Page 144 of Hockey Halloween
“Hey, snake girl. Whatcha doing all by yourself down here?”
There’s a guy dressed as Batman with fake built-in muscles. He sits right beside me, and I can smell the booze and sweat on him. Euw.
While indulging in my pity party, I forgot the basic safety rules of college partying. I’m alone and giving off vulnerable vibes. I straighten up and state firmly, “I’m waiting for a friend.”
“I could be your friend.” He reaches over and fingers one of the snakes on my head, letting his palm rest on my bare shoulder. “I like your costume. You’re a Marvel villain, right?”
Okay, not only is he gross and oblivious, but he has zero knowledge of classical myths.
“Look, I told you. I’m waiting for a friend. My boyfriend, actually. He’s huge and he gets jealous really easily, so for your own safety, you should go.”
My words are having zero effect. He strokes my arm with his knuckles “accidentally” grazing my breast. I shudder and recoil. His pupils are dilated and I’m pretty sure he’s on Molly. And he’s being way too handsy. I try to snake out of his grasp, but he hangs on tighter.
“Aww, come on. You need to be friendlier,” he whines.
“Back off,” I warn. Ordinarily, this is when I’d deliver a well-aimed knee to the nuts, but my Grecian gown and precarious position on the staircase prevent any self-defence moves. “Read my lips: I have a boyfriend.”
His eyes narrow. “I call bullshit on that. What guy leaves his girl alone at a frat party? Especially someone as pretty as you.”
Then he reaches out with his other hand to pull me into him. As I try to twist away, I see Eden, Tyler, and Karl staring from the top of the stairs. I take a desperate chance.
“I warned you—my boyfriend’s here now. Karl, help me,” I call, beseeching him with my eyes.
Karl
Castaway
For a moment, it’s like déjà vu. I see Maya and another guy on the stairs, and I’m back in high school and jealous all over again. Then I realize it’s not the same at all—I’m looking down instead of up, and she’s asking me for help. Her dark eyes are shining, her mouth is set in a stubborn line, and her whole posture is defiant yet pleading. Of course she can communicate perfectly with body language; she’s a skilled actress. Which means I never know what’s real with her.
But even I can tell she’s in trouble right now.
I bound down the stairs and grab the fake Batman by the upper arm, which turns out to be skinny under the fake padding.
“Unhand her, you scurvy knave.” I easily peel him off Maya and shove him against the wall. When she sways on the narrow step, I wrap an arm around her waist and pull her to me, pirate-style. I turn us to face the guy.
“What the fuck, man?” He takes in my scowl and my size, then scurries up the stairs and out the door.
Maya’s head leans against my chest and her soft body curves into mine. It feels alarmingly good.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
She blinks and looks up at me. Her eyes are the colour of dark chocolate with flecks of gold. Her rounded cheeks are tan and freckled, and her full lips are flushed deep pink. I can’t look away.
For a moment, it feels like we’re the only people in the universe. The music of the party, the shouted conversation, and even the low whispers of Bergy and Eden all fade away. The only thing I can hear is the beating of Maya’s heart. But that’s impossible, so it must be my own.
“I’m fine. Thank you for coming to my rescue.” Maya’s voice is deep and hoarse. It was the first thing that attracted me to her, hearing her speak in class. That low voice in contrast to her pretty features.
“Not a problem.” Then I realize that I’m still holding her tightly and let go. We both take a step back. Maya smooths her white gown, her gaze fixed on mine.
I give my head a shake. Of course she’s attractive. But even if she acts like she’s interested, I can’t trust her. I learned that the hard way.
“Okay, well, if you’re okay, maybe I’ll just—” I begin.
Click.The metallic noise echoes in the suddenly quiet space.
We stare at each other, puzzled.
“What was that?” I ask.
