Focus

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  “This is crazy,” Anne said as we pushed through the crowds.

  “You think so?” Hailey smiled. “Wait until Mardi Gras.”

  “I can’t imagine.” I looked down at my outfit self-consciously when I caught a group of guys staring at us.

  “Where should we go first?” Hailey asked once we reached Bourbon.

  “Let’s do Tropical Isle. I want a Hand Grenade.” Tiffany uncharacteristically made the first suggestion.

  “Sounds awesome.” I was just glad we had a destination.

  We didn’t make it that far. “Hey, guys!” A group of girls from our floor called to us. Sometimes New Orleans felt more like a small town than a city. It was impossible to go anywhere without running into someone you knew. I didn’t think it was a bad thing.

  “Hey! Up here!” A group of guys on a balcony yelled down at us. “Show us some titties if you want some beads.”

  Hailey rolled her eyes. “Do they really think we’re that desperate for cheap plastic beads?”

  Anne gave them the finger.

  “Over here.” I covered my face with my hands as one of my floor mates, Amy, lifted her shirt.

  Anne laughed, so I looked up. Amy had a tank top underneath.

  “Get a life!” Amy yelled.

  “Nice one,” a few of us said at once.

  “Did you really think I was going to flash them?” Amy was definitely insulted.

  I shrugged. “I don’t know. I hoped not.”

  “For future knowledge, I’m not a skank.”

  “All right, duly noted.”

  “We’re going to head over to Oz, you guys want to come?” Amy asked.

  “No thanks,” Tiffany answered quickly.

  I laughed. “We’re good.”

  “You weren’t interested in hitting up a gay bar on Halloween?” Hailey teased Tiffany.

  Tiffany laughed. “That place is crazy even on a normal night. Plus, the last time we were there a guy from my American lit class was dancing. That was a sight I don’t need to see again.”

  We all laughed and decided to check out some more bars. We continued down Bourbon Street.

  “Those are incredible vampire costumes!” Anne pointed to two guys with long fangs and black capes.

  I tried to get a closer look at their eyes as we passed them, and they definitely had the rings Levi had told me about. I was sure the fangs were real. I shivered. Halloween was a lot scarier when you knew monsters actually existed.

  ***

  “Why, hello Matey.” Levi’s voice came as a whisper right behind me.

  I spun around. “Hi.” The word stuck in my throat as I took him in. Dressed in a black tank and jeans, his clothing didn’t hint at a costume, but his wings did. I looked past him and noticed Jared and Owen dressed identically.

  “We’re fallen angels.”

  “Ah, those are really realistic wings.” I reached out to touch one but held back.

  “You can touch me, Al. You always can.”

  I shivered knowing he meant more than his wings.

  “Wow, awesome costumes!” Anne walked around the boys, taking them in.

  “Hailey has one of these costumes too, but I guess she thought being a slutty pirate was cooler,” Owen taunted.

  Hailey glared. “We’re sexy pirates, not slutty.”

  “I don’t care what you are. You can make me walk your plank anytime.” Jared said it to all of us, but his eyes were fixed entirely on Tiffany. She blushed. I resisted the urge to reprimand Jared. It might make Tiffany feel weirder.

  “Just be glad he’s not asking you to walk his plank.” Hailey grinned.

  “Ugh, okay, no need to give me that image.” I rolled my eyes.

  “Want something to drink?” Levi was right next to me, his lips inches from mine. I leaned into him, already a little tipsy. Looking at the “Real Levi” was making it hard for me to resist him.

  “Get me my usual.” Levi still hadn’t told me what was in my drink, but it was sweet, strong, and so good.

  “Someone’s getting some tonight,” Jared mumbled, following Levi away. Levi heard and turned back to grin at me.

  “No, he’s not.” Anne crossed her arms. The effect had her cleavage spilling out ever so slightly from her top. Owen’s eyes widened. If she noticed, she didn’t show it. “Allie made us promise not to let her go home with him if she was drunk, and she’s drunk.”

  “I’m going to help them with the drinks.” Owen stumbled away.

  I put down my empty glass on a nearby table. “I’m not drunk.”

  “You’re getting there.”

  “It doesn’t matter. I don’t want to go home with him.”

  “Sure…” Hailey rolled her eyes.

  The guys returned and Levi took his spot next to me again.

  “You make a good looking pirate.” He handed me my drink. “I’d go hunting for buried treasure with you anytime.”

  I looked down at my tight, black top with the white ruffles and red ties, but knew it was the length of the black skirt that probably had his attention. “You’d like it better if it were all red, wouldn’t you?”

  “I like you in more than red.” He paused, playing with the laces on the top. “And in less.”

  His eyes devoured me, and I sipped my drink.

  “I didn’t expect to see you guys here.” We were on Bourbon Street, and I’d heard most of the upperclassman hung out on Frenchman Street on Halloween.

  “I knew you’d be around here somewhere.”

  “So you came looking for me?” I took another few sips of my drink. It was easy to drink fast.

  “Yes. You wouldn’t tell me what your costume was, but I knew it would be something I’d have to see.”

  “In other words, you didn’t want me dressed this way without you?”

  “Can you blame me?” He moved closer.

  “I can say the same about you.”

  He cracked a smile. “You don’t like me out with my wings showing?”

  “Not without me.” I ran a hand through my hair.

  “Wow, I had no idea they had that effect on you. So nice to know.”

  “I’m not going to even try to deny it.” I finished my drink.

  “Want another?”

  “Yes.” I didn’t hesitate with my answer. I followed him over to the bar, hoping to hear what he ordered. Unfortunately, he just asked the bartender for the same thing. With a crowd that big, I’d have expected the girl to have forgotten—but I don’t think it’s easy to forget anything about Levi.

  He handed me the drink, and we walked back to where our friends had migrated to. Levi sat down on a bar stool pushed against the wall.

  “You look so good with your wings.” I reached out and touched one, but he shifted, moving it from my reach.

  “If you want to touch them, you have to come closer.”

  “I am close. If I get any closer, I’ll be on your lap.”

  “You say it like it’s a bad thing.”

  “It’s a very bad thing.” I gave up trying to reach his wing and put my hand on his leg instead.

  “I disagree. It’s good.” His heated look nearly undid me.

  Distracted, I felt the tickle of a wing brushing against me as he pulled me up on his lap to straddle him. “Have you ever…”

  “Have I ever what?” He gave me an amused smile.

  “I’m the only girl you’ve been with who knows what you really are, right?” I touched his wings.

  “Uh huh.”

  “So you’ve never done it with your wings out, right?”

  He laughed. “No, I haven’t.” His hand settled on my very exposed leg.

  “Could we?”

  “Come home with me, Al, and we can do anything you want.”

  “Does it have to be at your place? The hotel is closer.”

  “It is, isn’t it?” he whispered next to my ear. “Ready to go?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Whoa. Slow down there.” Anne helped me do
wn off his lap.

  Levi reluctantly let go but he spun on Anne. “Is there a reason you’re interrupting us?”

  “Yes. Allie’s not going anywhere with you.” She put a hand on her hip and scowled.

  “It’s okay—”

  She cut me off. “No. You told me not to let you go home with him, and I’m keeping my word.”

  I smiled. Anne definitely was tough and a good friend. With some distance between us, I was starting to realize just how big of a mistake I was about to make.

  “If she wants to come home with me, she will.” Levi was on his feet.

  “I think it’s time to go.” Hailey grabbed my arm and Anne’s. Tiffany nodded.

  I glanced behind me. Levi’s eyes were starting to turn black. Jared and Owen were at his side, trying to calm him down.

  “Wow, if looks could kill, I’d be dead.” Anne shivered. She didn’t know the half of it.

  “I’m sorry I brought you into that.”

  “No, it’s totally fine…but I have a feeling you’re the reason for the anger problem. A guy can only take so much.” She gave me a knowing look. Was she really blaming his anger on sexual frustration?

  “Yeah, I don’t know.” My stomach rumbled. “Is anyone else hungry?” I asked.

  “Yes,” everyone said at once.

  “How about beignets?” Tiffany adjusted her top, probably trying to get more coverage than it actually provided.

  “Café Du Monde?” I asked, even though I didn’t have to.

  Hailey glanced at her watch. “What better way to end a night?”

  “Exactly.”

  I was already dreaming about the hot, sweet beignets before we got there.

  ***

  “I don’t think there’s a better drunk food.” I took another bite of my beignet.

  “I agree. It just works. Add in the coffee and it’s perfect.” Tiffany took a sip of her chicory coffee.

  “So, what did you guys think of your first Halloween in New Orleans?” Hailey asked.

  “It was definitely my best yet.” Anne polished off her beignet.

  “I know I already said it, but I’m sorry about Levi.” I hoped Anne wasn’t mad at me.

  “Don’t worry about it. I really didn’t mind.”

  “You know Jared really well, right?” Tiffany looked at Hailey.

  “Yeah. I’ve known him my whole life.” Hailey glanced at me. We were both wondering where this conversation was going.

  Tiffany concentrated on her mug. “Is he really like that, or is it an act?”

  “Do you mean is he really a perverted jerk?” Hailey could be so blunt.

  “I was thinking more whether he was always so forward?”

  I decided to take over. “Yes. That’s just him. He’s not a bad guy, just a player.”

  “Oh.” Tiffany looked pensive.

  “Why are you asking, Tiff? Are you interested in him?” Anne asked the question we were all thinking.

  “No! Of course not. I was just trying to figure him out.”

  “He likes you.” I figured I’d be honest.

  Tiffany blushed. “He does not.”

  “He told me to tell you ‘hi’ the other night.”

  “The other night? When were you with Jared at night?” Anne leaned forward.

  I tried to think fast, but Tiffany spared me. “Did he really say that?”

  I smiled. “Yeah. He’s a player, and you should keep your distance, but he definitely has a crush.”

  “A crush? Can you imagine what Jared would say if he heard you say that?” Hailey laughed.

  “It’s the truth.”

  “It’s flattering. I mean, I know nothing’s ever going to happen, but you have to admit, he’s really hot.”

  “No question. He’s hot.” Anne sipped her coffee.

  “But you aren’t actually interested, right?” Hailey asked.

  “No. Definitely not. He’s not my type.”

  “Okay, good.”

  I hoped she was being honest. I didn’t want to watch him hurt another one of my friends.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Time didn’t slow down after Halloween. I was having fun, but sometimes the stress was hard to take. It only got worse in November knowing finals were getting closer. I never imagined it would be so hard to find a balance between classes and a social life.

  “I already told you I’m not going.” I crossed my arms, hoping my body language would get my point across since my words were getting me nowhere.

  “Come on, Allie. It’s supposed to be the party of the semester. We can’t miss it.” Anne mirrored my pose. Probably trying to do the same thing—get her point across.

  “What exactly makes something the party of the semester?” Tiffany asked. She was sitting on my bed reading Mansfield Park. Sometimes, watching Tiffany read the classics made me want to minor in English, but my recent decision to major in biochemistry instead of business was enough. The only good thing about being mad at my dad was that I didn’t have to feel bad about not sticking with business.

  “Good point.” I smiled at Tiffany. “Besides, I never said you guys can’t go, but I don’t feel like it.”

  “Is this just because of Nick?” Hailey turned in her desk chair.

  “Yes, if I show up, he’s going to get the wrong idea. There’s no reason to encourage him.” The party was at his Frat, and he’d made it a point to invite me—twice.

  “Come on. Any guy who thinks he’s got a shot at stealing you from Levi has to be crazy.” Anne finally took a seat on the edge of Hailey’s bed.

  “Do you really care whether I go or not?”

  “Yes! It’s more fun when we all go together.”

  Hailey pushed her playfully. “In other words, she knows that Nick and his friends are going to give us all special treatment if you go.”

  “That’s not true!” The look of horror that crossed Anne’s face made it clear that’s definitely not what she had in mind. “I just like hanging out with you.”

  “Fine. I’ll go for a few hours.”

  “Awesome! Now we just have to find our outfits. It’s a prohibition theme so we can wear those flapper dresses you wanted to wear for Halloween, Allie.”

  I laughed. Anne could be intense sometimes, but I loved her. In some ways, she reminded me of Jess, but I knew those similarities were really superficial. Both were so much more than the boy crazy shells they appeared to be on the outside.

  “I guess we can. I’m sorry to run, but I really need to get to the gym.”

  “That’s fine. I’ll fill you in later.” Anne gave me a hug.

  “Looking for these?” Hailey tossed me the headphones I’d been digging in my desk for.

  “Thanks. See ya guys.”

  I waved before I headed out the door. I couldn’t slack on my next session with Jared.

  ***

  “You made it.” Nick smiled when he noticed us. We’d just gotten drinks at the formal bar they had setup. When the bartender asked what I wanted, my first thought was that I wished Levi was there to order my drink. I really needed to find out what it was.

  “Yeah, I guess I did.”

  “You guess?” He smiled.

  I shrugged. “Yeah…”

  “I’d offer you a drink but you already have one.”

  “Yup.” I held up the red plastic cup.

  “I’m really glad you came. It’s nice to see you outside of lab.”

  “Yeah, in the real world.”

  “Exactly. You look great, by the way.”

  I looked down at my black flapper dress. Leave it to Anne to find us all vintage dresses at the Salvation Army. “Thanks. You look the part, too.”

  “Oh, yeah. Cool.” He adjusted the brim of his hat.

  “Hey, Allie, I need your help with something.” Hailey put a hand on my arm.

  “Okay, no problem. Sorry Nick, but I need to help my friend.”

  “Oh, that’s cool. I’ll catch up with you later.” He tried to play i
t off, but he was disappointed.

  “The real world? Where’d you come up with that line?”

  “Hey, I was grasping at straws. The guy’s my lab partner. I’d rather not have to make things more awkward than necessary.”

  “He’s already done that for himself.”

  I turned away to watch the Jazz Trio. I knew these parties could be cool, but I didn’t expect actual live music. Between the bar, music, and the costumes, it was a pretty fun atmosphere. I enjoyed the music, and when I finished my second drink, I decided not to get another.

  I was ready to go home. “You guys want to go?”

  “Definitely… but where’s Tiffany?” Hailey glanced around.

  “I don’t know…” I surveyed the room. “The last time I saw her she was talking to some guy with a blue tie and matching fedora.”

  We walked all over the house and yard but couldn’t find her. I saw Nick and decided he could be of help.

  “There you are. I’ve been looking for you.” He grinned, taking my hand to pull me close to him. I smelled his breath—he reeked of alcohol.

  “Have you seen my friend Tiffany?”

  “Maybe…was she the one talking to Carl earlier?”

  “She was talking to someone.”

  “Blue hat?”

  “Yes.”

  “I think they went upstairs.”

  “Upstairs?” I was sure I hadn’t heard him right.

  “Yeah, it’s off limits at parties unless you’re with one of the brothers.”

  There was no way Tiffany would go up to some guy’s room like that. Unless she was more drunk than I thought. “I have to find her.”

  “Want me to help you?”

  “Could you?”

  “Absolutely, come on.” He took my hand again, pulling me through the crowd. Hailey and Anne trailed after us.

  When we reached the staircase, he turned to my friends. “Sorry, just Allie.”

  “Is that a joke?” Hailey asked.

  “No.”

  Hailey glared at him. “Why not? Afraid your brothers won’t believe you can handle three girls?”

  Nick choked on his beer.

  “Let’s go.” Hailey pushed past him.

  He took a step forward, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, I told Allie I’d take her up, and my brothers know I could handle it, but she’s the only one I want.”