Page 134 of Fervency Love

“Grandma, would you rent a ballroom in your name for me? I’ll pay for everything. If anything happens, I’ll cover the damages. It’s just that they won’t rent it out to me.”

“I’ll consider it, alright?” she answers.

“Great. You’re the best, thanks!”

“I haven’t said yes yet, young lady.”

“I know, but you’re awesome anyway.” I kiss her on the cheek and devour the delicious meal she prepared for me.

My parents are out for the weekend. I’m home alone and in the mood for something extra. Maybe a party? I call all my girls. Connor forgets about me again, so I stop taking him into account in my plans.

Seven p.m. comes, and they’re all here.

“I’ve needed an evening like this! Cheers to you, girls…” Blanca splutters. Catherine echoes her words.

The latter is still okayish, but Blanca hasn’t had that much to drink ever, and she’s close to blacking out. Mandy is puking through the window and Blanca has spent the last twenty minutes in the bathroom. When she finally emerges, she slaloms to the sofa and plops down.

“Want something to drink, Blanca?”

“Yup,” she mutters.

I take a peek inside the bathroom on my way and can’t believe my eyes. There’s vomit in the sink.

“I’ll fucking kill her. Blanca!” I cry out. “Couldn’t you puke to the damned toilet? How am I supposed to clean this now? Come here and unclog the sink! Here, grab a detergent.”

I go to the window to evaluate the damage Mandy has done. I stick my head out and see the soiled windowsill of my downstairs neighbor. She’s on the balcony, smoking.

“Shit, Esther, I’m so sorry. I’ll come clean that up.”

“Chill, I’ve seen and done worse. Have a great party,” she replies, puts out her cigarette, and vanishes in her flat. Incredible, how understanding my neighbors are.

I return to the toilet, where Blanca is just finishing gathering her puke from the sink.

I head to the kitchen and put the kettle on, and wait until the water starts boiling. In the meantime, my phone rings. It’s Connor.

“Hey, kitty cat,” I say.

“Hey, how’s your party.”

“It’s pretty hardcore.”

“Need some help?” he asks, shocking me. Usually, he’s not this supportive.

“Sure. Would you grab us some pizza and water? The girls are so hammered, mint tea isn’t going to help them. And they need to go home.”

“Sure. I’ll be there in half an hour.”

Surprisingly, he’s here on time. He comes inside and estimates the damage.

“You were right. Tea isn’t going to be enough.” He chuckles and glances around my room, watching my wasted friends. Nikki and I are in the best shape.

After eating the pizza and drinking whole gallons of water, the girls are feeling a bit better. They gather their stuff and go home. Only Nikki is staying.

“Are you staying too, Connor?” she asks.

“If that’s okay with you.”

“And is it okay for you to sleep in one apartment with two awesome chicks?” she jokes, but I notice something strange in his eyes. I decide to tease him a bit.

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