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“Green light!” the caller yells with his back to us. I make the cardinal mistake of taking off at full speed and forgetting that I’m both wearing high heels and a bandage dress that’s so tight I can barely walk, let alone run. I make it about three steps before my heel sinks into the soft grass and I go catapulting forward just as I hear “Red light!” being yelled out. I manage to keep my feet under me, but just barely. Thank God, it would have sucked to have gotten covered in grass stains.
The shots are handed out to myself and three other players that were caught and I down it quickly, not even tasting it this time. Instead of putting my shoe back on I kick the other off to join it in a heap on the grass. This time when it’s green lightI speed walk instead of running like my life depends on it. It appears to be the right move because I don’t get caught on red light this time.
More shots are getting handed out and that’s when I notice an argument down the line from me. It looks like Tyler has taken exception to being told he was spotted moving on red. My smile turns into a frown as he continues yelling at the caller, not letting it go. What the hell? It’s just a stupid kids’ game. It’s not like there’s some prize or anything.
Looking around the backyard again I still don’t see Violet. Maybe she should get this guy out of here. Then again, if he’s being this much of an asshole, I don’t want her alone with him. I decide to abandon the game and go and find her just as Tyler seems to be getting his way, which is probably for the best. The last thing I need is for the cops to get called over some drunken fight.
I scoop up my shoes and put them back on before heading through the doors and weaving through bodies looking for my roommate. I grab a finger sandwich as I’m walking by the refreshment table and quickly gobble it down hoping to soak up some of the alcohol and that it’ll help the inevitable morning hangover.
“Bianca!” A curvy blonde bombshell barrels into me and I smile and hug her as soon as I realize it’s Hollie.
“I’m so happy you could make it,” I tell her. “But I totally would have understood if you needed to stay at home and help your mom.”
“Are you kidding? I wouldn’t miss your birthday for the world. Besides, there was really nothing else to do there. Mom’s on her way to the rehab facility and we packed up Paige’s things pretty quickly.
My face crumbles and Hollie looks at me in concern. “What’s wrong?”
“This means you’re going to be moving out, doesn’t it?” I ask.
“Yeah, hun, it does. There’s no room for Paige at our place and Archer offered so—”
“Oh, so you get a billionaire boyfriend and all of a sudden our little house isn’t good enough for you?” Hollie looks momentarily stunned, like she doesn’t know what to say. I can’t keep a straight face any longer and burst out laughing. “Come on, you know I’m joking.” I pull her into a hug and say softly, “I’m really happy for you Hollie, you know that, right?”
She pulls away and looks at me with misty eyes. “Thanks B, you don’t know how much that means to me.”
“You deserve to be happy.”
“You know you deserve that too, right?”
“What are you talking about? I’m happy. Look at these people who are here to celebrate with me.” Using the glass of pink liquid in my hand I gesture around the room and a little sloshes out onto my hand.
“I can see that,” Hollie says, giving me a tiny smile. I’m not stupid, I know what she’s talking about. She wants me to find someone that makes me happy. She just doesn’t understand. Even though Hollie and Violet have seen the scars, it would be impossible for them not to when we’ve lived together as long as the three of us have, I’ve never told them what it really meant. I didn’t need their looks of pity. I had gotten my fill of those from the doctors and nurses. Hell, I could even see it in my parents’ eyes occasionally.
Wanting to change the subject I quickly ask, “Have you seen Vi anywhere?”
Hollie averts her eyes from mine and glances around the room quickly which seems pretty sus, but then again, I’ve definitely moved over the line from tipsy to drunk.
“I saw her a little while ago, she must be around here somewhere,” she says.
“Well, I saw her date in the backyard and he was acting like a total douche.”
“Really? What was he doing?” She looks concerned and I’m right there with her.
“He was yelling because he lost at red light/green light. And not just yelling, like he wasmad. His face was turning scarlet.”
“Do you think he was just drunk?” She’s chewing on her lip in concern.
“I mean, I’m sure he’s drunk, aren’t we all? But if he’s going to act like that at a party with Violet’s friends, who he’s never even met before…” I trail off, knowing that Hollie will get what I’m saying.
“Yeah, if this is his best behavior, what’s he like when he’s comfortable and gets upset.”
“Exactly,” I toss back another mouthful of my drink. When Violet first told us about Tyler, we were excited for her. She rarely dates and he seemed perfect on paper, but this is concerning behavior. Plus, Violet is quiet and sweet, I’m not sure she can handle that dude if he’s being an asshole. Let’s just say she wouldn’t stab him in the eye with a high heel. I can’t help giggling to myself and Hollie gives me a weird look. I clear my throat, getting back to the topic at hand, “I just want to make sure she doesn’t go home with him.”
“I’ll keep an eye out for her and make sure she gets a share ride, alright?”
“Who needs a share ride home?” I must be pretty drunk if I didn’t notice the large, imposing male walk up behind Hollie and wrap his arms around her middle before nuzzling her neck.
“Violet,” she answers him. “Her date is apparently not a nice drunk and is causing a bit of a scene outside.” They both exchange a look that I don’t quite get but who can understand couples and their weird secret languages. I’m glad I’ve never had one of those. Yes sir, I certainly am.
