Page 1 of Valentine's Daddy To Go
1
Nellie
Amy convinced me to come to this block party. At first, I was a little hesitant because of who I am as a person. Parties just aren’t my thing, not really. I don’t think I’ve been to one in at least a year. Plus, I always end up being the awkward girl in the corner, looking like a total loner weirdo.
Amy is more of a party personality. She flits from person to person regaling them with her wit and beauty. Plus, people just naturally pay her more attention. Her long blonde hair, blue eyes and killer body attract eyes, both maleandfemale. I mean, she’s gorgeous. Sometimes,I’lleven catch myself staring at her.
Not that I mind. I prefer the eyes to be on Amy as opposed to me because I’ve never been one for attention. I absolutely hate it when people look at me and start asking questions. I get all flustered, and then the word vomit comes. Just pure nonsense spews out of my mouth.
I guess asking and answering questions is regular socializing, but I’m bad at it either way.
But even with my social anxiety, I came to this block party. Amy really hyped it up, telling me it was going to be so much fun, and how I just couldn’t miss out. Plus, I really love hanging out with her. I knew she’d be upset if I chose to stay in for the night, and whenever we’re together, I end up having all kinds of fun anyways. So there wasn’t too much of a downside.
Amy even got me to dress a little more flirtatiously than usual. My skirt is a mini, and my top is a halter, so there is a whole lot of exposed skin. I don’t think I’ve ever been outside in less, not even at the beach. Most of the girls here are dressed in even less, to be honest, but they all look amazing. It just feels so weird being so racy myself, but Amy is that good at getting me to do things.
“Are you having fun?” she asks. My best friend pops back up from her little drink excursion with two cups in her hand. She gives me one, taking a quick sip from her own.
“Yeah, of course,” I answer, hiding my white lie with a drink from my red Solo cup. I’m not having theworsttime, I’m just a little bit intimidated because of my wallflower tendencies.
When the amber liquid touches my tongue, I make a face because it’s cheap beer. I’m not much of a drinker to begin with, but I can tell this is something that probably cost less than five dollars for a six pack. And, when Idochoose to indulge in the devil’s juice, it’s usually a crisp glass of white wine.
I guess that’s a little too fancy for a block party.
“Oh no, you don’t like it,” Amy deflates at the sight of my displeased expression.
“No, no, I just wasn’t expecting beer. I like the drink. I really do. Thank you for getting it for me. I really appreciate it.”
I don’t want her to think that I’m miserable because I’m not. It’s just that I’m more of a homebody, so things like this always make me a little uncomfortable. I’m sure once I get a few drinks in me, I’ll become the social butterfly I need to be in order to enjoy myself.
“Has anyone caught your eye?” my friend asks. Amy is scanning the crowd, checking out all the potential hookups. She’s so much more charming than I am. She goes out and can have any man she wants. It’s her magic way. By contrast, it’s always felt awkward for me to go out and approach guys.
But maybe tonight can be different. The problem is that no one has caught my attention. Most of the men here tonight look pretty average, so I’m just not interested in any of them.
I shrug.
“Not really. I’m feeling kind of blah,” I say by way of excuse.
I don’t even really mind going home alone tonight. I could curl up on my sofa, and put on a romance. I’ve been meaning to re-watchPride & Prejudicefor a long while now. I think I have one more bag of microwave popcorn somewhere in my pantry, and Mr. Darcy plus buttery popcorn would hit the spot just right.
“Oooh, look!” Amy hits my shoulder with the back of her hand, her eyes intently focused on two hot guys not too far away. They’re clearly here together, talking to one another. Maybe they don’t even want to be bothered. There are a few girls hanging around them, tossing eyes in that general direction, but they’ve been ignoring everyone up to now.
“They’re cute, but I don’t know,” I hesitate. I want to keep Amy from dragging the two of us over there. I hate the idea of being rejected or worse, ignored.
I’m about to tell Amy to not even bother with going over there, but I take too long. Soon, we’re already halfway to these men, her grip tight on my arm.
By the time I’ve come to my senses, we are face to face with Hot Guy Number One and Hot Guy Number Two. I feel so unprepared for what is about to happen that I clam up. I don’t even know what I’d say if I wanted to talk.
“Hi!” Amy chirps brightly.
The men turn to look at us.
“Hey,” one of them says in a cool tone. His friend has moved off to the side, and the two of us watch the flirting commence.
Amy is all smiles, putting on her best sexy girl routine.
“Are you guys from around here?” Amy twirls a piece of her bright blonde her around her finger.
“Yeah, Nash and I both liveandwork around the neighborhood,” Hot Guy Number one answers. I look back at his friend whom I can’t see that clearly. It’s twilight, and he’s half-hidden in the shadows. I can make out a huge frame with broad shoulders, and a tight black t-shirt that skims a muscular chest. I know those eyes are a piercing blue because I can feel their heat on me, even if I can’t see them myself.
