and off during the party. There was no doubt that he and Maggie had an immediate attraction. Depending on my fluctuating mood, they were either really cute or sickeningly gross.
A few girls from my classes came up and introduced themselves. We ended up having a fun time getting to know one another. Although I tried not to be completely consumed, I did notice Risher hovering nearby most of the night. Occasionally, he walked over to the group of us, but he and I were never alone together. Maggie nudged me whenever she caught him staring at me. I tried to ignore her and any twinge of jealously that I felt whenever Leah made an attempt at staking her claim on him.
It was late and I was tired. I had gone to the bathroom, leaving Maggie and Chuck to their shameless flirt-fest for a few minutes. When I came out, they were nowhere to be seen. I texted Maggie with no response. I circled the main living room, the kitchen, and finally the front porch with still no sign of either of them. I noticed a lot of people had taken the party outside to the pool.
It took several seconds for my eyes to adjust to the dim light. When they did, I got an eye full. Couples were all over the place making out. In the pool, on loungers, in dark corners of the yard. Squinting, I zeroed in on a couple sharing one of the patio chairs. The girl was straddling the guy, his hands running up her thigh, their lips fused together. As I got closer, the zebra print top outlined in bright pink came into view.
Terrific.
“Maggie,” I whispered.
I took another step forward.
“Maggie.”
I was getting annoyed. How could she be that into Chuck? She’d just met him.
Suddenly, a wet arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me against something hard and equally as wet.
“Whatcha looking at?” Hot breath drifted down my neck.
“Risher, you’re getting me all wet.”
Lifting me up, he carried me away from Maggie and Chuck.
“Hollis, are you flirting with me?” His lips graz
ed the shell of my ear, causing waves of vibrations to take over my body.
Risher’s slight buzz from earlier was now a lot buzzier.
“Put me down.” I giggled.
Every pulse point in my body was pounding. I glanced down at the muscular arm around me. It was the arm that had a habit of taking my breath away. I was getting lost in the feel of his muscles pressed against me when I looked up and realized he was heading toward the pool.
“Risher, don’t you dare.”
“Go swimming with me, Hollis.”
My breathing was erratic as adrenaline coursed through my veins. I couldn’t get in the pool. If I did, I’d have to take off my sweatshirt and everyone would see the scars running along my arms. I’d only put enough makeup on to cover the little bit of shoulder I knew would be exposed.
“Risher, stop!” I pushed on his arm and kicked my legs trying to free myself.
He must have thought I was joking, because he tightened his grip and continued toward the pool. My muscles tensed as tears rose to the surface and spilled over.
“Please stop,” I said between sobs.
The second I felt Risher’s grip loosen, I broke free. He held my elbow, spinning me around to face him. His expression was a combination of shock, fear, and regret.
“Hollis, I’m sorry. I was just goofing around with you.”
I took a step back away from him. Just when I was about to say something, I felt my sweatshirt being jerked over my head. It was so fast I didn’t have time to register what was happening.
“Oh my god! Look at your arms!” The sound of Leah’s high-pitched squeal was the only thing I heard.
The night air hit my exposed arms. Looking up I saw Leah standing off to the side holding the balled-up sweatshirt while laughing at me.
“You should put some of that clown makeup you use on your face to cover up those arms.” The look of pure satisfaction was all over her face.
I didn’t know if all eyes were on me, but I knew the most important ones were. Risher stood frozen in place.
With tears rolling down my face, I yelled, “Maggie!”
Simultaneously, Risher snatched my shirt from Leah and handed it back to me as Maggie ran up.
“What the fuck is going on?”
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