Need Me (Mess with Me 3)

Mya enters the kitchen holding a case of beer. She gives me a quick hug.

“It’s still so weird to see you with a boyfriend,” she says.

I grin. “I know, right? I have a man. I’m hosting parties. I made punch. Who is she?”

Casey comes in next with Andre right behind her. She puts a covered plate of cookies on the kitchen counter.

“Thanks for inviting us!”

Everyone is here. I guess it’s time to get this party started.

“Listen up, everybody!”

All eyes turn to me.

“The reason we invited you all here this afternoon isn’t just for a party. It’s because I had something I wante

d to tell you.”

Sensing the change in tone, Mya leans over and turns the music off. Milo sits down on the couch next to her and grabs her hand. Casey crosses her arms over her middle protectively before moving closer to Andre.

“Um, seven years ago my life changed for the first time. Then five years ago it changed again. But that’s the past and I’m looking forward to the future.”

I glance over at Vin, who nods encouragingly.

“Anyway, that’s why you’re here. To help me celebrate something that’s really important to me.”

I reach up for the ribbon I attached to the ceiling earlier. With one yank, a massive banner unrolls. It spells out the words CANCER FREE in huge pink letters.

I take a little breath and then start doing the dance I practiced. Then I sing at the top of my lungs.

Check One. Check Two.

I want to share some news with you!

Hip thrust.

My humps. My bumps.

Now my ta-tas have no lumps!

Booty shake.

I end with my arms over my head. I look over at Vin who is shaking his head in disbelief.

Since no one is reacting appropriately to my awesome news I figure maybe they need to hear it again.

Check One. Check Two.

Mya jumps up. “Wait a minute. Just hold on.”

I let my arms fall back to my sides. “I guess you guys might have some questions.”

“Ariana,” she whispers tearfully.

Oh crap. This is what I knew would happen. If she cries then I’ll cry and I promised myself that nobody was frickin’ crying at my party. This is supposed to be a celebration.

Casey comes closer and threads her arm through mine. The guys back off, tactfully giving us some space.