The Original Crowd (A Whole New Crowd 0.50)

“Maybe,” I said stiffly and shoved away from the group. I plopped down next to Mandy and Carter, dipping my legs in the pool.

“Hey,” Mandy murmured, disentangling from Carter as she swam in front of me. “What’s going on up there?”

“I don’t know. Some confusing shit.”

“What do you mean?”

“Pretty sure Bryce is trying to get me drunk,” I hesitated and said lamely, “and that’s it.”

“Bryce probably wants to see if he can get a piece.”

“Huh?” I was dumbfounded. Yeah. It made sense. A guy trying to get a girl drunk sometimes would equal getting a piece. Guys always think it’s a sure thing. But me? And Bryce?

Carter laughed. “Bryce bet Tray he could get in your pants.”

“And Tray agreed?” Okay. Now, I was just pissed. And insulted.

“No. Tray just said good luck, but he didn’t take the bet. Bryce probably thinks if he can get you, Tray’ll cough up the money.”

“What do you think?”

Carter chuckled. “Tray bet me how long before you send Bryce whimpering like a puppy dog.”

That made me grin. I’d never admit it to myself, but I was relieved that Tray hadn’t played me.

Bryce could come after me all he wanted. Maybe now I’d just have some fun with him.

Suddenly the pool area was flooded with voices. Turning around, I saw a good thirteen people turn the corner. Some were already dressed in bathing suits and vaulted over us into the pool. Others took a seat at the many patio tables.

Mandy murmured, her eyes wide, “Looks like we’re having a party.”

I glanced over my shoulder and saw Tray was busy hooking up a keg that some guy had wheeled over to him. There were four other guys, all carrying two more kegs.

“Looks like it’s going to be a party to remember,” I murmured, more to myself.

Devon and Jasmine disappeared into the house, holding hands.

This night was going to be full of drama. I could feel it in my bones.

*

So far, I was actually having a good time.

This guy, I think his name was Rooters, slapped a two on the deck.

“Fuck.”

“You shit.”

“Asshole.”

Rooters just grinned and flipped his last card on the table, as he announced, “Pres-i-dente!”

We were playing Assholes and Presidents. I was neutral, which really pissed me off.

This other fucker, Aaron, slammed his last card on the deck and shouted, “Vice-President! Vice-President. Oh yeah! Oh Yeah!”

I spotted my turn and slipped in my last pair of sixes.