Page 165 of The Surprise Play
I have to accept and appreciate that.
And right now, it’s time to leave this safe little room and head down to the party… and do what?
Talk to a bunch of people I don’t know.
Is there dancing?
Oh shit, I hate dancing.
But it’s so sweet that Wily’s put this on for me, so Ipaste on a smile and head downstairs, looking formyman. I just want his large hand to wrap around mine. Or maybe it can tuck around my waist, and he can hold me close and get me through this thing.
I’m halfway down the stairs when people start to notice me.
“You look amazing!” a girl I don’t know calls up to me. She’s standing next to a really tall guy who’s dressed up like a cowboy and smiling at me. He raises his beer in my direction and shouts up, “Happy birthday!”
“Uh… thank you.” I smile politely at the cute couple before walking down the rest of the stairs. “Do you know where Wily is?”
“I think I saw him heading down that way,” the girl says.
“Try the kitchen.” Tyrell raises his chin at me.
I smile my thanks, wanting to tell him he looks good, all dressed up like Ray Charles, but I can’t find my voice.
This is overwhelming.
But at least the music’s good. I bob my head to Little Richard’s “Tutti Frutti” as I weave my way toward the kitchen.
I keep an eye out for Wily but can’t see him immediately and have to stop and thank people for coming when they wish me happy birthday.
Seriously. Where are they all from?
Everyone at Football Frat must have invited their friends, and the house is humming.
And they all came for me.
Well, for Wily.
But Wily did this for me, and that really is so sweet. It almost makes me want to cry, and I can’t wait to give hima solid thank-you kiss. I don’t even care who’s watching. He deserves it.
My lips twitch as I imagine myself boldly walking up to him, grabbing his face, and just going for it.
If I can find him.
Biting my bottom lip, I only just remember that I’m wearing lipstick and quickly rub my teeth, worried they’ll be turning pink… when the last sound I ever want to hear sends a scratching shiver down my spine.
“Well, if it isn’t the world’s ugliest hippo, dressed up in a poodle skirt.” Jade’s voice is low and right in my ear. “Did you honestly think a little pink was going to make you look pretty?”
I spin around, my insides sinking when I notice all three of them lined up in front of me.
They’re dressed as the Pink Ladies, and I can’tbelievethey were invited.
Shit! I should have told Wily the truth. Does he even know they’re here?
Why would he let Viper Girl in?
She’s the one who insulted me right in front of him. He was livid.
“I don’t think you three are supposed to be here,” I try, looking around, desperate for my boyfriend to appear and get me out of this.
