Page 48 of Little Do You Know

“Last time I got shit-faced to the point where I could take shots without flinching, my brother told me what a child I am and how embarrassing I am to him. I choose not to have that argument again. Owen will be back at some point.”

Penelope frowns, taking another drink. “What happened to you since you left Paris? This is not the Thalia that spun on a stripper pole with me a few months ago. You’re domesticated now.”

Sebastian sputters in disbelief. I can’t even try to deny it because we did do that. “I’m sorry—you did what? I thought you were there for photography, and you danced on a stripper pole?”

“Give me that bottle back.” I motion, and she hands it over happily. I drink until it threatens to come back up, shuddering again at the taste. “That tastes terrible.”

There’s a knock at the front door, and I groan, pulling out of Sebastian’s arms. I really don’t want to. Selfishly, I hope it’s not Owen because I don’t want him to be back yet. It shouldn’t be him because the only reason he’d be back already is if he forgot something and had to turn around.

Shit, I shouldn’t be leaving Penelope and Bash alone because I’m sure he’s going to ask about the stripper pole again. My head is starting to feel a little fuzzy; I’m regretting that last drink, just like I’m beginning to regret the stripper pole. “Owen, did you forget your key again—” I falter, seeing Vera stand there instead of my brother. What the hell is she doing here? “What are you doing here?” I ask, my stomach dropping, because this changes the entire dynamic of the night.

“We planned a movie night forever ago?” Vera asks, but I don’t remember ever making these plans. Did we talk about it when we went shopping?

I look back behind me, hearing Sebastian and Penelope laugh. “Shit, I’m sorry. Can we do a rain check for another night? Penelope just got here, and we’re catching up—”

She lights up immediately. “Can I meet her? All your stories about France make her sound like so much fun.”

How am I supposed to say no? I did make her sound like fun. I should have tried harder to make Penelope sound boring. “Sure, come on in. She’s a blast,” I say, forcing a smile to open the door wider to let her in. I shouldn’t be upset that she’s asking to come in, but I am.

I follow Vera to the living room, where Sebastian and Penelope still pass the bottle back and forth. I try to keep the disappointment out of my voice. I watch as Vera sits next to Sebastian, and I hate that it makes me jealous. “Penelope, this is Vera.” Penelope smiles politely and offers me the bottle again, silently understanding that this was not part of the plan. I’m not getting drunk tonight, but I’m certainly not staying sober for this.

On one hand, I’m glad they’re meeting, but on the other hand, I’m being selfish for wanting to have Bash be something other than my roommate or my brother’s best friend for a little bit longer tonight.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Thalia

BLAKE IS ASLEEP on the couch because we found another bottle from Owen’s secret stash. Vera ended up going back to her apartment at some point. I think, but I’m not quite sure. Penelope is still sleeping, which is what I wish I was doing right now. I rest my cheek on the cold counter, debating whether going to class is worth it. It’s just a lecture. I bet I could ask my friend to send me the notes. I think if I go, my head might explode.

The front door opens, and Owen starts complaining too loudly for my brain to comprehend. “Be glad you don’t play a sport.” I cover my ears to block out my brother’s annoying voice.

“Shhh, you’re making my head hurt. Penelope and Blake are still asleep. Don’t turn on the lights,” I grumble, lifting my head to look at them.

Owen looks as bad as I feel, and even Bash seems a little worse for wear. He’s faring better than everyone else after cutting himself off long before everyone else did. He might be the only smart one of us.

“I’m getting in the shower. Maybe that will make me feel better.” Owen moans as he slowly walks past to the back of the apartment.

Sebastian waits until the shower is turned on to kiss my cheek. “How are you feeling?”

“Why did you let me drink that much?” I ask as he wraps an arm around me from behind, and I lean into him.

“I tried suggesting you stop, but then you told me I wasn’t the boss of you and took another shot. I’m surprised you’re awake,” he says, his deep voice sounding like music to my ears.

“I’m trying to decide whether it’s worth it to go to class or not. I didn’t mean to drink that much; Penelope is terrible about egging people on to drink. I guess I was also a little upset that Vera came over when she did.”

“Oh, believe me, I saw Penelope in action. Don’t worry about Vera. There are only a few more weeks before everyone knows.” He kisses the top of my head. “If I had to guess, you aren’t going to class today.”

I wrap my arms over his. I could stay like this all day. “Bingo.”

“You should try to eat some food. It might make you feel better, but it only works if you eat it,” Sebastian suggests, moving to pull away, but I hold tight.

“Don’t let go yet. It helps.”

“I doubt that, but if you say so. I’m sweaty, and I smell.”

“You don’t smell; if you do, I can’t tell over the smell of tequila coming from my pores.” I groan dramatically in pain. “How were workouts? Owen didn’t sound good.”

“He threw up a few times. Coach went hard on us this morning. I’m glad I cut myself off when I did, or I would have joined Owen at the trash can.”

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