by Lacey Wolfe
I pulled my phone out and sent a text to Gabe. Going to a party at Pete and Evan’s. Wish you could come.
Though I knew Evan would kill me if I invited Gabe. My phone dinged.
I could come crash it. I’m a bad boy, after all.
I giggled and responded. Maybe another time, Evan and I haven’t been getting along. Don’t want to piss him off more.
I hadn’t told Gabe about Evan and me. Not that there was an Evan and me, but that we were butting heads about him. I didn’t want him to feel like he was coming between us, because he wasn’t, was he?
A new text came. Not getting along? Why?
I smiled. We’ll talk about it later.
I heard the pounding of footsteps coming up the stairs outside my apartment. Evan was here. He knocked just as a text came in. I opened the door and read the text. Breakfast tomorrow morning?
Hell yes! I’d love to. Pick me up at nine.
“Hey, Evan.” His strong cologne welcomed me—again. I really needed to talk to him about easing up on it; the whole less is more approach.
“Tonight is gonna rock.” He put an arm around me. “Pack a bag and stay the night.”
I shook my head, but didn’t want to tell him I was meeting Gabe in the morning. “You know me. I’m not getting drunk.”
He leaned close to my ear. “Never say never.”
I playfully pushed him away. Grabbing my things, I walked toward my door. “Let’s go. You going to feed me first?”
“Of course.”
An hour and a half later, I sat on the couch at Evan and Pete’s place. I couldn’t help but wonder how many women Pete had done on this couch. Ick!
“Hey.” An older girl approached me. “I’m Kelly.”
“Paisley.”
She smirked like she knew something I didn’t. “Oh, Evan and Pete were telling me about you.”
“Good, I hope.”
“For the most part.” She sat down next to me.
Didn’t people usually say yes when asked if what they’d heard had been good? “How do you know Pete and Evan?”
She was about to speak when Evan appeared, out of nowhere, and plopped down between us. “It’s my two favorite women.” He glanced at me. “You’ve only taken a few sips of that drink. You promised me at dinner you’d at least drink one.”
I had made a stupid promise. “I’ve only been here a short time.”
Kelly giggled. “I’m about to start on my second. The sooner I begin feeling buzzed, the better.”
“You see, Pais. Some people like to have fun.”
I bit my bottom lip to avoid snapping at him. “I like to have fun.” Just not in the same way as him.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Kelly had a hand around the top of Evan’s arm. Did she like him?
Clearing my throat, I said, “Anyway, I was just asking Kelly how she knew you and Pete.”
“She’s Pete’s sister.” Evan hopped up. “Be right back.”
Pete’s sister. Wait a minute. The Pete’s sister that went out with Gabe?
“It appears we have two guys in common, huh?” She cocked an eyebrow at me, obviously knowing it had just clicked.
“Gabe?”
She licked her red lips. “In case you’re wondering, yes, I was a virgin before going out with him.”
I put the solo cup to my mouth and chugged down more than half of it, simply because I didn’t know what to say. Kelly stared at me with her blonde hair in loose waves, obviously waiting to see what I had to say. But I couldn’t help thinking it was a coincidence she was a virgin. Just because she was and I was, didn’t mean that Gabe was the “cherry popper” Pete called him.
I set the cup in my lap, holding it tightly.
“He’ll say whatever he has to, to make you feel special,” Kelly added. “And when he’s done, he’ll cast you away without a second though.”
I lifted the drink to my mouth again and sipped.
“What do I know?” She smirked. “Perhaps you’re different.”
I was different. He’d said so.
Evan came over. “You’re drink’s empty. Let me get you another.”
Before I could object, he’d taken my cup, leaving me with nothing to keep me from talking to Kelly. “I really don’t know what to say.”
“It’s fine. I’m just telling you. Be careful. Gabe’s quite addicting once you hop on his ride. As long as you know it’s not going anywhere. He’s fun to lose it to, if that’s what you’re wanting. He’s gentle the first time since he’s been with so many virgins. However, if you’re saving yourself for someone special, Gabe’s not the one.”
“Thanks.” My chest was tight. I wanted to leave. Go home. Go anywhere. I didn’t care. Having to hear these things from Gabe’s ex and sit next to her was hard.
Evan handed me another drink and I gladly accepted it. I was beginning to feel that buzz Kelly had mentioned before, and to be honest, it helped with the sting of things Kelly had said.
“Well, I’m gonna go mingle.” She stood and rubbed her hands up Evan’s chest. “Come find me later.”
Kelly wanted Evan, I could tell. Had she been so forward before Gabe? Or had she been shy like me? I’d hate to think losing my virginity was going to change me that much. Though, I admired a girl who knew what she wanted and went after it. I was working my way to be like that.
I thought back to how forward I’d been able to be with Gabe. Kissing him on my own. Perhaps he was building by confidence, the way he did Kelly.
“Having fun?” The couch shifted as Evan’s weight met it.
“I’d love to say yes, but meeting Kelly kind of killed the night.”
He chuckled. “I’ve tried to warn you about that guy. I hate that he’s got in claws in you so deep.”
Gabe did. And I didn’t want to believe a word Kelly had said, either. Gabe himself had said I was different. I knew he was telling the truth. The way he looked and made me feel. I was the only one that mattered. “Just because what she had with him wasn’t real, doesn’t mean what I have with him isn’t.”
Evan groaned and laid his head back against the couch. “There are a million guys out there that would love to be with you, and you’re hung up on the worst one.”
In my opinion, Pete was the worst one. I giggled, and then I kept laughing. God, I couldn’t stop.
“You okay?” Evan chuckled.
“I think so.” I felt really damn good. Maybe drinking wasn’t so bad after all. I tipped the cup back and took several long drinks.
“Slow it down.” Evan winked. “Some kids from our math class are here. Let’s go say hi.”
I nodded and we stood. Evan placed a hand on my lower back and led me over to them. The touch was different and sent a tingle up my spine. Was it from the alcohol?
“Dude, great party,” the guys said.
“It’s all Pete. He’s a pro at these.” Evan shrugged, draping an arm on my shoulders. “Ya’ll know Paisley, right? She’s in math with us.”
“I thought you looked familiar. I’m Kyle.”
“I’m Jack.”
“Nice to meet you.” I smiled. Kyle I remembered. He was a very attractive guy with his almost black hair and pale blue eyes.
“You two together?” Kyle asked.
I shook my head. “He’s like my brother. We grew up together. Neighbors.”
I noticed Evan’s expression went from a smile to almost pissed-off. “Obviously, Paisley will never see me as anything else.”
Shit. “If you’ll excuse me.” I handed Evan my drink. “I’ll be right back.”
I hurried off toward the bathroom. Between Evan and Kelly, I needed a break. I stumbled and hit the wall. A few laughs echoed. Was it directed toward me? Those drinks were hitting me more than I expected. After I was in the bathroom, I locked the door, but after I relieved myself, the buzz turned to something more. I finished up, and washed my hands. Staring at myself in the mirror, I wasn’t sure if I could walk. Both those drinks had
been filled almost to the top, and to be honest, I didn’t really know what they were. Except they were super fruity and only had a hint of a taste of alcohol. The second one was almost gone.
I opened the door and Evan stood there. “You okay?”
I held the wall, but then Evan put his arms around me, tugging me close. “Thanks.” I laid my head on his chest. “You’re always there when I need you.”
He chuckled. “You’re gonna be okay. Want to lie down?”
Getting off my feet sounded heavenly. “Maybe for a minute. Things are starting to spin. You said this was fun. It’s not anymore.”
Evan led me to his bedroom. I climbed onto his bed, Evan lay next to me. My eyes closed and things kept spinning. “When’s the spinning going to stop?”
“In a bit. Want me to get you a bottle of water? It’ll help.”
“Uh-huh.” I felt his weight leave the bed, then it was quiet—well aside from the thumping of the bass from the front of the place. Not long after, the bed shifted again.
“Here.”
I opened my eyes. “Just set it next to me for now.”
“You’re beautiful.”
I stared at Evan as he gazed at me. “Thanks, I guess.”
“Can I kiss you?”
Kiss me? “Evan…”
“You have to know how I feel about you. I’ve been trying to tell you.”
Oh God, I’d been right. This wasn’t good. I didn’t see Evan that way. “We’re just friends.”
“No, we’re not.”
I closed my eyes. It sounded like he was yelling, but I was pretty sure he wasn’t. I placed my hand on my forehead. Then my stomach started to churn. “Evan.” It came out in an almost whisper.
“I’m here.”
“I need to throw-up.”
“Fuck!” He helped me up quickly and led me down the hallway to the bathroom.
Kneeling on the floor, I emptied my stomach into the toilet.
“Damn it, Pais. I told you not to eat that greasy food.”
Yeah, well I hadn’t planned on getting drunk. Oh, God. This hurt. Why did people do this?
After a few minutes, my stomach was empty. Now I just wanted to go home. Evan handed me a wash rag and I wiped my mouth. He then offered his hand, which I gladly took and he helped me back to his bedroom.
“She okay?” I recognized that voice. Kelly.
“Yeah, she’ll be fine.”
I climbed onto the bed, not caring about anything at this point.
“Since she’s gonna pass out any moment, why don’t you and I go talk somewhere a little more private,” Kelly’s tone was seductive. I imagined her hands were on Evan as she tried to persuade him. Evan should go with her, not worry about me.
“I’ll be all right. Go get to know Kelly,” I mumbled.
“I don’t want to leave you,” Evan said.
“She said she’s fine,” Kelly argued. “Now come on. She just wants to sleep anyway, the opposite of what I want to do.”
“Yeah, I just want to sleep.”
“I’ll check on you in a few.” Evan rubbed the hair from my face and left.
Once I was alone, I dug my phone from my back pocket then rolled over onto my back. I sent Gabe a quick text. Tonight sucks. I met your ex Kelly. And I’ve puked.
After I sent the text, I closed my eyes. The phone buzzed next to me on the bed, but I didn’t have the strength to read it. I needed to sleep.
* * *
Something by my head kept buzzing. I smacked at it, trying to get whatever it was to stop. My head pounded.
Finally, opening my eyes I realized it was daylight. I attempted to sit up, but I couldn’t. So this was a hangover? I was never doing this again.
Glancing to my left, I saw someone in bed with me. Oh my God! Please tell me I didn’t sleep with whoever that is. I sat up and saw it was Evan. Peeking under the covers, thank goodness I was dressed.
I found the phone behind my head. That must’ve been what had been buzzing. I unlocked the screen and had several texts from Gabe as well as missed calls.
What do you mean you puked? Are you okay?
Why aren’t you answering? Are you okay?
Are you ignoring me? Did Kelly say something?
Are you home? I knocked.
It’s 9:30. Are you okay? Call me, please.
What time was it? I looked in the corner of my phone—a little past ten. “Shit.”
Evan stirred and rolled over. “What’s wrong?”
“I was supposed to meet Gabe for breakfast.” I fell back against the pillow. My head hurt to bad to sit up. Then it dawned on me. I had to work today. Now I needed to hope it was slow. My stomach churned, I thought I might puke again.
“I’m sure he’ll understand,” Evan said groggily.
To be honest, I was surprised to see him. I figured he’d have hooked up with Kelly last night.
I opened my text messaging app and texted Gabe. So sorry. Passed out at Evan’s. Feel like complete shit.
I pressed the send button then laid the phone on my chest. It vibrated right away. Lifting it up, he was calling. Damn. This was awkward.
“Hey,” I said quietly.
“You’re at Evan’s? Let me come get you.”
“I don’t know if I’m ready to get out of bed yet.”
He chuckled. “I know what you need, a good breakfast and lots of liquids to chase that hangover away. Think you can manage to drag yourself off the couch and to the front door in fifteen minutes?”
Guilt overtook me. I wasn’t on the couch. How would Gabe feel to know I was in bed with Evan? He couldn’t be that upset, could he? We were just friends. “I think I can.”
“Good. See you soon.”
The call ended. “Gabe’s coming to get me. You can keep sleeping.”
Evan’s eyes opened again. “I don’t want you to go.”
I smiled. “I don’t want to go either, but I’ve got to work this afternoon and somehow I’ve got to start feeling better.”
“I understand. I just wish you weren’t going to him.”
I sighed. “You should give Kelly a shot. She seems…cool.” That was a lie.
He huffed. “I’d only want one thing from a girl like her.”
I didn’t want to know what that one thing was. Tossing the covers back, I dragged myself from the bed. “I’ll text ya later. Enjoy your sleep, and thank you for taking care of me.”
Before I was out of the room, his breathing was heavy. He’d probably sleep his day away. Lucky guy.
Paisley sat across the booth from me and looked like death warmed over. Her hair was a mess, and she had dark circles under her eyes. She pushed the hash browns around her plate.
“Eat.” I stared at her. “You’ll feel better.”
She shook her head and dropped her fork. “I’m not so sure.”
“Take it from someone who used to drink a lot. The sooner you quit thinking about the way you feel, the sooner you’ll feel better.” I sipped the hot coffee.
I hated seeing her this way. I was glad she was safe, though, and didn’t appear to be mad at me. After learning she’d met Kelly, I was nervous. Kelly hated me. I couldn’t really blame her. I’d made it easy for her to.
Paisley sipped her OJ. “I don’t know why people do that all the time.”
I smirked. “It’s fun while it’s happening. Guess that’s why they continue.”
“It wasn’t fun, or at least not for long. Just when I started to feel good, I got sick.”
“Have you ever really drank?”
She shook her head as I suspected she would. “I’ve had a beer before, but never more than one. And Evan gave me some fruity drink last night. It was good. It just tasted like juice.”
I had a good idea what he’d given her. Certain juices could hide the alcohol taste. “Beer and liquor are two different things.”
“I can’t eat anymore.” She pushed her plate forward. “I really want to go home and take a nap before work.”<
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The waitress had already set the ticket on the table. “I’ll take care of this. Go ahead outside.”
After I paid for our breakfast at the register, I found Paisley with her helmet on and leaning against the bike. I slipped my own helmet on then leaned over and kissed her cheek. We climbed on the bike, and Paisley’s weight was heavy against me. I hoped she could handle the short ride back to her place.
Ten minutes later, I led her up the stairs to her house. Once inside, she went straight to her couch, pulled the blanket off the back of it, and lay down. I wasn’t sure if I should stay or not. For now, I sat down next to her and rubbed her back.
“So, how was meeting Kelly?” It might not be the best time to ask, but I was curious.
“She’s pretty, and she’s got the hots for Evan.”
“She’s nowhere near as pretty as you are.”
Paisley grinned. “She also said you’d say whatever you had to in order to get me to sleep with you.”
Of course Kelly did. “I’m sure at the moment I’m not trying to get in your pants, so obviously I’m speaking the truth.”
“You really know how to make a girl feel special.” Her eyes closed.
“I only want to make you feel special.” I bent forward and kissed her cheek. “You rest. I’ll call you in a bit to check on you.”
“All right. Thanks for coming to get me.”
“I would’ve come last night. I’m always here for you.” I stood and stared at her a moment. Hopefully after a nap, she’d be on her way to feeling better.
I, on the other hand, needed to go see Kelly and Pete to put a stop to the rumors.
* * *
Kelly was meeting me at a park near her place later that day. Pete was working—thank God. I hated the idea of being alone with Kelly, but I didn’t have much of a choice. It wasn’t like she was going to stop being around Paisley, especially if she was sniffing around Evan. I needed to make my intentions clear to Kelly on how I felt about Paisley, and hopefully she’d relay it to her brother and they’d drop this cherry popper rumor.
As I walked across the crisp green grass, I saw her sitting on a wooden bench. When I approached, she glanced over her shoulder and smiled.