Page 42 of I Blame the Club

Not that her sleeping arrangements are the biggest concern right now.

Pulling up my dance party playlist, I hit play and start pulling random items out of the boxes.

“Seriously though, you need to tell Wes the shower karaoke has to stop. I haven’t been able to nap since we moved back in.”

Lacey giggles and starts to sway to the music, her willowy body becoming more relaxed with each Latin beat.

“I’ll remember that the next time we get into an argument.”

I grin, taking her hand and twirling her around the room until more laughter eases the ache in my chest.

“I’m always happy to provide blackmail material.”

We keep dancing until the song fades into the next one. Lacey sighs, slowing to a stop and tucking her head under my chin.

“She hates me, Nico.”

I wince, “Hate is a strong word. Dislike might be more fitting.”

“Trip always talks about how amazing her roommate Stella is. How am I supposed to have a good university experience if I’m trying to hide from my roommate the whole time?”

She blinks up at me, those beautiful green eyes identical to those of her brother.

“You’ve only had one interaction. There’s lots of time for roommate bonding.” I flinch when a bang hits the wall separating the two dorm rooms.

“TURN DOWN THE MUSIC OR I’M CALLING HOUSING SERVICES!”

Lacey looks at me in panic and I give her a weak smile, “Roommates are overrated. Ditch this depressing dorm and move in with Wes and me.”

“I’M CALLING THEM RIGHT NOW!”

Marching over to the adjoining wall, I bang my fists as hard as I can.

“This is Enrique, you tasteless snob!”

Silence ensues and I hear Lacey stifle a laugh behind me. Giving her a victorious grin, I pump my fist just as the door swings open.

Oh shit.

Green hair and piercings occupy the doorway of Lacey’s new bedroom and it takes all my willpower not to throw myself out the window. The girl’s leather jacket screamsfight meand the amount of eyeliner she’s got smudged under her eyes probably costs more than my monthly food budget.

“What did you say to me?”

Narrowing her eyes, Lacey’s new roommate looks like she’s about two seconds away from pummelling me. And if her septum ring is anything to go by, this freshman has a much higher pain tolerance than I’ve ever had.

“Babe, you were disrespecting Enrique Iglesias.”

“Who?” Cecelia’s brows furrow as if she thinks I’m still the problem. Just as I'm about to launch into a lecture on culture appreciation, a loud gasp echoes from the dorm’s living room.

“Have you never heard Hero before? Or Bailando?”

Cecelia frowns as Wes comes walking in, his timing as impeccable as always.

“That’s not even English.”

He grins, popping those dimples for all their worth, “That’s what we call culture. My good friend Nico here actually speaks Spanish fluently.” Wes throws me a wink, “He’d be happy to teach you. Just say the word.”

My best friend is a cruel man.

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