Page 68 of Life of the Party

“Oh yeah.” I smiled confidently, though really, I had no idea. I grasped his arms to get on the bike, but after a few stunted efforts to swing my leg over the seat, I threw my head back in laughter.

“It’s not my shoes, it’s my skirt. I can’t get on; it’s too tight!”

“I’d say it’s just right.” He laughed with me.

“Okay, here.” I sat down on the bike seat sidesaddle style so both my feet were on the same side and my high heels rested precariously on the one little peg. I grasped Grey tightly around the waist.

“Now, just go slow, and we’ll be good.”

He chuckled at my ingenuity. “Are you sure? You’re okay back there?”

I settled myself behind him; my arms wound around his hard waist, the warm sun shining on us in the clear blue summer sky. All I could feel was excitement; it spread within me and filled the air around me. Everything was changing. School was done, and I was moving out, moving on, about to start the chapter of my life I’d been looking forward to forever.

I was about to embark on the world—one brimming with countless possibilities and new, wonderful experiences…just waiting for me to come and enjoy.

I would take full advantage, would take all they had to offer.

A shiver of utter thrill rushed through me. I smiled wildly.

“I’ve never been better.”

CHAPTER 28

In the history of grad reception entrances, it had to be the coolest one ever.

Grey drove up to the Community Centre, where my classmates and their families were gathered in little groups, waiting for the reception to start. Everyone was dressed to the nines—all the guys were in dark suits and ties, most of the girls in fluffy, frilly pastel confections.

We rumbled slowly in, drawing the attention of the crowd as everyone stopped to look up at us. If I hadn’t been so high on coke, I probably would have been blushing like mad, but at that moment, I felt hot and glamorous and just…special. Out of the ordinary. I was bursting with pride to be the one on Grey’s motorcycle, to be the one with the gorgeously hot, mysterious older man all the girls were gawking at.

The engine growled idly as he stopped the bike at the curb, and I climbed lightly off, smoothing my dress back into place. I could feel everyone’s eyes on us.

“Everyone’s staring.” I giggled.

Grey chuckled. “They’re staring at you. I can’t say I blame them.”

I smiled bashfully. “Yeah?”

“Come on. You know you’re the prettiest one here.”

“I am?”

“Oh yeah.” He scoured the crowd for a moment and then nodded certainly at me. “Oh yeah. Without a doubt.” He tilted my chin up with his finger, and then we kissed.

I hoped everyone was still watching us, hoped the gawking girls would see him kissing me. I felt so amazing at that moment. It was surreal, like I was caught in a dream or something. A dream come true. I felt I might burst with happiness.

I gave Grey a little wave as he revved the engine once and started smoothly off onto the street. With a happy sigh, I turned once he’d gone, heading down the sidewalk into the crowd of my graduating class. It was a perfect day; the sun was sailing warmly in the clear blue sky, a soft and gentle breeze stirred the branches of the large old poplar trees that lined the streets. The grass was deep green and fresh cut, the delicious scent of summer mixing with the buzz of nervous, excited energy in the air.

I scanned the crowds of people gathered as I strolled, looking for my family, wondering if they had seen my little entrance. Wickedly, I hoped they had.

I walked by Brad and his friends without really looking his way, just enough to notice he still wore the evidence of the absolute beatdown he’d received—courtesy of Grey and Zack—on his face. His eyes were puffy and yellowy-blue with bruises.

I smirked to myself. Served him right.

Ben, Toby, and Jessie were off by themselves, so obviously stoned I wondered how their parents didn’t know. I giggled and waved at them as I passed. Toby gave me appraising thumbs up, and Jessie whistled loudly. I awarded them with a smile and a quick twirl on the sidewalk, which was met by a smattering of applause from their little circle. With a laugh, I curtsied low at them—as low as I could in that tight a skirt.

“Nice moves.” His voice, suddenly loud in my ear, startled me.

I pressed a hand to my chest. “Fuck, Riley.”

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