Page 7 of Life of the Party

“Oh, no. We can stay. I’d love to stay, wouldn’t you?” I smiled hopefully at my friend, tingling at the prospect. “Ry, we can talk later, can’t we? Come on, VIP!”

Riley didn’t answer. He just looked at me—his expression wary, his eyes wide, searching mine. Like he was worried. Upset about something.

Then he sighed with a shake of his head. “You know what? Forget about it.” Abruptly he stood, slapping Grey on the shoulder as he passed. “Take care of her, Grey. I’m out of here.”

“Wait, Ry!” I called in disbelief. “Don’t go. Stay and hang out. Ry? Riley!”

He was already gone, deaf to my protests, swallowed up by the crowd.

“Something’s up with him. This isn’t like him at all.” I turned to Grey, confused. “Do you know what it is?”

“Nah.” Grey shook his head nonchalantly, peeling the label off his beer bottle. “He looked kinda twitchy. Maybe a bad trip.”

“Do you think he’ll be okay? Should I go with him?”

Grey shrugged noncommittally.

I frowned in doubt as Toby tapped me on the shoulder.

“Mac, I guess we’re heading out. Coming?” He asked.

I was torn. I desperately wanted to go to the VIP with Grey—even though I wasn’t really invited or sure he wanted me there—and Riley was acting so weird, almost like he was angry with me. Maybe it was just the mushrooms. Or the other drugs.

I bit my lip indecisively.

Grey chugged the rest of his beer and set it down like he was about to leave.

I panicked.

“If I stay, can I come with you?” I heard myself asking. Deep down, I felt foolish asking a perfect stranger (especially one as hot as Grey) to hang out with me. I felt likeI was twelve years old, and yet, I really didn’t care. Anything that bought me more time with Grey was worth it.

“Suit yourself,” was his reply.

“Okay, Toby, I’m going to stay.” I decided excitedly. I stood up and gathered my things. “Have fun, okay? I’ll call you.”

“Are…are you sure, Mac?” Toby eyed Grey, doubtfully.

“Yes. Will you keep an eye on Riley for me, though?”

“Sure thing, but—”

“‘Kay, bye Toby! I have my cell!” I waved and turned hastily to follow Grey, whose muscular form was already heading towards the back of the club. I didn’t want him to see me running after him, so I tried ever so casually to make up the distance between us while seeming as aloof as he did. Finally, I found myself right behind him, pressed against him at times when the crowd surged. At one point, when I fell behind, he noticed and grabbed my hand so we wouldn’t be separated. I nearly swooned at the strength of his hand, possibly one of the most thrilling moments of my life.

The VIP room was just an extension of the club; it had the same fabric walls and faded carpet, but the lights were even dimmer and for the moment, there was space to move around. When we entered, Grey was greeted with cheers and handshakes and shouting, and someone handed us each a beer. Briefly, I remembered Riley’s warning not to drink, even as I popped the cap off and took a swig.

I’m not sure when it happened (maybe when I was fumbling with my beer bottle), but when I looked up again, Grey had disappeared. Nervously, I searched for him through the crowd, feeling awkward and out of place, invisible, ignored by his friends. Cheeks flushing in embarrassment, I lit a cigarette, fully prepared to go and find Riley once it was finished.

But my resolve was like my cigarette (up in smoke) when Grey was suddenly present again, mixing with the others in the main part of the room. He looked happier now, more at ease, almost jovial at times. I watched him laughing, joking with his friends—a completely different Grey from the one I’d met earlier, popular and lively instead of brooding and dispassionate.

I think by that point my eyes were in the shape of hearts, like when cartoons fall in love. I stood alone in the back, trying to look as pretty as possible, willing in my heart for him to notice me but too intimidated by his crowd to do anything else about it.

Gathering my courage, I made my way past him to a stool at the VIP bar.

“Two shots of Crown,” I ordered, completely disregarding Riley’s warning now. I was too nervous and uncomfortable not to drink, which was completely his fault. If Riley hadn’t effed off for no good reason, I would’ve had someone to talk to instead of sitting there alone, like a total tool.

I paid the lady and flipped back my first shot expertly.

A sudden hand grabbed my other shot before I had the chance.

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