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“I’m a Stevens, Mags,” I plead. “If anyone here realizes that, it’s not going to make your life any easier, and I’ll probably be run out of town with pitchforks close behind.”
Maggie rolls her eyes. “Don’t be so dramatic, Maeve.” An ironic statement coming from her. “You’ve never even talked to anyone from Alleghany. And everyone’s probably drunk by now, anyway. It started two hours ago.”
“Well, that’s comforting,” I tell her. “Because drunk people never do impulsive, stupid things.” I know that better than most. “And I’ve played against their soccer team. We had to talk during that.”
There’s one other person I’ve spoken to from Alleghany, but I’ve never told anyone aboutthatencounter.
Maggie snorts. “I doubt saying ‘Good game’ a few times a year has created such a lasting impression you can’t show your face.”
“Ugh, fine,” I acquiesce.
“Plus, I doubt anyone from the girls’ soccer team will be here. Natalie said the guest list is super exclusive.”
“Well, ifNataliesaid so…”
“Maeve, I’m serious. Be nice.”
“You’re the one who’s spent the last two weeks complaining about her.”
“Because she’s made my life a living hell so far. But if I get on her good side, she also has the power to make my senior year somewhat bearable. Being on the Alleghany cheer team is my only prayer of resuscitating my currently dismal life. You, Sarah, and Brooke are the only people from Glenmont even still talking to me!”
We reach the front door. The thick wood does nothing to muffle the pounding bass reverberating inside the enormous house.
“Okay, your guilt trip worked,” I inform her. “But if anyone recognizes me, we’re leaving immediately, okay?”
“Fine,” Maggie agrees, smiling widely. “Honestly, I didn’t even think you would get out of the car.”
I groan.
We walk inside the house and veer left into the living room. It’s loud and hot and exactly like every other high school party I’ve attended. But there aren’t any glares or insults being hurled my way, so I temper my expectations. No one gives me a second glance, and I’m relieved.
One girl in a group huddled in the far corner of the expansive living room waves at Maggie, and she pulls me over to them.
I study the modern, expensively decorated room we’ve just entered as she yanks me along. The interior is just as nice as the exterior was, which is hardly a surprise. Alleghany has always been the more affluent of the two towns.
I’m distracted from studying the framed oil paintings that adorn the stretch of wall next to the fireplace when Maggie stops walking.
“Hey, girls,” she greets.
The one who waved at her smiles, but the rest merely appraise us silently.
“Maggie. You made it,” one girl finally says. Unenthusiastically.
“I did!” Maggie responds, keeping her tone upbeat. “And my cousin Mae is visiting, so I brought her along, too. I hope that’s okay.”
“The more the merrier,” the same girl replies, in a tone that suggests the opposite.
I’m tempted to roll my eyes.
“Okay, well, we’re going to grab some drinks! We’ll see you all later,” Maggie tells the group, before turning and pulling me away.
“Warm reception,” I note.
Maggie sighs. “I know.”
“Was that Natalie?”
“God, no. Natalie’s way worse. That was Madeline. Her second in command. Hopefully she’ll have found some football player to hook up with by the time we get back out there. Everyone else is way nicer when she’s not around, I promise.”
