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“What did she say to you?”
“She called me a whore,” I summarize. There was more to it, but I don’t feel like repeating it. I know the names she calls me aren’t true, but if I say it out loud enough, I’m scared others will think it is. Maybe that’s silly and irrational, but it’s my fear. That people will actually trust what Eloise says about me.
His jaw clenches, the veins on his neck convulsing.
I’m angry too, but seeing him get upset makes everything seem a bit better.
“I honestly just want to forget about it. Let's just let loose and have fun tonight. I’ve never been to a party.” I shrug.
Sean’s shoulders release, and I realize he was holding onto the wheel so tight, his knuckles are as white as a ghost.
“You haven't? Why didn’t I know that?” he asks, his grin flashing briefly.
“Are you kidding? My parents never let me do anything. I mean I’ve been to group things but I wouldn’t call them parties. None with alcohol anyway.”
“This summer—I’m gonna take you around and do all the things you weren’t able to do in high school. We’re gonna live out the whole stereotypical experience.”
I laugh at his optimism. He really does know how to enjoy life. I envy that. I feel like I’ve spent my whole life praying to get past the season I’m in. I’ve never really enjoyed where I’m at.
“We’re gonna have fun tonight,” I confirm, trying to match his enthusiasm.
“That’s the spirit. We’re gonna dance our asses off.”
He turns the knob on the stereo up and bobs his head to the pulsating beat.
◆◆◆
When we get inside, it’s more crowded than I expected. There has to be at least a hundred people here. Jen lives in a huge one story in Hillcrest, just outside of town. Her parents are both dentists, so they make good money. She always bragged about that.
It’s an open floor plan, with ceilings so high you’d need a parachute to change the lightbulbs. The kitchen has an island that’s longer than me. I grab Sean’s arm, letting him lead me through the groups of people.
He yells in my ear over the music, “It seems overwhelming, but you’ll get used to it.”
A group is playing beer pong and directly next to them are some girls singing karaoke.
I didn’t know parties were really like this—so extra. It seems so silly, but I guess I haven’t fully experienced it yet.
Some girls I’ve never seen before are in the corner of the room doing shots one after the other. They’re all gorgeous. Each of them has long blonde hair, fading at the roots.
“Have you been to many parties?” I ask Sean.
Please let the answer be no.
I hate the thought of girls flaunting themselves around him. Especially with drinks involved.
“Not really,” he assures me, leading us toward a dining room with a large chandelier.
I see a couple of guys from my history class and it eases my racing heartbeat a smidge. At least it’s not all strangers.
A lot of the people here look like they’re in their early twenties. Maybe even older.
Jen, the host of the party, is leaning up against some dude that looks old enough to be her father.
Gross.
“Oh, look at this! You got little miss out of the house,” Peyton screams while marching up to us.
He’s infuriating. I seriously don’t understand how he’s Sean’s best friend.
