Page 80 of Stay
I leave my hair down because the weather has turned cold, and I want my neck and ears to be warm. You never know if a party will be inside or outdoors.
She sprays us both with perfume and pronounces us ready to go.
We meet up with a bunch of girls from our floor before walking to fraternity row. I’ve seen most of them around but don’t know any the way Brooklyn seems to. It only slams home the fact that I’ve been spending a lot of time with Cole and not enough with Brooklyn or trying to make new friends.
By the time we reach the party, the house is already bursting at the seams with people. I scan the street and notice quite a few parties happening up and down the block.
Brooklyn scopes out the talent—her words not mine—as we make our way through the first floor to the backyard where the beer is flowing freely. The guy in charge of the keg takes one look at Brooklyn before giving her a Solo cup on the house. With a flirty smile tipping the corners of her lips, she tells him that mine should be free as well. He agrees, and we both walk away with full cups of beer.
I stare down at the frothy bubbles dancing along the rim of my red plastic cup and silently debate whether to drink it. It’s obvious that Brooklyn is pulling out all the stops tonight, and I’m not exactly a big drinker. I haven’t been trashed since last year. That experience left a bitter taste lingering in my mouth, and I’ve steered clear of alcohol ever since. Getting kicked out of another school isn’t high on my priority list.
Brooklyn holds up her cup before tapping the rim against mine as her gaze scans the thick crowd. “Drink up, Cassidy. One beer won’t kill you.”
“I know.” But still…
It feels like a slippery slope.
Her fingers wrap around my arm before she gives me a pleading look. “We hardly go out anymore. Just this one night, let’s have fun together, okay?”
One of my brows jerks up. “Are you seriously trying to peer pressure me into drinking?”
“Ha! That’s not peer pressure,thisis peer pressure.” She closes the distance between us before getting in my face. “I won’t be your friend unless you toss back a couple of cold ones with me. Don’t you want to be cool like the rest of us? Don’t be a loser, Cassidy. Come on, drink up.”
We both burst out laughing as she retreats a few steps, her eyes sparkling with humor. It’s nice to see her smile and forget about all the Austin drama for even a few minutes.
Deep down, I know she’s right.
One beer won’t kill me.
My mind tumbles back over the previous few weeks and I run through a quick self-check. I haven’t felt any real anxiousness or nervousness. Everything has been going well. Would it really hurt to have a beer or two?
I blow out a steady breath and decide to go for it before taking a small sip and allowing the yeasty flavor to trickle down the back of my throat.
You know what it tastes like?
Failure.
I almost snort.
“See?” Brooklyn snaps her fingers. “Works like a charm every time.” She drains her beer in one thirsty gulp. “Guess I better get a refill.”
Dangling the cup in her fingers, she swings toward the silver barrel. I bring the beer to my lips for another drink and watch as the guy manning the keg waves Brooklyn to the front of the line. Much to the grumbling protests of the people she just cut in front of, he refills her cup. With a bright smile, she gives him a peck on thecheek before whispering something in his ear that leaves him smiling.
With a shake of my head, I narrow my eyes as Brooklyn makes her way back to me. “I hope you’re not promising sexual favors in return for quick service at the keg.”
It’s a joke.
Kind of.
That angelic expression is back in place. “I promised no such thing.” She loops her arm through mine before towing me through the thick, jostling crowd. “Let’s go find some hot guys to flirt with.”
“I don’t need a hot guy.” I refrain from mentioning that I already have one.
A chuckle falls from her lips as she tugs me along. “I meant for me, silly.”
Thirty minutes later, we’re dancing, laughing, and singing along obnoxiously to the loud music. Brooklyn isn’t drunk, but she certainly isn’t feeling any pain. I’m sure tomorrow morning will be a different story. I’ve had two drinks, and although I’m nowhere near drunk, I’m pleasantly buzzed. It’s just enough to make me feel loose and happy.
Brooklyn is grinding up against a cute fraternity guy and I’m dancing with another. He seems harmless so I’m not overly concerned. I haven’t let him put his hands on me, so I don’t feel like I’m giving him any mixed signals. It’s all just lighthearted fun.
