Page 6 of I Blame the Alcohol

Resisting the urge to flip off the cartoon tiger providing the animated message, I grab the items littering my desk and head out. I give Grey T-Shirt a supportive pat as I pass him by, and he acknowledges it with a defeated sigh.

Exam season gets to the best of us.

“How did it go?” Lou, who was waiting for me just outside the testing centre, shakes her wavy golden-brown hair out of her eyes as we start the walk back to our dorm.

I sigh, “It’s probably better if we don’t talk about it. That may have ruined my chances of making the Dean’s List this semester.” And if that’s the case, father is not going to be pleased.

Why couldn’t my older brother have been Taber’s all-star lacrosse forward but a terrible student? Or even an average student? Did he really need a degree that said distinguished on it?

If it was easy, everyone would do it.

“I’m sure you did better than you think.” Lou’s voice flows over the one in my head, yanking me out of my spiralling thoughts.

“You’re right, hon. Best to stay positive.” I give her a big smile, hoping it will hide my grimace. The returning nose wrinkle tells me I didn’t succeed.

“Good thing I have something that will cheer you up then.” Lou’s beautiful grey eyes turn up at the corners as a genuine smile takes over her face.

Excitement flows through my veins at her words, and unable to help myself, I clap my hands together and squeal in anticipation. Nothing beats surprises.

“Well, there’s a lacrosse party happening at Mason’s tonight, and I was wondering if you would want to be my plus one?” The excitement vibrating through me slows to a dull throb.

“A lacrosse party?” Throwing my hands on my hips, I whirl around to face my roommate, “Wouldn’t that mean you are already someone else’s plus one?”

A faint blush creeps along Lou’s cheeks like it always does whenever someone mentions her boyfriend. It has managed to stay adorable since they started dating a couple of months ago, and I honestly can’t imagine a day when Lou loses her signature relationship blush. My only complaint is now I have to share this amazing girl with another human being.

“I mean, Wes technically invited me, but he was adamant that you come along.” Lou ducks her head, a telltale sign she’s worried about upsetting me.

“And why would your sex-god of a boyfriend be so insistent I come along? Lord knows you two love your alone time.” I already know the answer to my question, but sometimes it’s fun to play along.

Plus, I can never miss out on an opportunity to poke fun at Lou’s newly active sex life.

“Well, that is true…” The blush on her cheeks grows rosier as a cheeky grin splits her face. Bet you a thousand dollars she’s thinking sinful thoughts right now.

Mama has never been prouder.

“But I think Wes wanted you to come for Cody. I mean, we will be together the whole time, but by the sounds of it, I think Caveman Cody misses you.”

I snort a laugh at the nickname as well as the statement. If the captain missed me so much, then why didn’t he reach out more? Or make up an excuse to see me?

He was worried what Mo would think.

The answer comes immediately but it doesn’t reduce my annoyance one bit. Sometimes asking rhetorical questions is not the way to go. If you don’t want the answer, don’t ask the question.

Bet you can guess who taught me that motto.

“I highly doubt Caveman Cody missed my company, but if my sister wants my presence at this party, then I will gladly attend.” A shy smile tugs Lou’s lips at my use of the endearment.

“I would really love for you to come tonight, Stella. I'll even let you pick out my outfit.”

“And do your hair?”

Lou gulps audibly and I bite back a laugh. I dressed her up as an eighty’s rocker chick one time and she has never gotten over it. The matching leather pantsuits I’d picked out for us were uncomfortable, I’ll admit, but that didn’t stop us from winning the costume contest.

She puffs out a breath and nods tentatively, “And my hair.”

I let out a small shriek of excitement, “I already have so many ideas of what look I want to try on you.”

Lou tries to give me a smile but this time it’s her turn to grimace.

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