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I laughed.

He ignored me and waded through the partygoers who were milling around in the hall. He went out the front door, through the small throng of teenagers who were smoking and vaping in the front garden. I shouted my goodbyes as I went. Several people laughed and shouted and waved me on my way.

It was deliciously cool outside. The air caressed me everywhere. Once we were in the road, Dylan set me on the ground.

“Can you walk?” His voice was terse.

“I’d rather dance,” I said, my voice hoarse. “Dance with you.” I leaned in to him.

He stepped back. “You are so high, Emily,” he said through gritted teeth as he ran his hand through his hair. He took my hand and dragged me down the street.

I followed him. He was adorable and dreamy. I would follow him anywhere.

“Lulu is worried about the crazy ladies.” My croaky voice made me giggle.

“What?” he snapped, exasperated, turning abruptly.

“She thinks the crazy ladies are going to get you.”

“There’s only one crazy lady I know, and she’s standing here in front of me. Do I have to carry you home?”

I laughed. “You’re funny.”

“Why, Emily? Why did you take whatever you’ve taken?” He was bewildered. Bewildered and beautiful.

I had to share my revelation with him. “I have nothing to lose.” I waved my hands above my head and spun around. “I’ve already lost it all. I have nothing. Nothing. I am free on the wave.”

“For the love of God, Emily.” He reached for me again, and I was once more over his shoulder.

He stormed home. I giggled and bounced around on his shoulder so that I had to anchor myself to him by grabbing his hips.

Once at home, he set me down in the hall. Lulu stood at the top of the stairs in her beautiful nightdress.

“Hi, Lulu.” I waved.

“Good God, Dyl, is she drunk? Something happened to her voice,” she said, alarmed.

“Out of her tree. I’d guess MDMA cut with fuck-knows-what! She’s just hoarse from shouting. The music was loud. I’m surprised the neighbors didn’t complain.” He grasped my hand and led me into the kitchen.

“It’s so quiet here. The music’s gone. It’s always quiet here.”

“Sit,” he commanded, and I sat down on one of the dining chairs. He knelt down in front of me and undid my shoes. “Shit! Look at your feet.”

I leaned forward and ran my fingers through his hair. “I like it spiky.”

He rocked back on his heels, out of reach.

“Stop that!” he snapped, his eyes blazing with anger.

“What is it?” Lulu asked as she came into the kitchen.

“She’s really out of it. I don’t think I’ve seen anyone this bad for a long time. She’s not coming down anytime soon. Lu, go to bed. Please. I’ll deal with this. You have to go to work in the morning.”

I grinned. “I am so much trouble.”

“Yes, you are,” Dylan hissed.

“Finally, the truth!” I held my hands up in triumph. “I am too much trouble.”