Page 100 of Walk With Me
Todd laughs. “Babe, maybe just take the win, yeah?”
“Are you okay with that, babe?” I ask Sloane.
Dragging a fold-up chair from behind the medical table, she sits next to me and lays her head on my shoulder. “Sure, but maybe we could drive separately from everyone else. I‘d like some alone time first.”
“Sure. I need to go home, shower and take some painkillers, anyway. Why don’t you meet me at my house and we’ll chill for a bit before driving to Bryce’s?”
“Chilling, is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Bryce quips. He’s arrived with three of his football bros.
“Don’t be gross.” I laugh.
“So you’re coming to the party, right?”
“Yeah. Thanks for throwing it. Are your parents away again?”
“Nah, but they’ll stick to the pool house.”
We chat for a little while longer, making plans for the evening. My adrenaline is wearing off, and my ankle is throbbing. With it only being a half school day, Mr Porter has no problems with my parents taking me and Sloane home.
Freshly showered and stuffed with painkillers, I’m ready to let loose. Drinking is still not my thing, but after a number of dance-offs against Jenna on her Just Dance game, I’m ready to show the world my much-improved repertoire of moves. I don’t need alcohol to do that.
Sloane arrives and immediately takes my breath away. She’s in a sleek blue dress that reaches mid-thigh. Her hair is swept over one shoulder, and she’s in heels. She looks freakin’ edible!
I’m thankful I put a bit more effort in, considering this is a proper knees up, and the last party of the semester. I put my best black jeans on, forwent a hoodie, and chose a tight red tank top. Finished off with some well-chosen jewellery. Honestly, the clothes choice was less about fashion and more about practicality. I remember how stuffy it got in the house with all those bodies crammed in.
Still, I look good, and the way Sloane’s eyes are roaming over me, I think she approves.
I opted to wear my trusty Docs. They’re super comfy, and it’s easy to loosen the right one to ease the pressure on my ankle. I’ll hop on the dance floor if I have to!
We call a quick “see ya later” to my folks and head out. The gang is waiting by Becca’s car as we pull into Bryce’s driveway. Everyone seems to have made more of an effort. You’d think we’d save it for a massive rager at the end of semester, but we agreed tonight was the better celebration. Plus, Bryce is buggering off to Europe for Spring Break. He’s assured us we will have plenty of fun over the summer.
The house is just as full as it was the last time I was here. The music is thumping and bodies are already jammed together on the makeshift dance floor. Like the first time, I’m pulled around the dancing and into the kitchen where Becca and Pia begin handing out drinks. For once, P doesn’t try to give me alcohol. I get a fresh Sprite, which I appreciate. Sloane also takes a soft drink. She gives me a wink and a peck on the cheek when I throw her a questioning eyebrow.
When our friends are suitably boozed up, we head for the dance floor. My ankle twinges a tad, but nothing I can’t handle. I want Sloane in my arms as we grind. I’ve never done that before, and as I’ve said, this year is a time of firsts.
Countless songs later, and I’m a sweaty mess. To be fair, so is everyone else, and Sloane doesn’t seem to care.She’s plastered to my body like velcro as she twists her delicious arse into my groin.
There’s a rumble of discord by the main entrance. People are stopping dancing to have a gander. There are some raised voices, and I immediately recognise one as Pia.
“Fuck, that’s P,” I shout to Sloane, who is already pushing us through the crowd.
Stumbling through the last line of people, we come face to face with a very angry Pia and a furious looking Kiera.
Oh, shit.
Pia is blocking the door, hands on hips. Kiera is on the porch, hands balled into fists at her side as she sneers at my best friend.
Rushing forward, I reach Pia. “P, what are you doing?” I ask quietly.
She bares her teeth at Kiera before looking my way. Her eyes are slightly glassy, so this bravado is all beer-induced. “She’s not welcome!”
“Pia, this isn’t your party. If Bryce invited her—”
“I didn’t,” Bryce says from behind. I feel his body step close. He’s not looking at me, but Kiera. “You know you’re usually welcome, Kiera, but after what you pulled today…nah. Invitation is rescinded.”
Oh, Jesus Christ.
Stepping forward, I position myself between Kiera and the crowd. Kiera looks at me with suspicion, but whatever. Tonight isn’t about to go down the crapper because of this juvenile shit.
