The Original Crowd (A Whole New Crowd 0.50)

Have I mentioned I’m not a trusting person?

I might not be trusting, but I’m able to appreciate the humor. And Aidrian Casners, talking to me, a casual, civil convo—was funny. It fit the exception stipulation.

“Amber Lancaster’s always thought she was the bomb. Seriously. The girl’s a fucking junior, she should stay with the juniors.”

“Like you stay with the seniors,” I murmured. Umm…she did know Tray was a junior too, right?

“Exactly, Aidrian went off, feeling appreciated, “I mean…she’s always been on my back, trying to one-up me. She just thinks she has the right. I should teach her she doesn’t have the right to anything. Her brother’s pretty hot.”

“Good luck with that.” I patted her on the arm, finding that more amusing. Crystal had turned away, I saw her shoulders were shaking with restrained laughter. “I’m going to go.”

“Oh…sure…yeah.” Aidrian came back to earth, realizing she had just confided in me—of all people. She yelled at me when I turned away, “Hey. Tickets. Tomorrow or it’s you and me.”

I rolled my eyes and resumed walking.

Mandy and the crew had taken residence at a table close to the dock. Tray, Grant, and some other guys were in a boat, looking around.

“What’s going on?” I asked, dropping next to my sister.

“The guys are renting a boat. We’re waiting.”

“We’ve been waiting forever,” Amber complained. “I’m roasting.”

“So go get wet,” Tristan snapped, sending a glare her way.

“Why don’t you?” Amber shot back.

I didn’t get the problem.

“Yeah, I’m gonna go,” I announced, standing up. I left my clothes and purse with Mandy, who solemnly swore to protect everything before I walked towards the pool in my black bikini.

“Hey, you.”

I’m so popular. I just love being popular.

I looked over and saw a guy gesture to me, walking quickly to intercept me. He was covered in tattoos and wore a polo shirt over some trendy faded jeans. His hair was styled into a mohawk.

“Yeah?” I asked when he grew closer to me.

“I want to talk to you.” He gestured across the center, to a private corner.

“Why?” I was standing in a bikini, defenseless. Did he think I was stupid?

“It’s about your sister. Mandy Matthews, right?” he tossed over his shoulder, all business, already moving ahead of me.

I followed, reluctantly.

When we get to the corner, I asked, “What’s this about?”

“Look, your sister owes me five grand.”

What?!

“What?!” I cried out, startled. “For what?”

“That’s between me and her. But you tell her, that if she doesn’t pay, I’m going to cash in my debt.”

I was seeing red.