Page 97 of Lyrical

“No, thanks. You can have all three. I’m not doing any.”

She laughed. “Of course you are. For Perry. They’re more like Kool-Aid, anyway. You could probably drink a whole gallon and not feel it.”

“I don’t like Kool-Aid.”

She giggled. “You’re so silly, Jillian. Just try one. What do you think, girls?”

Cassie was waving her arms around like she was trying to rile up the crowd to cheer.Jesus, chill out. “Fine. I’ll doone.”

I chose my own from the tray; I didn’t trust her handing me one for fear it was spiked. I took a tiny sip first, expecting to cringe, but it didn’t taste half bad. Not nearly as sweet as it looked. I doubted Perry would’ve even liked it.

“What is this?” I asked.

“A drunken flamingo.”

Click.“You don’t need to take any pictures, Cassie. Plenty are already doing that.”Click.

“I just want to make sure Perry has enough memories, especially when she can’t be here.”

Click, click.All of us took the shot, except for Sam and one other girl. The remaining three sat on the table, waiting for someone to claim them.

“What’s in it?” I thought I tasted tequila.

“I can’t remember exactly. I’ll ask again next time.”

The servers began to pass out dessert, so we all took our seats again. I missed having Perry next to me. It had taken a whole two seconds before Cassie was weaseling into her spot.

“You don’t mind, do you, Jillian? I’ll move if Perry comes back.”

“Whenshe comes back,” I said.

“Of course.” She picked up a fork and began digging into her strawberry shortcake. “This has been so much fun. Oooh, who do you think is the killer?”

“I haven’t decided yet.”

“I’m guessing that pregnant lady. She looks so close to labor I bet she’s psychotic already.” She started giggling so hard I thought I’d have to slap her on the back.Enough with the freaking giggling already.

“I’d like to ask you something, Cassie.”

She turned to face me, looking like I just found her cat. If she had one. “OMG, Jillian. Yes! I want us to talk, to bond, to be friends. We share something very special, you know.”

Her smile was cracking her face open, and I dug my nails into my palms. We didn’t share shit, and I wasn’t asking her to be my BFF forlike, oh my Godall eternity. I just wanted to ask her a damn question.

“This,” I said. “This is exactly what I mean. I’d like to know why you’re acting this way. You’re not an airhead, Cassie. Why do you act so bubbly and flighty, especially around Daniel?”

She whacked my hand. “Aww, was that a compliment from you, Jillian? See, we’re already becoming fast friends.” She tapped her finger on her cheek. “Um, okay, my turn. I think your hair is really pretty. Very shiny.”

Fuck. “Just forget I said anything.”

She opened her mouth but the host took over the room, her voice echoing through the microphone. “Thank you all for coming tonight. We hope you had akillertime.” She waited for the chuckles and groans before continuing. “Don’t forget to fill out your sheets with your top suspect before the detectives make an arrest.”

When there was a break for her to speak, Cassie leaned over. “You’re right, Jillian. I have been acting a little stupid. Can I explain why?”

My eyes widened. Really? She was admitting it?

“What’s going on after this?” she asked.

“That depends on Perry.” Sam had told me she’d planned to take everyone back up to her room for games, but obviously that wouldn’t happen if Perry wasn’t feeling well.

---