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“Because I can introduce myself,” I lied when she turned back to me. If she hadn’t been a social butterfly, I would have been curled up underneath my blanket with a good book. But I reached out my hand, which she shook. “Dita.”
“Steph.”
I sighed, toying with the cap of the empty water bottle. “They don’t like me very much.”
“A girl like you?” Her eyes widened while she looked me up and down.
Her question didn’t sound condescending, but still… “Is there something wrong with a girl like me?”
“Absolutely! Wars have been fought over women like you.”
I snorted. “Yeah, right.”
She hummed, smiling sweetly at me. “You’ll see. You’re Helen of Troy.”
“Watch it, or I’ll start making out with you,” I teased, thinking her compliment was exaggerated but fitting since Ares and Rio both being named after gods of the Greek mythology.
“Mm, there’s my first competitor,” Steph says, and I followed her glazy gaze.
A tall, lean guy with dirty blond hair—pushed up messily at the front—and round glasses that gave a nerdy vibe shuffled our way. He looked like a weird mix of gamer kid versus Machine Gun Kelly—except without the excessive tattoos. And the nose ring.
“Hey, babe.” He kissed Steph’s cheek.
She punched his shoulder blade when he turned to the fridge and got out a bottle of beer. “Hey, noob.”
“Where have you been?” he addressed her, swallowing down half of his drink before wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.
“With my new girlfriend,” Steph explained, throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Right, Helen?”
“It’s Dita, actually.” I rolled my eyes in a light-hearted manner.
“Misha,” he introduced himself, and cupped the back of my head to greet me in the same way he had Steph. “Steph’s male version of a BFF.”
“Oh.” She swapped his arm. “When I’m making new hot friends, you’re suddenly my best friend.”
“Not true, doll, and you know it.” He warmly pulled her in and kissed her temple. They were awfully affectionate.
“Fine, you’re right. But don’t take her away from me. I’ve been talking with her for five minutes, and she can still stand me.” Steph smiled, but behind the curl of her lips, there was partly sadness in her eyes too.
I wondered if she came to me because she didn’t have many friends besides Misha. But being a guy, he didn’t understand most—if not all—feminine stuff.
“Don’t worry. You’re cool,” I said, ribbing her playfully.
The lazy, lopsided smile on Misha’s face reached his rosy eyes, like he was glad I accepted her. Although his clothing and expression looked rumpled, he smelled nice and seemed alright. Plus, he was friends with Steph, and the girl seemed genuine and a little lonely.
“You high?” Steph asked Misha, having found her spunk again and confirming my suspicion.
He nodded, almost in slow-motion. The dude was smashed. “Still can get it up for a threesome, if you’re wondering.”
Steph and I both snorted. She slipped her hand in mine. “You’re lucky. We just decided on making out in a bit.”
“Looks like my lap will be the perfect spot.” He disposed his empty beer bottle and opened his arms. “Come to daddy, girls.”
We erupted into laughter. I couldn’t pinpoint it, but these two felt like safe territory. Since my headache had dulled by now, I played along.
We fell into Misha’s arms, both wrapping an arm around his waist as he led us outside. It was almost as crowded there as it was inside.
Rio nodded at us, a small recognition as we passed him. Ares sat right in front of him, slouched down with dark, brooding eyes following my every move. I felt my cheeks burn. As if flames licked at me. I was so aware of his stare, I almost bailed.
