Page 16 of The Pinkie Pact

"And speak of the devil," she said.

"What?"

I followed her glance and spotted her brother near the bar, balancing drinks in his hand as he headed to where a big group of people sat at a crowded table. And there was Christina, sitting between two clones of herself.

"He's the one who told me about this place," she said as we headed for the bar which wasn't nearly as packed as last night.

While Kara ordered our drinks, I looked toward the stage where a reggae band started up the first few notes of Bob Marley's "Stir It Up," a song I adored. There were just enough people bobbing to the music to make it fun but not so jam-packed to make it unbearable.

Drinks in hand, we walked to the edge of the crowd, dancing and singing along. This was so incredible. How had I lived my life before without ever experiencing reggae night?

Sensing someone approach us, I turned around, expecting to see Bear. But I was surprised to look up into Kieran's green eyes, causing my breath to hitch.

"Hey, you two," he said.

Kara whirled around. "Hey."

She actually smiled at her brother, something I hadn't seen her do yet. Maybe her belly full of gnocchi softened her toward him.

"I see my sister's giving you quite the tour of DC," he said to me rather civilly.

"Oh, I've only just begun," Kara said.

Nodding, I suddenly found I had nothing intelligent to say. The band finished the song and started playing "Could You Be Loved." Oh, that was it. I could ask about the music.

"Is this Bob Marley night or something?" I said to no one in particular, not exactly sure how to have an actual normal conversation with Kieran.

"Not technically," Kieran answered. "But that's mostly what they play."

"What do you think this song's about, Sky?" Kara asked me, sipping on her drink.

"Um..." I listened for a second. Even though I'd heard the song hundreds of times, I had no clue. I never paid attention to lyrics in songs. And when I tried to sing, I always messed up the words. The music was what I loved and remembered. "I guess a girl?" I finally said.

"That's what I thought," Kara said, "but Kieran believes it's about being strong and not letting the 'system' change you."

Staring at him, taking in the words, I tried to think about it, but looking at his beautiful face, I had trouble focusing. So I just nodded and turned away, putting my attention back on the band, suddenly aware of how awkward my movements were.

Taking a huge gulp of my drink and then another, I wondered about the conversation that must have occurred between brother and sister. It seemed like they actually discussed song lyrics and social issues.

I had to smile because the only thing I discussed with my brothers was why the hell they needed the bathroom for so long. Sharing a bathroom with two teenage boys was torture. Yet another reason not to mess up this second chance I had. Which reminded me...

Holding my drink carefully, I took off one bracelet and moved it. Left to right. I nudged Kara next to me and pointed to her wrists so she would do the same.

"Hey, guys," a voice behind us said.

I whirled around to see Bear, giving him a big hug. "Hey! You made it."

His grin lit up his face as Kara said hi too. Turning to Kieran, he stuck out his hand. "Bear, short for Barrett."

"Hey, nice to meet you," Kieran said while shaking his hand. "Kieran."

They did the guy nod thing. "You go to GW too?" Bear asked.

Kieran shook his head. "What about you?"

"Nah. Georgetown."

"Cool," Kieran replied.

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