Page 63 of Play It Off

I end up outside and search for Everleigh, or Gavin. Preferably Everleigh first, because I need her to talk me down off the anxiety-ridden ledge I suddenly find myself on. Why am I so nervous to stumble across Gavin again?

The memory hits me out of nowhere. We were at a party last year, and I got really drunk. It was at Coop and Nico’s apartment, and I was going to crash out in my brother’s room because my head was spinning so bad, and when I opened his bedroom door, I got the shock of my life.

Gavin and some random woman going at it on Coop’s bed. Just like he went at it with me on my bed. I ducked out of there quick, before either of them could see me, and I darted into the bathroom, where I proceeded to barf in the sink.

Not my best moment. I refuse to get that trashed tonight. I want to get a little drunky but not too drunky ...

I don’t spot Gavin anywhere, and it looks like I can’t find Ever, either, which is bringing down my good time. The crowd around the outdoor firepit is growing, and I check everyone standing there before I decide to give up and head back into the house.

The moment I do, I spot my brother sitting at the kitchen table, where the makeshift bar is set up, Everleigh standing right next to him. They’re in deep conversation, Everleigh sipping from her cup every few seconds, and I make my way over to them and tap Ever on the shoulder.

She whirls around, a big smile on her face. “What’s up, homie?”

I wrap her up in a bone-crushing hug, relieved to find her. “Someone’s feeling herself.”

“At least someone is feeling me, even if it’s only you.” Ever pulls away from me, finishing her drink in one long swallow before she smacks her lips together. “Another round, bartender!” while shoving her cup into Coop’s broad chest.

I share a concerned look with my brother. The girl is drunker than I thought, and the night is still young.

“There you are,” Coop says to me as he takes Ever’s drink and sets it on the table. “I haven’t seen you all night.”

“There’s a reason for that.” I tuck the front of my jacket together, hiding the dress from his judgmental gaze. “Are you corrupting my friend with copious amounts of alcohol?”

“She’s the one who asked for a double.” He prepares another drink for Ever, who is jumping up and down as she waits. “And that’s my roommate you’re referring to.”

“Whatever, she likes me most.” I swing my arm around her shoulders and press my cheek to hers. “Right, snookums?”

“You know it, babycakes.” Ever kisses my cheek, making me laugh, though it dies when I hear a few random dudes start chanting “Kiss her! Kiss her!”

Jeez. A little sign of affection between women and men have to make it sexual.

“Do not kiss her,” Coop says with a grimace as he hands Ever a fresh drink.

“I would never,” Ever says, wincing after she takes a sip. I bet Coop loaded that drink with alcohol. “I’m not here to put on a show for the guys.”

“I want what she’s having,” I tell him, and he immediately starts making me a drink.

“Coming right up.”

“And besides, we would never do that,” I remind Coop, rolling my eyes. “We don’t need to egg them on.”

“Good, because they’re all assholes.” He glares at the group of chanters, silencing them with a firm look. Typical Coop. “There. They’ll leave you alone. Now go about your business.”

He hands me my drink, Ever and I look at each other, and then we’re out of there, ready to check out the crowd. She tells me how she went outside and talked to some random drunk girl who wanted to trade places with her, and then gripes about how Nico is surrounded by women and he won’t even look in her direction.

“Did you happen to see Gavin?” I ask, my voice as innocent as I can make it, but from the look she’s giving me, I know she’s not falling for it.

“No. I didn’t see him, and Sienna?”

“Yes?” I ask, scared to hear what she’s going to say.

“Forget that guy.” She taps her chest with her fingers. “Just like I need to forget my guy.”

Hmm. Love how she referred to Nico as hers. I can tell she’s trying to convince herself. She’s just as gone over him as I am over Gavin.Actually, I’m probably worse since I had sex with him. Multiple times. And I’d like to do it again. Multiple times.

But I go along with Everleigh’s idea. Pretty sure she’s looking for support.

“Deal.” I hook my arm through hers and steer her through the throng of people, stopping to talk to the ones I know, which are quite a few. I introduce Ever to everyone, and she chats them up, the friendliest I’ve ever seen her. I’m sure the alcohol has something to do with that.

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