Page 11 of Beg for It
Speaking of…
My eyes flit over the rest of the booth, clocking the other four individuals seated. From best to worst, there is Tess Li, former band captain and D’Andre’s long-term girlfriend. David Hall, former student council president and valedictorian. Brett Fordham, ex-football captain and Michelle’s on-again,off-again boyfriend since middle school. And finally, Riley Manning, ex-lacrosse captain and my ex-boyfriend. It seems the only person missing is Lisa Quinn, Michelle’s other half.
D’Andre lowers me back to the ground and slips into the booth, scooching over to pat the leather beside him.
“Take a seat.”
I squeeze onto the squeaky leather, grateful to not be forced into sitting beside Riley. I go to slide the vodka soda back to Michelle, but she just shakes her head and pushes it back my way.
“You have it, babe. I’m already a few deep.”
It isn’t my drink of choice, but I am going to need something with Riley around. I take a deep gulp, not bothering to hide my expression. Everyone here knows I’m not the biggest drinker, especially hard stuff like this.
“Blair, surprised to see you out for Halloween.” Brett lifts his chin in my direction. He hasn’t changed much either; still has that All-American classic jock look. I think he is gunning forhead of his fraternity, if memory serves me right from the last time Michelle and I chatted.
I throw my thumb behind me, gesturing to the other booth. “Josh snuck us out.”
“Your parents are unreal. Can’t believe you still have to sneak out all these years later.”
Riley lets out a judgmental scoff. “If they’re still this bad now, you can imagine what it was like trying to sneak into her place when we were dating.”
The table laughs, and I force myself to join in.
The last thing I want is to get onto the topic of Riley and me. I still receive the offhand drunk text from him asking for us to get back together. I need to switch the focus for I get sucked back in.
“David, I didn’t think you’d be in town.” I smile at him, directing everyone to follow suit with their gaze.
David is the only one of us who went to college out of state, and I’ve never been that close to him. His friendship has primarily been with the guys, and I’d turned a blind eye to most of the questionable stuff they got up to in high school. David was always smart about covering up their corrupt deeds, and I’d figured the less I knew, the less crap I’d feel about never doing anything to stop them.
“All my exams were last week, so I thought I’d make the drive for Trent’s party since Michelle said he was hosting it at the old barn house with the corn maze.”
“The old barn house?”
That is different.
Trent has been hosting the most outlandish Halloween parties since we were in high school. His family owns half the town, so he always gets away with whatever he does. Normally, he throws the Halloween party at his parents’ place on the hill, not that I’ve ever been able to go, but I’ve heard the stories and seen the pictures. Trent’s parties are legendary.
“Oh my God, yes!” Michelle slaps her hand on the table, causing the drinks to shake with her sudden movement.
I pick mine up to save it from spillage and take another healthy sip.
Michelle’s grin is full of unbridled excitement. “You have to come tomorrow night, girl. Trent is going all out since Rachel broke up with him. It’s going to be a total rager. Please!”
“It was hard enough for Josh to get me out tonight. You know my mom is going to have her hawk eyes on me tomorrow. There’s no way I can swing it.”
She pouts with dramatic puppy dog eyes, whining, “But Blaiiiiir.”
“Miiiiich,” I echo back.
I want to go.God, I want to go. A party at the old barn house? That would make up for all the years I had to skip. I just can’t see a way to make it work. Not unless I actually go through with the whole fainting idea—and I don’t have the balls for that.
Ugh. Sometimes, I hate how passive I can be.
“You’ve got to be fucking with me.” Brett’s gaze turns to black holes, and a sneer mars his lips.
My stomach bottoms out, old memories poking at the base of my skull with the sudden change in his demeanor. The sourness only intensifies when Riley lets out a disgruntled groan to match, his biceps flexing and eyes narrowing.
“What, babe?” Michelle places a hand on Brett’s forearm.
