Page 2 of Worth the Risk

“He literally lives here and you didn’t ask. Oh my gosh.” Rosie just shrugs and smiles. I blame her need to do everything on her own, on her protective older brother who she says tried to do everything for her growing up. I’ve met Nate a few times and he’s definitely protective of Rosie. I think she also gets her independent side from her mom.

“You guys should come to my house tonight, we’re having a party.” Ryan leans off the door frame and walks over to us, his eyes fixed on Rosie. “I’m going, we can all go together.” Garrett suggests.

“Hmm...” Rosie ponders. “Depends, will there be margaritas?” I’ve never been to a house party, but I’m pretty sure that’s not a staple at these kinds of things. I have always assumed college parties were more of a keg of beer kind of gathering. Maybe some random shots of something.

“I can make that happen.” Ryan smirks.

“Well, then I’m in. Emi doesn’t party though.” Ryan looks at me for what is probably the first time with a curious stare. I contemplate for a minute what I should do. I’ve been thinking a lot recently how maybe I should try to have a different college experience my senior year. The kind I told myself I would have if I stayed on track.

“Actually…” Rosie’s eyes go huge and her mouth drops. “I think I’ll go.” Rosie shrieks.

“Oh my god! Yay! Finally, I am doing your makeup, your hair and I’m picking your outfit.” Rosie is all smiles.

“Perfect, I’ll see you guys there then. I gotta go set up and get those margaritas.” Ryan winks in Rosie’s direction, I notice her slight eye roll that’s undercut with a quirk of her lips. “Party starts around nine.” He turns around and heads out the door. Garrett looks around us a little puzzled.

“You guys don't have any furniture. Where are you gonna sleep?”

“We’re going to Target to pick up an air mattress for a few days. We ordered mattresses and a couch but they’re not coming until next week.” Rosie shrugs.

“Okay, well let me know if you need my help with anything. I’ve got to go eat and nap before tonight. I’ll come down here and get you guys at nine, okay?”

“Perfect, thanks Ryan.” Rosie’s already in the kitchen unloading one of the boxes we placed there earlier.

“Thank you Ryan, we really appreciate it.” He flashes his winning smile. Honestly that smile could have girls tripping over their own two feet.

During our Target trip we got an air mattress, bedding, a few things for breakfast and I found a cute shirt to wear tonight, my first college night out. When we get back Rosie hops in the shower, our apartment has two bedrooms and only one bathroom but we don’t mind too much since we had only one bathroom in our dorm last year. I set up the air mattress we’ll be sharing in our living room for the first few nights while we wait for our actual beds to be delivered.

Once Rosie’s out of the shower, she spreads out her makeup on the small coffee table we did manage to find shopping earlier, and starts her going out playlist. One Rosie usually plays to get ready while I take a study break to sit with her and chat, but this time we both are getting ready to it. I tie my hair up and take a quick shower. I dry off and change into my black jean shorts and blue crop top, Rosie’s wearing a similar outfit but her shirt is emerald-green.

“I’m so excited you’re actually coming out tonight.” Rosie motions for me to sit in front of the coffee table while she sits on the air mattress and adds some waves to my hair.

“Yeah, it’s about time I guess. Can’t lie, I'm a little nervous though.” An awkward laugh comes out of me. Rosie moves to sit next to me on the floor and turns me to face her so she can start my makeup. While hers is a smoky look with shimmery gold, she reaches for a more neutral pallet for me. I typically keep my makeup simple, concealer, eyebrows and mascara.“Can you do eyeliner?”

“Um yes!” Rosie shimmies in her seat, excited to see me branch out of my typical look. “I know you’re nervous, but you’ll be okay, plus I’ll be right by your side. Also Garrett will be there and he won’t let anything happen to us.” Rosie silences while she focuses on getting my eye makeup just right. “Don’t worry we’ll get you a margarita and you’ll be dancing in no time.” I smile and let out a little laugh.

“Oh gosh, that’s going to be interesting. I’m not getting drunk though, just one drink.”

“Whatever you say Emi.” She smirks. I honestly haven’t ever had much to drink. I tried a seltzer at my junior prom, and hated that. Then I tried a sip of vodka after my senior prom and almost puked afterwards. My twenty first is still a little over a month away so it’s not like I’ve been hitting up the bars either.

“Sooo Ryan huh? He’s cute.” I probe her.

“Oh! You think he’s cute! I bet Garrett could set you up.”

“No silly, for you, did you not see the way he was looking at you?”

“Ugh, he’s cute but I’m done with men.” Rosie had a situationship at the beginning of the semester who just kept stringing her along. They went on a date one night, one of quite a few, and the next day he posted that he was in a relationship on social media. Turns out he was seeing them both at the same time but asked the other girl to be his girlfriend weeks before he even posted it. Rosie told the girl and they are no longer together. “Garrett is the only man I will be socializing with tonight.” There is a knock on the door just as she finishes her sentence.

“Speaking of..”

Chapter 2

Liam

We’re two runs away from winning our game. It's the bottom of the ninth, we’re tied with the opposing team, runner on third and we already have two outs. As a junior, it’s my third year on the team and while we haven’t been bad in the past few years we also haven’t been the best. Not going to lie, I’ve also been feeling the added pressure of hoping to be captain next season.

It’s my turn at bat, I take my place at the plate, digging in my heels and finding my stance. The pitcher from the other team throws his first pitch and it’s way too low to be swinging at.

“BALL.” The umpire calls out. I shake myself out, ready for the next pitch. I stare forwards towards the pitcher who’s shaking out his wrist and nodding his head, probably towards whatever signal the catcher behind me gave him. Most teams have a code with their fingers that the catcher and pitcher use to communicate. He spits out onto the grass and gears up for his next pitch and it’s coming right down the middle. I swing and hear the crack of the metal against the ball.

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