Page 71 of The Fall Before Flight

Turning back to Kinsey, I open my mouth to compliment her costume—or maybe point out the goosebumps on her arms—but before I can get a word out she grabs the zipper near my neck and yanks it down, exposing my bikini top.

“Dude,” I protest.

Kinsey grins at my exposed cleavage. “Much better.”

I pull the zipper back up.

She pulls it back down.

It happens three more times before we hear Nix’s loud laughter. “Leave the girl alone, Kins!” he says, draping an arm around his girlfriend’s shoulder. He squints at me. “Zombie surfer, huh? Cool.”

I arch a brow at a scowling Kinsey. “See?”

She’s unswayed. “Friendship is about compromise, Mia.”

I begrudgingly lower the zipper to my cleavage. “Fine, but only because you told me fifty times how important this party is to you.”

Her features soften. “Thanks.” She glances around the beautiful backyard. There’s a live band playing, a ton of quality Halloween decorations—including performers whose sole goal is to scare the bejeezus out of partygoers. Servers dressed as ghouls carry around trays with themed appetizers, and the bartenders are all dressed up as vampires.

“Does it seem like everyone’s having fun?” she asks, glancing nervously between Nix and me.

“Of course, babe!” Nix says quickly.

“I just got here, but there are probably a hundred people in your yard.” I point toward a nearby group. “Look, people laughing. Laughing means fun. Oh, and dancing. Dancing is fun, too.”

Kinsey nods, tension releasing from her shoulders. Nix kisses her temple. This is the first year her annual party hasn’t been geared toward outright depravity. No drugs. No hard alcohol, only beer and wine. The guest list was whittled way down from prior years, too, from a whopping three hundred to a mere one-fifty.

“Thanks, guys, I feel better.” Kinsey gives herself a shake and grins up at Nix. “Time to mingle!”

I point in a vague direction. “I’m going to, uh…”

They laugh at me. Kinsey blows me a kiss. “Try to have fun, Mia. And remember, you can’t leave before midnight.”

I give her an ironic salute. “You got it, boss.”

I head for the nearest bar.

At eleven thirty, the party is still going strong. For the most part, it’s stayed classy. No broken glass or calls to the cops. That being said, the Incredible Hulk is holding Wonder Woman’s hair as she pukes into a bush. A werewolf is fondling Betty Boop’s breasts near the fence, and there’s a couple in the hot tub who may or may not be having public sex.

I’ve been camped out on a lounge by the pool for the last hour or so, nursing my third beer, people-watching, and generally enjoying the repellent effect of my scary makeup and covered body. Contrary to the pitying looks from passersby, I’m not bored or lonely. I’ve been texting with friends at various bars and other parties, hassling Jameson for staying home to hand out candy, and basking in the knowledge that I’m off tomorrow and can sleep in.

“Is this seat taken?” asks a muffled, male voice.

I don’t look up to see whatever mask he’s wearing. Eyes on my phone, I wave at the empty lounge beside mine. “Nope.”

The man settles with a sigh, tossing legs and booted feet onto the lounge. He smells good. Weirdly familiar. Ignoring the urge to glance at him, I text Jameson.

Will Jessica be at the house Sunday?

I think so

Should we start calling her Mom?

Wow

Too soon?

Are you drunk? Leave me alone

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