Page 52 of Stealing for Keeps
“You’re talking to me in public,” she says too loudly. “Does Vaughn know? Would he approve?”
Her tone is mocking but playful, and luckily no one except Rowan is paying us any attention.
“Probably not.” I grab both of her arms to keep her steady. “You good?”
“Great.”
I start to remove my hands, and she wobbles again.
“How much have you had to drink?”
“This is only my second,” she says, looking down at her mostly empty cup.
“I know you’re good at art, but maybe math isn’t your strong suit.” There’s no way she’s this drunk after two drinks.
Rowan steps closer.
“She’s a lightweight,” he says in a loud whisper, like he’s trying to be funny.
“As opposed to a lush like you,” she snaps back at him.
“Fair point, Crawford.”
Claire suddenly looks tired, like the alcohol has flipped a switch from tipsy and fun to drunk and needing to pass out.
“I think it might be time for you to go home.”
“I think it might be time for you to go home,” she mocks back.
“Wow,” I mouth to Rowan and twist the bill of my cap from front to back.
She thrusts her cup at him. “Here. I don’t want any more.”
He downs it in one gulp.
Lacey joins us. She doesn’t seem quite as bad off as her friend, but judging by the giggly way she approaches us, I’d say she’s drunk as well.
“Do you want to go in the hot tub?” she asks her friend.
“I think I want to go home.”
“No!” Her friend grabs on to her arm. “You have the whole night for once. We’re going to stay up until dawn and then get French fries and milkshakes, remember?”
Claire winces and puts a hand to her stomach, then her face pales.
“Are you…” Lacey doesn’t finish the question before Claire’s eyes widen in panic.
“I don’t feel so well.”
“Did she drive?” I ask Lacey.
“No, I brought her. We were going to catch an Uber after the party.”
“Can you catch a ride with someone else?” I step closer to Claire and wrap an arm around her waist. She leans into me like she’s thankful not to be holding herself upright. “I’m heading out now, so I can take her home.”
“I’ll Uber with you,” Rowan tells Lacey.
Lacey nods at me. “Maybe I should go with her.”
