“What part of my nerdy self says high school parties to you?” he scoffs with a smirk. “Parties have always been more of a Nolan and Donovan thing. Mostly when they went to parties, Kaleb and Connor would come over, and we’d play video games.”
Surprised, I stop and look up. “Oh,” I swallow and utter softly, “Nolan wasn’t kidding when he made a big deal out of Kaleb and Connor going, then?”
“Nope,” he declares. “I mean, this isn’t their first party or anything. They’ve been dragged out a few times, but loud music and drunk teenagers aren’t really their scene.”
Guilt worms its way into my stomach. “They’re only going because I wanted to go, aren’t they?”
He rubs the back of his neck and offers me a gentle smile. “Probably, but don’t feel bad about it. They’re big boys who can make decisions all on their own. Besides, it’ll be different because they’re with you. We’ll stick together, and it’ll be fun. If all else fails, we can hang out in the corner and make fun of Nolan and Donovan working the party.” He snaps his fingers, but there’s no sound. “I know. I can pop up behind any girl they’re hitting on and just ruin any of their attempts at game. Hard to be cool with me making funny faces and saying the dumbest things I can think of.”
I giggle. “Thanks, Casper. I feel better.”
“I aim to please,” he replies with a bow. “Now, seriously, what should I wear? Infinite possibilities here.”
“Hmmmm,” I hum, crossing my arms and doing a slow sweep of his appearance. He’s wearing jeans, vans, and a fitted, black t-shirt that saysThis is How I Rollaround an image of several different dice. Gallantly, I offer, “Wear whatever makes you happy.”
“That is… unbelievably not helpful,” he grumbles playfully. “Just for that, it’s Saturday Night Fever Travolta for you.”
There’s a small flash of light, and then Felix is wearing the most hideous, white disco suit ever and posing with one hand pointing in the air and the other off to the side in the trademark pose.
“My eyes! My eyes!” I wail, covering my face. “I take it back. I have an opinion-- it’s anything but that!”
“Anything, huh?” he taunts with another flash.
I peek through my fingers, and he’s dressed like Legolas fromLord of the Rings-- long blonde hair, pointed ears, and all.
Pulling my hands down, I smirk. “I can work with that.”
He chuckles and with another flash, he’s back to what he was wearing.
“I like what you’re wearing now,” I tell him honestly and pick up my phone from where it’s charging on the nightstand. I type inMen’s Fashioninto the search bar and flip through the images. “But if you want to dress it up, wear this over it.” I show him a picture of a black, casual jacket that has lapels.
In less than a moment, Felix is wearing the jacket from the image on the screen and has his arms splayed to the sides in awhat do you think?way.
“Looks good. Very geek chic,” I compliment. “Now, I have to finish getting ready before the guys get here.”
The doorbell rings, and I groan.
“Don’t worry about it,” he chirps. “I’ll pop down and keep them busy.” Then he Nightcrawlers away.
“Oh, that must be them,” my aunt shouts from her room. “I’ll get it.”
“Thanks!” I shout back. “I’ll be ready in just a sec.”
I quickly finish tying up my knee high boots, shuck off the robe, and throw on my black leather jacket, slipping my wallet, keys, and cell phone into the upper zipper pockets. Racing out the door, I briefly steel myself at the top of the stairs before hurrying down, and I’m at the front door only moments after Mildred opened it.
“Hello,” my aunt greets. “It’s wonderful to meet some of Callie’s new friends. She’s told me so much about you.”
“Only good things, I hope,” Kaleb’s deep baritone floats in from the threshold.
At the door, Connor stands with his hands in his pockets, dressed in his typical flannel shirt, jeans, brown boots and hooded jacket, and there’s an odd expression on his face--- a combination of perplexity and suspicion narrowing his amber eyes.What’s he smelled now? Or does he think-- crap, I hope he doesn’t think my aunt is the source of all the weird shit going on with me.I mentally sigh, knowing I’ll have to give the guys some clues to my past, if only so my aunt remains in the clear.
Kaleb stands next to him dressed in a light blue, button up shirt with a charcoal grey, V-neck sweater thrown over, dark wash jeans, and black boots. His gentle smile is in place with kindness in his eyes. He, at least, doesn’t seem to suspect my aunt of anything.
“Hey,” I chirp from beside Mildred, slightly breathless. A nervous energy buzzes through me taking hold in my hands. I stuff them into my pockets to try and hide the slight tremors. “Ready to go?”
Felix looks up at the sound of my voice from his position back and to the side of the others, his playful smirk falling to stunned. I feel even more nervous about the black lacy shirt, worried that it’s not proper party attire.
“Perhaps introductions first?” my aunt requests with a teasing smile.
