Page 13 of The Fadeaway
“That one,” I say and then steal a glance down at my outfit. I’d opted for an off the shoulder top, leggings, and boots. I look good but next to Tabitha I’m better prepared to teach preschoolers than go to a college party. “I suddenly feel really underdressed.”
She holds the black dress out to me. “It’s all yours. I mean, you already look hot. You always do. I’ve seen you a few times around campus and in the café, you’re always so put together.”
In this case, I think put together means doesn’t show enough skin.
Tabitha was right about Brody and we’ve already finished our second drink and I’ve told her more about my life than anyone but Willa before he texts that he’s on his way. She makes one more attempt to get me in the skimpy dress. “Last chance.”
“I don’t think so.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically. “You might as well make tonight count. If it’s going to take another three years to get you out for a night…”
“It’s only been a year,” I say as I laugh. “Willa took me to a local poetry reading and mixer.”
“Oooh so wild,” Tabitha mocks, but her tone is playful.
“Alright, fine. I will wear the dress but promise you won’t leave my side. I have a feeling I’m going to feel very exposed.”
She grins victoriously. “I promise not to leave your side, but that’s only because if I stand next to you, there’s a slight chance guys might notice me after they’re through checking you out.”
When Brody finally arrives, we giggle our way to the curb and pile into his beat-up station wagon. It’s a good thing Brody is such a popular guy because this car would not score him any points with the ladies. Not that mine, covered in crumbs that I can never seem to vacuum up and complete with car seat, would pass as cool.
“Katrina, wow.” Brody’s eyebrows shoot up as he sees me. “You look… wow.”
“Not too naked?” I ask with a nervous laugh.
“Is that a trick question?” His smile is reassuring. “You look great.”
“Where are we going anyway?” I ask from the back seat while Tabitha and Brody fight over the radio.
“Jock central.” Tabitha claps her hands and turns back to me. “Baseball guys are having a party tonight and their parties always attract the other teams on campus.”
“Their record is shit, but they’re good guys and they’re cool with everyone, so their parties are always awesome. You been?”
I shake my head and take deep breaths hoping that’ll calm my rapidly beating heart.
I see people walking toward the party before I see the house itself. It sits just up the street and across the road from the baseball field which makes sense although I hadn’t given it much thought before.
Brody parks along a side street and kills the engine. Confused butterflies that flutter with excitement and then nose dive with intermittent anxiety rid me of any remaining false calm from the alcohol. I follow along silently as we walk up to the baseball house in a steady stream of people. I’m doing it. Only took three years but I’m finally attending a real college party. The thought of beer in a plastic cup never sounded more appealing.
No one seems to look at me funny, so I take that as my fitting in. But where they’re all moving with purpose and ease like they’ve done it a million times, I’m hesitant and watch Brody and Tabitha closely to mimic their movements.
We walk through a living room and into a small kitchen that has liquor bottles lined up on a counter with cups and mixers. I spot the silver barrel and do a little mental happy dance at seeing my first keg in action. I watch a group of guys huddled around laughing and taking turns pouring beer from the metal drum.
I accept the cup Brody pushes in my direction as he says, “Pick your poison.”
Tabitha eyes the bottles carefully before pointing at the rum. “I’m not mixing my alcohol tonight.”
Brody hands her the bottle. “I’m gonna take a lap, see who’s here before I commit to a drink for the night.”
He walks off as Tabitha pours rum and diet into her cup. “What about you Katrina?” She stops. “You go by anything else? Kat? Trina?”
I lift a shoulder and let it fall as I shake my head. When I was younger, friends tried to call me different things, but nothing ever stuck.
“Nicknames?”
The only one that comes to mind is…
“Kitty.” His voice,thatvoice, it’s husky yet smooth and when he says my nickname, the ridiculous nickname that makes my body tingle, it feels like a brand.
