Page 122 of Foul Territory
“This night just got a lot more interesting,” Lauren remarks, picking up the bowls of chips and popcorn and bringing them to the kitchen. I gather up our glasses and turn off the television.
“Are you cool with going out?” I rinse the glasses and put them in the dishwasher.
“Of course. Charlie’s right. We haven’t had a true girls’ night out with all four of us. It will be fun. I’m just having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that this is it. We’re about to close the door on this part of our lives and I’m not ready.”
I wrap my arms around Lauren and squeeze as hard as I can. “Our door never closes. No matter where we live. Do you understand? Years can pass without a word and I will still be there for you.”
“If you don’t call me every day, I will be on the next flight to Charlotte to make sure you’re doing okay. I know you’re going to be a big boss babe out there but don’t forget about me.”
“I could never. You’re mysister.”
“I love you, Sydney. I don’t know what I would have done if you weren’t my roommate freshman year. I came here alone and because of you, I’m leaving with a family.” Lauren sucks in a breath and wipes at her eyes.
“I love you too.” I give her one more squeeze. “We should get dressed before Charlie comes back over. Do you know what you’re going to wear?”
“I have a little something hiding in the back of my closet I haven’t had an excuse to wear yet,” she says with a devious smile.
I laugh all the way to my room. I think I have a dress in the back of my closet like that too. I slide hangers around until I find one of the bodycon dresses Koa snubbed for Nash’s party.
This pink mini spaghetti strap dress is perfect for a girls’ night out at The Armory. I strip out of my sweats and one of Koa’s shirts I stole from him the last time I stayed the night at his place and slip on the dress.
Once I’ve got the girls in place, I take a quick look in the mirror. Definitely need a different pair of underwear…or maybe no underwear. That would be a fun text to send Koa later.
I shimmy out of my underwear and fling it in the direction of the hamper. I pull my hair out of the silk wrap I have it in and fluff out my curls. They still have some life left in them. I add a little blush to my cheeks and gloss to my lips to finish off my look.
I grab my favorite black pumps from the bottom of my closet before meeting Lauren in the living room.
“Damn, girl,” she says when she sees me. I do a little spin and booty shake for her. “We need to take a photo.”
“Fine, but don’t send it to Hart. You know they will spoil our night out if they see us looking like this.” Lauren’s wearing something similar to me but in green. Instead of her skirt being tight on her thighs it has a little movement to it. And despite her short stature she’s wearing sneakers instead of heels.
We manage to get in a few photos before Charlie and Wren come back over dressed to kill.
“Wren, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you in something so delicious,” I say as we walk out the door.
“Get your fill. This is a one night only event.” She smooths out the bottom of her form fitting sky blue dress.
My eyes flit around our surroundings as we walk across campus to The Armory. I like to think of myself as a strong woman but the situation at Ray’s shook me.
I was a sitting duck and anything could have happened. If Koa hadn’t reacted as quickly as he did and got Hart to call the cops, that guy would have had more time to break my window.
I’ve been able to block out most of the nasty things he was saying about me but I haven’t forgotten everything. I’m grateful this bad memory is also woven together with the way Koa spoke to me, took care of me, and the way he held me all night.
It will take time but I hope one day I will be comfortable going out after dark without feeling like I have to look over my shoulder every two seconds.
Pop music floods The Armory and my mood is instantly lifted. We head straight to the bar and get a round of drinks and start a tab. Once we have our drinks, we walk to the back room where the dance floor is located. This is where we thrive.
“I’ll grab us a table,” Wren says.
“You have to dance too. I’m not going to let you get away with sitting at the table all night.” Charlie crosses her arms over her chest.
“Sure. Fine. Let me at least have a drink first,” she replies. “Now go dance. I’ve got the first drink watch.” She shoos us away.
“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Lauren says, taking my hand and leading me out to the dance floor with Charlie following close behind.
We manage to carve out a space between all the bodies. There are people everywhere. It shouldn’t be surprising. We aren’t the only ones trying to savor the last few days at Newhouse and creating as many memories as possible.
Charlie, Lauren, and I form a small circle, taking turns dancing in the middle of the group. When Lauren steps into the circle, I’m once again impressed by my best friend’s dance skills.
