Page 48 of Baby Duke

"Hot damn, Roe!" she gushes. "Those Dukes won't know what hit them!”

After waiting on the side of the road for a good ten minutes, we collect East and speed off before her father can catch us. East looks stunning in an 80s-styled, sequined topand denim short shorts. But damn, does she pull it off. She blushes deeply as I compliment her.

"I'm so stupidly nervous," she says, ringing her fingers together. "I had no idea what to wear! I don’t exactly own many outfits that would be high school party-appropriate, but I managed to put this together. I look ok, right? I'm not going to stand out like a sore thumb?"

"Girl, did you not just hear what I said? You are on fire!"

"Seriously, E, if I weren't gay, I would totally do you," Felix adds helpfully.

"Gross, Fee!" East squeaks.

I cannot help but laugh at their antics. I have had what I thought were friends before I came here, but I realize now that they weren't even close to true friends. I have never had anything like this bond that Felix and East share, though I feel ours growing every day. The same stands for Trent, though he seems kind of distant. I'm really not sure if that has something to do with the Dukes or his relationship with East. Or non-relationship, I should say.

Cars are lining the driveway as we pull up to Law's house. We find a spot about halfway to the house, flashing lights visible as we start the short trek around a winding bitumen road.

The party is already in full swing, which surprises me. I am not a party expert, but I am sure the ones thrown in the suburbs back in Perth were given a loose start time. Say, the party starts at 8, you do not arrive until at least 9, maybe 9:30. That's just how parties worked from where I came from.

Here, we are forty minutes late but it may as well be hours. Everyone is highly intoxicated already. It’s almost as if they have been drinking since lunchtime. Which, in all honesty, would not surprise me if some of them had been entitled rich kids and all.

The noise inside is deafening. I was shocked to spy an actual band playing live on a small stage. I almost pee myself when I realize exactly who it is.

"East! Felix!" I grip both of them on the forearm. "Why was I not informed thatSkewlsOwtwas going to be here? I am ten seconds from a fangirl meltdown!"

"Why do you think I snuck out, girl?" East laughs. "I wouldn't risk my dad's wrath for just anyone. Except you guys, of course."

"Shut up and let's get to the front!" Felix cuts in, love-hearts practically bursting from his eyes like a Loony Tunes character. "The drummer is gay, and I amsotapping that tonight."

East and I squeal as we push our way to the front of the stage. Scowls are thrown my way, but as soon as they see who is pushing them, they back down with wide eyes. Too fucking right, bitches. Make way for your queen.

Time blurs as I dance to the upbeat pop music. I make eye contact more than once with the main singer; Derek. He eyes me up and down like I am a prize with his name on it. And in all honesty, I bask in his obvious interest.

When there is a small break between songs, I wave him over. East digs her fingers into my side as Derek saunters over and squats in front of me.

"What's up, gorgeous?" he says. I fight not to cringe at his wannabee playboy charm.

"I have a very important favor to ask of you," I smile sweetly, blinking up at him from under my lashes.

He is fucking putty in my hands.

"Anything, baby girl," he coos. Gross. He needs to stop talking now. He is becoming less and less attractive with every syllable that leaves his mouth.

"I want to sing," I say. "On stage. With you. Right now."

He stutters a moment before agreeing. He pulls me onto the stage as East and Felix holler from the crowd. Can't say I receive the same enthusiasm from my classmates.

Derek pulls me over to his bandmates, the gay drummer and the guitarist, both also backup singers.

"Who's this sweet thing?" The guitarist, Mikey, asks, running his eyes over my body.

"I'm Roe," I grin. "And you guys are going to play a song for me."

It takes barely a minute to work out the finer details, Derek disappearing a moment before returning with a second guitar. The song I have asked them to play is one they sang a cover for before they went big, so there is no need to hash out a playlist.

"On three," Derek whispers.

I turn to face the crowd, taking in the scowls, smirks, disdain, and hatred. East and Felix are shining beacons of pride amongst the gloom, and I send them a smile, not at all fazed by everyone else's opinions. I am high on adrenaline and fun, no one can knock me down.

Except maybe him.

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