Page 86 of My Roommate from Hell
“I bet.”
Zarmenus and I cross a perfectly kept front lawn to reach the doorway. I look up, taking it all in.
“Hey,” says Zarmenus. “Don’t forget, you’re amazing. They’re going to love you.”
That doesn’t help the jittery nerves. It might be more than regular social anxiety or the fear of revealing our fake relationship that’s causing this. These are Zarmenus’s friends, he’s been close to them all semester. I want them to like me.
We go up the steps, and Zarmenus rings the doorbell.
The door opens and a blond guy who looks like he could be an influencer opens it. He’s in a skintight maroon shirt and his teeth are unnaturally white, almost too white to look good.
“Hey,” he says to Zarmenus, offering him a bro handshake, complete with a chest bump.
It solidifies everything I’ve been afraid of. These are not my people.
“And you must be Owen!” he says, offering me another bro handshake. “I’m Adam, Adam Prampin, and yes, my father is Leonard Prampin, try not to fangirl too hard.”
I have legitimately no idea who this is, but I still bob my head.
“That goes for most of the guests,” he says. “I’m sure Zarmenus told you, but these parties are only attended by the most noteworthy Point students. Keep your wits about you, okay?”
I swallow down the urge to say something snarky. I’m sure when he says “noteworthy” what he really means is “rich and well connected.”
“I will.”
“Anyway, it’s so nice to finally meet you. I bet Zarmenus has told you all about me?”
I blink a few times. He has not, in fact, told me anything about Adam Prampin.
“So much,” I say.
“Good things, I hope?”
“The best.”
Adam laughs. “Then I know he’s lying. Come in. Did you tell him about the first time you came here, Zar?”
“I didn’t,” he says.
“He made out with everyone,” he says. “You must have mad game to get him to settle.”
I feel hot under the collar. I knew Zarmenus liked to hook up; I learned that firsthand as an unwilling witness. But is being with me, and just me, out of character for him? Will I need to act different tonight to sell our lie?
“He does,” says Zarmenus as he puts his arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. “Best on campus.”
“That’s only because you haven’t been with me yet.”
Adam winks, then the three of us go down the entrance hall, which is lined with modern art. I pause a moment to take it all in. Brutalist architecture might not be my absolute favorite, but this place is cool. The cement-gray walls are lit with small lights, and a few pieces of furniture give the space some color. The lower level leads out to an infinity pool, where a few dozen people are standing around, drinking. The pool must be heated, as it’s already crowded with a bunch of gorgeous people in designer swimwear standing in the water to show off their physiques or glamorously lounging on pool toys.
“Is this a frat party?” I ask, keeping my voice low.
“Were you expecting a kegger?” asks Zarmenus.
“Kind of.”
Everyone looks perfect and so adult. This party has a slickness to it unlike any house party I’ve been to. Back in high school they all seemed messy, but in a good way. This one feels more sophisticated, but my gut is still telling me that I’m surrounded by vipers.
“What do you think?” asks Adam. I blink a few times until I realize he’s talking about the house. “My parents had it renovated last year.”
