Page 98 of Grounded
"Bilson with a B, yep," Amelia interrupts, almost territorial.
"Wow, you look amazing," Kendra tells me.
"Thanks." I'm not trying to be a douchebag, but I guarantee I'm going to be hearing that a lot tonight.
"Here's your nametag." She hands it over, and I see my name typed on a white sticker label. "I'll handwrite one for your date. This way you can differentiate who is from our graduating class and who is a guest. Name please?"
"Amelia. A-M-E-L-I-A," she tells Kendra.
"Thank you. Here are two drink tickets each and a handout in case you want to reconnect with anyone. It has their email or phone number, whichever they offered. Also includes some history of what our class has been up to since. You didn't share anything on the Facebook page."
"I like to remain a mystery."
"Oooooh!" Kendra's giggle reminds me of her nerdy days, a fellow loner. "Have fun!"
"She's staring at your ass," Amelia mumbles into my ear, looking behind us as we walk in. "She's not even being subtle about it."
"Don't be jealous, there’s plenty there for everyone."
"Shut up."
Therearedozensoftables atop the expansive roof, but no assigned seating. High top tables are also scattered throughout the event so you're not obligated to sit down with potential strangers you don't even remember graduating with.
I don't know a single soul here, but I know how to mingle and do small talk. I'm the queen of small talk. But I have a feeling no one will be interested in a word I say. They'll be hanging on every vowel Theo cares to share with them.
I'm not as nervous as I expected. My arm is linked with Theo's, and it feels natural. Despite his bulky, muscular build, he's comfortable, warm, and has a sense of familiarity.
"Okay, where do we go first?" I ask him.
"The bar. Let's get a drink."
We hand over two of our four drink tickets. If we want to purchase our own after we've maxed out, we're welcome to do so. And I can guarantee I will be doing so.
If I have to pretend to be Theo's girlfriend, I'm going to need some liquid courage to get through this night. My catastrophic date last night has me on edge.
I can already see the vultures circling, nosiness taking over as they try to solve the mystery of who they graduated with, me or Theo.
We settle on champagne, and he clinks his glass with mine.
"To love," Theo says with a leer.
"Stop it." I nearly snort at his humor but clink it anyway.
We take a long sip, and before the bubbles have even cleared in my throat, a man approaches us.
He looks at Theo's nametag and says, "Theo? Holy shit, man, it's so good to see you."
This burly, bearded frat boy even opens Theo's jacket and peers inside like he's looking for something.
"Where is the rest of you? Duuuuude!"
His name tag reads Jeff. He looks like he never stopped partying.
"Hey, Jeff. How have you been?" Theo asks.
I feel weird standing in this awkward reunion triangle. I give them their moment to catch up as I catch up with my drink.
"Living the dream, my man!" Jeff shouts without giving any specifics.
