Page 79 of Life of the Party

“I’m actually not going to school this year,” I informed her.

“Are you kidding? That would cut into her constant drinking and partying, wouldn’t it?” Marcy raised an eyebrow at me, her arms crossed. “It’s so cool to get wasted all the time, Whit. Didn’t you know that?”

I looked at my sister in the mirror. She was obviously pissed at me—her dark eyes were flashing and she wore the same look my mother had all day, her face frowning with impatience and irritation.

I shrugged at her. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Right, sure.” Marcy leaned back in her chair, glaring at me. It was silent for a moment, awkwardly so. Whitney and Marie looked at each other uncomfortably, like they didn’t quite know what to do. I could practically feel their heated stares boring into me, but I ignored them, staring at myself in the mirror like I was completely oblivious.

My dress didn’t fit right anymore. I’d lost a size or two over the last few months. The dressmaker pinned the fabric tight to my skin, and I was amazed by how much extra material there was. I hadn’t realized I was losing weight. Really, though, my diet was nothing but a hearty serving of drugs and alcohol, so I guess it made sense. I liked my new size, though. Now, I had really lost whatever might have been left of my baby fat.

I looked up at my face. My cheekbones were more pronounced too—attractively so, my cheeks sunk in slightly from the lost weight.

It was like I was seeing myself for the first time, through someone else’s eyes or something. I saw long slim legs, a firm butt and tiny waist, flat abs, a long sleek torso, high perky breasts, and nicely toned arms. I gazed at myself with wonder. Maybe it was just the cocaine, but I felt beautiful. I looked beautiful. A surge of newfound confidence suddenly boosted my thoughts. I was beautiful. There was no way Grey couldn’t want me. All I needed was a little self-confidence.

Now, even more so, I couldn’t wait to get home.

“How long do you think this will take?” I blurted foolishly, completely forgetting the plentiful resentment filling the room, emanating towards me from four pairs of narrowed, watchful eyes.

Marcy stood from her chair. “Oh, I’m sorry, Mackenzie,” she spat, “am I cutting into your precious time? How thoughtless of me. I thought maybe you could take a few minutes from yourself and focus onmywedding.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Apparently that’s impossible. Don’t worry, though, we’ll have you home in plenty of time so you can go anddrink yourself stupid!”

She yelled the last part at me—which was very un-Marcy-like—and then stormed off down the hallway. I watched her go in the mirror, watched Whitney and Marie glare at me, huffing as they hurried after her.

I turned and stared after them, wide-eyed with surprise.

“What the hell istheirproblem?” I wondered. I couldn’t think of anything I’d done to deserve all this anger. I hadn’t made us late for the appointment even though I’d only gotten like, three hours of sleep. And yes, maybe I was a little tired—and yes, maybe a little hungover—but really, weren’t they totally overreacting?

“Youare their problem.” Mom declared, her expression scorching with disappointment. “Dammit, Mackenzie, you can’t even sober up to be here for your sister. It’s her wedding, for God’s sake!”

“I’m right here, Mom.” My voice rose defensively as I turned to glare back at her. The dressmaker gave up all pretence of work and just sat back on her heels, listening to us, enjoying the drama as it ensued. I gave her a look.

“I know you’re here, but you’re nothere.” Mom scoffed. “I bet you’re still drunk from last night.”

“No, I’m not. Mom, come on. You were young once; I’m sure you did a little partying. Why is everyone making such a big deal out of this?”

“Partying on the weekends is one thing, but today is a Wednesday, and you knew we had this appointment.” Mom sighed, closing her eyes and rubbing her forehead with her hand. “Mackenzie.” She shook her head. “Maybe you should go…sit in the car.”

I blinked at her a moment, incredulous. “Why the hell should I do that?”

“Because.” Mom was exasperated, her brown curls bouncing as she spoke. “You are doing your damndest to ruin this day for your sister.”

“No, I’m not—”

“Mackenzie! Just go!” She demanded. “I don’t want you near me right now.”

Her words shocked me. I stared at her defiantly, but there was no apology in sight. “Fine.” I turned back to the mirror, my fists clenching angrily. I glowered down at the dressmaker. “Can you get this off of me now?”

“Off?” She looked up in confusion.

“Yes, off, off!” I pulled at the dress in frustration, pins popping off everywhere. She put up her hands to help me but I pushed them away, stalking past her off the stage and back into the dressing room, slamming the door shut behind me. I sat down on the little bench inside and leaned my head back against the wall.

My veins were thrumming, my blood pounding with coke-rage.

“I’m sorry.” I could hear Mom apologizing to the dressmaker. “I’m so embarrassed.”

I rested my head in my hands and took a deep breath in, trying to calm myself.Shewas embarrassed? They were the ones that totally ganged up on me, like I was a total loser or something. I felt like crying; I just couldn’t understand why everyone was being so mean. I hadn’t done anything wrong. So I partied a little bit, so what? I wasn’t hurting anybody. What was the matter with a little harmless fun?

It was none of their business anyway, I decided. They could screw themselves.

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