Page 16 of Waiting Game

“I’d like to thank everyone for coming,” Rome said, standing as the music faded away.

The women lined up to hug and kiss her before leaving, and she stood and took it like a champ even though I could see the discomfort in her body language.

It was eventually my turn, and I pulled her in for a hug.

She leaned in close and whispered in my ear, “don’t leave yet, okay?”

I gave her a questioning look, but decided to hang around to see what she could want. The oldies eventually filtered out, still murmuring among each other and throwing judgemental glances towards Rome’s friends. Then after my mother finally left, even with suspicion plain on her face at the rest of us still hanging around, Rome locked the door behind them.

“Right!” Rome’s friend, Beanca, yelled, appearing from the back with a large tray of jelly shots.

Zarina and her friend’s all “woo’d!” in celebration, and the lights dimmed and the music grew louder. It was clear to me now that this was the real party, and that Rome had anticipated the arrival of my mother.

“Sorry that Mum crashed your party, Rome,” Zarina said, passing a shot to the bride-to-be.

“It’s OK,” she chuckled, “thanks for the head’s up.”

“Now the real party can begin,” Mina shimmied, another friend of Rome’s.

All these girls were so glamorous, so gorgeous and confident, and I couldn’t help but feel a little out of place. I looked down at my own outfit, and suddenly felt self-conscious.

“I have dick shaped lollipops, dick shaped balloons, pin the dick on the stud game,” Mina started listing, counting on her fingers.

“How much dick is really necessary?” Rome rolled her eyes.

“It’s a fucking bachelorette, Rome. Fake dick is a requirement,” Mina pushed her playfully, “I may have gone a little overboard, but I never thought I would get to plan one of these!”

“And for Rome of all people,” a girl named Livie laughed.

“Who woulda thunk it!” Mina yelled, toasting her shot high in the air.

We all toasted Rome, and then groaned in unison as we tossed back the unbelievably strong shots of alcohol infused raspberry jelly.

With every shot, and every drink, I could feel myself loosening.

I was growing more comfortable around Rome and her friends, and found myself in fits of cramp-inducing laughter as I watched them. They were up on the stages, flinging themselves around the poles and crashing into each other.

Zarina was up there too, trying to learn a trick from Bea, but failing miserably.

Rome stumbled over, catching herself on the arm of my chair, and chuckled as she plopped down next to me. I smiled at her, and she rubbed her head, leaning back.

“I don’t drink much anymore,” she laughed to herself.

“Me either,” yet we clinked drinks and finished what was left in the cups.

She sighed, smiling up at the stage, “I’m so excited to marry your brother.”

I raised my eyebrows at her, and grinned.

I had met her once before now, but it was still odd to hear her admit it so freely to someone who was basically a stranger.

“He’s a good guy.”

She nodded, still looking up towards the stage.

“Can I ask you something?” she slurred, leaning in towards me.

“Sure,” I laughed.

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