Page 130 of Sincerely, Butterfly
A slow smile curls the edges of her lips. “Now that's more like it, something I can totally get on board with.”
“Then that's what I’ll do. I just can’t eliminate anyone that’s too important.” I roll my eyes. “Dad said so. But not everyone I went to school with is connected to the Brotherhood. At least, not any of the higher-ups.”
“I meeean…” Callie’s tone turns mischievous. “The only ones who know the Butterfly Killer’s identity are you, me, and your dad. Everyone else thinks it’s some crazy man who’s killing hot, young girls.”
“They’re not all hot,” I grumble.
“What I mean,” she continues with a laugh. “Who cares who you kill if the blame is being put on the Butterfly Killer and not you?”
“I don’t know,” I reply, unsure. “I don’t want to disappoint my dad. He’s been so supportive, you know.”
“You do whatever feels right,” Callie says, getting up and grabbing my shoulders. “For now, let's go party.”
“I feel like we’re in the Halloween party scene ofMean Girls.” As we step foot inside the massive mansion, I’m starting to regret coming.
There are at least twenty times more people here than at any of the parties I’ve observed.
“What?” Callie asks, looking around. “Why?”
“Because of all the bunny costumes.” My eyes scan the room, finding at least seven. “If they’re going for Regina George, they nailed it.”
“Babe, we’re dressed in slutty costumes, too,” she points out.
“Huh?” I blink. “Point taken.”
“Ignore them. They don’t matter. I’m here for the music and free alcohol.” Something seems a little off with Callie, but I can’t put my finger on it. I did ask her about it, but she promised she’s okay. I’m not sure if I should push for an answer or not. This whole best friend thing is new to me, and I don’t want to do something wrong and possibly lose her.
The music is loud, everyone already drinking and dancing.
There are a lot of people here, but this place is so big that it doesn’t feel too crowded.
We find the drinks quickly.
“A drink for the ladies,” the guy standing behind the table of drinks offers, holding out two red glasses with a big grin on his face.
“Thanks,” Callie says, taking them from the guy.
She’s about to take a sip when the cup is snatched out of her hand.
“Hey!” Callie protests. “What the fuck!?”
We both look up at the culprit, a tall guy dressed in a Batman costume. “Don’t you know you should never take an unopened drink from someone you don’t know or trust? At a party like this, I can almost guarantee it’s laced with something.”
“Gary?” Callie growls. “You have got to be fucking kidding me? What the hell are you doing here?” she demands. “And mind your own business. I can take care of myself.”
She goes to take the cup back from him, but he holds it up higher.
“Sorry, Poppy, but there's no way in hell I’m letting my girl getroofied. I’d have to kill whoever did it, and as fun as that would be, it wasn’t on my schedule for tonight.”
“I’m not your girl.” She scowls up at him, narrowing her eyes. “And the name is Callie. Fuck off, Gary.”
I bite my lip, trying not to giggle at how adorable these two are. That man is head over heels for her, but Callie doesn’t seem to care. I’d say she’s playing hard to get, but I wouldn’t know the first thing about that. If I thought throwing myself at the guys would work, I’d have done it already.
Garrett takes the glasses and tosses them into the sink. He turns to the guy who gave Callie the cups. “Stay the fuck away from these two, understand? Even look their way, and I’ll snap your fucking neck like a twig.” His voice comes out in a low, dangerous growl, making him sound just as menacing as the character he’s dressed up as.
“Yeah, man. I don’t want any trouble.” The guy holds up his hands, fear in his eyes.
“That’s a smart man.” Garrett grins, patting him on his shoulder, his demeanor changing like a light switch being flicked off. “Now off you go. Shoo shoo.” He waves his hands, sending the guy away.
