Page 44 of What Is Love
To go with my dress, I wore black suede stiletto boots that hugged my legs up to just over my knees. I left my hair down and put beach wave curls in it. My makeup was on the darker side, especially around my greenish hazel eyes, and my lipstick was a dark pink. Lastly, I put on the bloodstone pendant Ms. Clark had given me and hid it inside my dress. It was silly to even humor the idea, but if the rock did work, I figured I could use a little bit of protection tonight. I squeezed what I needed into a wristlet instead of a purse and made my way downstairs to wait for Brandon to pick me up.
When he did, he tried to kiss me. Without thought, I turned my head away, then immediately apologized and explained that I hadn’t wanted to ruin my lipstick. But the damage had been done. He was mad.
He didn’t talk to me for the entire drive. This defiant and rebellious side of me that seemed to be getting stronger every day enjoyed his silence. My rational side was freaking out. Right now, there was a battle for dominance inside me, and it was messing with my ability to figure out how to act.
The party was packed, loud, and Brandon held my hand tightly as he pulled me along through the large house. Some people greeted us as we walked past. At first, Brandon just nodded at them. Then he seemed to remember he had to be the golden boy and out came the bullshit smiles and friendly greetings back. Brandon took me straight to where the drinks were in the kitchen.
He grabbed two pre-poured Solo cups of beer from a guy I didn’t recognize manning a keg by the kitchen island. He thrustone at me, nearly spilling it. I took it and he recaptured my other hand. As we walked, he gulped down at least half his beer. He took us outside, onto the large wooden deck that overlooked a huge backyard full of grass and lined with tall trees and bushes.
I saw we were headed toward a group of Brandon’s teammates, who were hanging together near the railing that wrapped around the entire deck and the stairs that led down to the yard.
The moment Brandon’s teammates noticed us approaching, we received loud and excited greetings. Things eventually calmed down and they began talking about last night’s game. Brandon’s arm went around my waist. I was happy we were outside because his strong cologne assaulted my nose.
Brandon finished his beer within minutes. As a peace offering, I held out mine to him. “Would you like mine?”
He stared down at it and saw that it was untouched. “Why aren’t you drinking?” His tone was even more confirmation that he was annoyed with me.
“I’m not a big fan of beer. You drink it and I can go get something else,” I said.
“Who wants to do shots?” a girl I didn’t know asked as she came by with a tray full of plastic neon shot glasses, each filled to the brim. I wasn’t sure she went to our school.
Brandon grabbed two shots and held one out to me. “Drink this.” It was an order. “Maybe it will help loosen you up.” The way he said that made me feel like his words had another meaning behind them.
I took the shot glass and he took the beer from me. Just from the smell alone, I knew it was tequila. He watched as I threw it back and winced slightly at the burn along my tongue and throat. Then he held out the other shot to me. “This one, too.” Again, it was an order.
I took it and swallowed that one down as well.
“Good.” He tilted his head toward the house. “Get me a glass of whiskey while you’re in there.”
As I went back inside, I considered spitting in his drink. Shocked that the thought had even run through my head, I paused just as I entered the kitchen.
What has gotten into me?
I shook my head and began looking over the many bottles on the kitchen island. They had several bottles of whiskey, all top-shelf brands. I picked one randomly and grabbed two Solo cups. I wasn’t about to go digging through this kitchen for a tumbler for him. I poured two fingers’ worth in one Solo cup and filled the other one with water from the sink before heading back.
Just as I stepped out of the kitchen, two bodies blocked my way.
“Lottie.” It was Roe’s voice.
I looked up and saw that he was standing in front of me with Wyatt.
“Hey, Lottie the hottie,” Wyatt said as he checked me out without shame.
Roe looked good in his uniform, but even better in regular clothes. He was in a tight black T-shirt, gray jeans, and rugged, laced-up, black leather boots. Wyatt was in nearly all black and it made his beautiful eyes pop. He had on a black leather jacket, similar to the one Reid had worn the other day, over a black T-shirt and blue jeans that were so dark they almost looked black.
Seeing them, I could feel the corners of my mouth lifting, but the noise of the party reminded me of where we were and who I was here with. I quickly schooled my face. “Hey,” I said and glanced toward the back door that led out onto the large deck. I could see Brandon’s back from here. He was distracted with his teammates.
My gaze flicked back to Roe and Wyatt, who were staring in the direction I had been looking. I noticed Roe’s jaw clench as they returned their attention to me.
“You’re here with him?” Roe asked.
I nodded.
“The boyfriend? Which one is he?” Wyatt asked, glancing back in Brandon’s direction.
I managed to hold my two Solo cups in one hand so I could reach for him. “Please don’t look that way,” I pleaded as I grabbed onto his jacket.
Wyatt looked back at me with a frown. “Why?”
