With all the teenagers packed into the dimly lit house, it makes it hard to really appreciate the beauty of Noah’s home. It’s modern, and each room is painted white.
There are fewer kids downstairs in the basement, and the music isn’t so loud that you have to yell. A lot of rooms are closed off, but the large open area includes a bar filled with more alcohol, couches, and a pool table, which is what Mason is leaning against, holding a pool stick in his hand.
I take a second to check him out, and all I can think is damn. He’s wearing an olive-green tank top, silver dog tags around his neck, combat jeans in army print, and black combat boots. He’s finished the look with a strip of black cloth tied around his forehead and two black lines drawn under his eyes, across his cheeks. Overall, he looks hot.
Mason says something to the guys he’s playing pool with, gives his stick to another guy, and walks over to me with a smile.
“Hey, k-bear! You look good.” He leans in and gives me a tight hug, causing me to blush.
“Thanks, you too,” I say as we pull away. “I really like your jeans.”
“Yes, my chromosomes have combined nicely.” He runs a hand through his hair seductively, striking a model pose.
I laugh. “I meant your pants, not your DNA. But sure, that too.”
“Amelia!” I turn just in time for Noah to run up and pull me into his arms.
I pull back a little “Ow, Noah. Watch the ribs—they’re still sensitive.”
“Oh man, I’m sorry. It seems like forever ago that you hurt them again, but it’s only been a few weeks. Still, that costume suits you. You look great!”
“It’s okay, and I know.” I flirt with a wink, causing both boys to chuckle.
Noah’s wearing jeans and a white T-shirt, and has a black envelope attached to his shirt.
“What are you supposed to be?”
Noah looks down at his shirt and smiles at me. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m blackmail. Get it? Blackmail?”
“That’s extremely fitting,” I tease. “Seeing how you blackmailed me into coming to this party.”
“Hey! Maybe blackmail can be our thing!” He smiles triumphantly.
“Maybe we should keep looking for a thing.”
Annalisa waves from across the room, and we all walk toward her. She’s with Julian at the bar. I give them both hugs and we all start talking.
Annalisa and Julian are adorable in their Barbie and Ken costumes. Annalisa looks extremely different, having swapped out her normal black, slightly goth clothes and heavy dark makeup for a bright-pink dress, light makeup, and even a blond wig—I almost didn’t recognize her.
Noah pours ten shots and we take two each, downing them quickly. I slam my second shot glass down and scrunch up my face—the first ones always taste the worst. As Noah starts pouring us another round, a boy with dark hair I vaguely recognize comes up to him and says something. It must be important because Noah’s normally carefree expression turns deadly serious. He gives Mason and Julian a stern look with knowing eyes, and they both seem to tense up slightly.
Mason sighs and downs his shot, then turns to face me. “Sorry k-bear, gotta handle something.”
He turns and follows Noah and the other guy up the stairs. Julian gives Annalisa a quick kiss on the temple, then follows Mason, leaving the two of us alone at the bar.
“What’s going on?” I ask Annalisa.
“It’s either something with Aiden, party crashers, a fight, or maybe all three.” She sighs.
“Will they be okay?” I suddenly realize I’m a bit nervous for the Boys; well, the ones I like, anyway.
“Yeah, they’ll be fine. Shit like this always happens when one of them throws a party.” Annalisa and I down our third shot, and some other girls come up to the bar and start talking to her.
“Anna, I’m going to see if I can find Char; I’ll see you later.” I turn and head back up to the main floor where the music is much louder. The house has grown even more packed with people I don’t recognize, presumably from school.
I check my phone and see a text from my mom: Just got off my flight. Be careful tonight. Try not to attract any attention. I’ll try to call you later when we’re at the hotel.
“Love you, too, Mom,” I mumble to myself as a rough hand closes hard around my arm.