02

An eruption of squealing rips me from my thoughts. Vicky and Tasha are jumping up and down with excitement. I’d be excited too if it wasn’t for my nerves after what Ray said about the security being tight there.

Does that mean there’s always fights there ?

« I’m incredibly jealous that you live with him, by the way. He’s so freaking hot, » Vicky exclaims, her cheeks flushed pink. While Tasha nods in agreement, I roll my eyes with disgust.

« He’s a humongous slob, » I retort, already dreading the pile of laundry I know is stacked higher than the Eiffel tower in his room. I can’t believe my poor hands have to be sacrificed to go to this club. I hope it’s worth it.

« He’s a very hot slob. » Vicky sighs.

I raise my eyebrow. « I worry about you sometimes. »

She smiles. « You worry too much. »

We spend the rest of the little time we have getting ready in silence. Even Tasha has sobered up for the preparation.

Listening to music, we concentrate on our hair, makeup and accessories to go with out outfits. This is a big night, so we’re going all out.

When I’m finished applying eyeliner around my brown eyes, I slip into the black dress. As I look at myself in the mirror, I have a moment of despair. Tugging at the short dress, I groan. It’s short. Snug.

I’m not sure I’m ready for this. I broke up with my boyfriend, Kyle, only recently. We were dating a year before he started treating me bad. When I was with him, I didn’t realize it. But the longer you spend away from someone, the more you can see how awful it was.

And it was bad. The things he did.

After I tried to end things he said I was fat and ugly anyway and he hated me. It hurt me more than I would have liked, feeding my doubts. Because of what he said I’ve been wearing baggy clothes. Tonight is the first time in months that I’m wearing a dress.

Shaking my head and clearing my thoughts, I focus back on tonight. I won’t let him get to me. Letting him snake his way back in again is off tonight’s agenda.

After slipping on my boots, I grab my leather jacket and slip it on. Tasha and Vicky are ready now also.

Tasha has on a blue dress that shows off her slim body and long legs. Her dark red hair is pouring down her back in waves, her makeup done to perfection. And Vicky resembles an edgy supermodel from Vogue. She’s chosen a black dress also, but hers has a cinch in the waist and a puffy skirt. Her light blond hair is curly, flowing down her waist.

« Ah. » Tasha claps her hands. » We look amazing ! »

They look amazing. I don’t look near as great as they do.

Eventually, we all head downstairs. Ray and his two college friends, Toby and Jared, are in the hallway waiting for us.

I’m not surprised to see Ray’s friends here. They’re always hanging out at the house, eating all the food and constantly stealing the TV. I avoid Ray’s gatherings as much as possible because his friends are loud and annoying.

I’m distracted from my thoughts when Ray suddenly punches Toby in the arm.

« You’ve got drool on your chin, » Rays says dryly, and my face catches fire when Toby diverts his gaze from me quickly.

Toby is nice. Scratch that. Toby is hot. He’s tall, dark blond, and his arms are inked with some of the best artwork I’ve ever seen in my life. But he’s quiet, and I always feel awkward around him for some reason.

He’s been Ray’s friend since they started college. Lately, he’s been hanging around more. As well as Jared, Toby’s annoying older brother who is the complete opposite to him.

While Toby is an angel fallen from heaven, Jared is a demon. He dresses in black. His hair is black. Even his eyes are black.

I had a hard time believing they were related, never mind brothers, when Ray told me. He’s grumpy and always rude to me for no reason.

« Come on, Lay, » Ray calls. « It’s a long drive. »

Everyone is already heading to the car. Closing the door, I quickly make my way over to them. When I’m by the car, I grab the handle as I always do for the seat next to Ray, who is driving. Only, at the same time, Jared goes to grab it.

We stop and glare at each other.

« I’m riding shotgun, » I say to him, and he grits his teeth. He can sit in the back. I’m not sitting next to Toby.

« Someone’s going to have to sit on someone’s lap, » Rays says then. « There’s not enough room. »

I hear Tasha and Vicky giggle from inside the car. Sensing Toby smiling, my face burns. No way. Bumping Jared out of the way with my hip, I jump into the seat next to Ray, but just as I’m about to close the door, he grabs it, stopping me from closing it.

My eyebrows draw together.

What the heck is his problem ?

« Jared. » I hear Toby warn. When I peek back, his angelic features have broken into a frown. Breathing out heavily, Jared lets go of the door, letting me finally close it and I slam the door shut as he gets into the back.

After exchanging a look, Jared rolls his eyes and grabs Tasha, who gasps with delight when he sits her on his knee. Vicky bursts out laughing behind her hands, and I try not to laugh even if Jared is an asshole.

Ray starts the engine and drives out of town. I know Lanten is where the club is. I’ve never been, but I hear it’s a party haven.

« I’m thirsty, » Vicky complains ten minutes later. Leaning over, Ray pulls out a bottle of JD from the glove compartment by my legs and hands it to me.

But Vicky snatches it out of my hand before I have a chance to open it and take a sip. « Ohh. Just what I’m craving. »

I hear the liquid hit the sides of the bottle each time someone takes a drink. Everyone remains silent after that, aside from the occasional giggle and noise from the radio as we continue the journey.

Finally, we arrive. Town is busy and obviously designed for the nightlife. Ray parks the car next to a row of dodgy pubs, and we all pile out of the car. Toby and Jared walk ahead, down a darkened street, Tasha and Vicky following eagerly behind.

« Where is this club ? » I anxiously ask Ray as I walk with him.

« Just up the street, » he answers, but then clears his throat. « Asking for someone who isn’t me, is Vicky single ? »

My eyebrows shoot upwards at his sudden question. « I don’t know. Why, who fancies her ? »

« A friend, » he says, but I’m not fooled when I see his eyes focused on her ass.

« Raybes, » I call him by his terrible nickname I made up for him when I was five. I think I was going for Rabies, as in the infection. « Please don’t. You know she’s had a crush on you in forever. »

« Really ? » He chuckles, obviously finding it entertaining that every one of my friends fancy him. « I heard she’s a tonne of fun. »

Glaring at him, I punch his arm. Thankfully, Vicky didn’t hear, too busy laughing at something Tasha said. I know all she lives for is fun. All her boyfriends, even the bad ones, were never serious.

But still.

No.

She will kill me if she ever found out, but there are lines I don’t want crossed.