“Oh, poo.” The sarcasm is strong in Skylar’s voice, but worry is still in her eyes. “Remember, don’t take drinks from dudes unless you know them, and even then, be careful. You start feeling weird, drop the cup and find me. Don’t do drugs here. They are mostly laced with something. And also, don’t end up getting raped, please. Be smart. This ain’t your first rodeo.”
“Yeah, I know. Don’t worry.”
Skylar isn’t convinced, though, and she rolls her eyes. “So who are you trying to holler at? I know you didn’t leave your books for a party unless it was for some guy.”
Oh…that makes sense.
Mekena’s cheeks flush with color as she shrugs, which makes Skylar laugh. “Oh gosh, please tell me it isn’t Markus,” she says, twirling her hair on her finger. “Aren’t you over him yet? It’s been like a year.”
This is new. I’ve never heard her mention him. Like, ever.
Now Ron Weasley, yes, she’s talked about him constantly.
“I didn’t know you were crushing on someone,” I add with a grin. But before she can say anything, Skylar is talking.
“Girl, please. She’s in love with a dude who doesn’t want anything to do with her or even know her name.”
“Shut up,” Mekena urges, looking around, but no one is near us. We are the only ones standing on the sidewalk in front of the house. Everyone else is either inside the party or lying in the front yard. From the looks of it, the party is insane. Music is streaming loudly, lights are flashing, and the backyard is filled with people. It is so loud my ears hurt, and I’m not even inside yet.
But I am ready to get in there.
“Whatever. You didn’t introduce me to your friend.”
That catches my attention and I turn to meet Skylar’s eyes. “Avery. We’re roommates.”
“Oh, the singer,” she says, nodding her head. “Yeah, Kena told me all about you. Cool, nice to meet you.”
“You too.”
She isn’t paying attention to me, though, as she turns back to Mekena. “Markus is a bad idea. He’s hooking up with Leslie, and rumor is, she has herpes.”
“Jesus! Her poor vagina,” I say, disgust all over my face, which sends Skylar into a hoot of laughter.
“Right? It’s gross, but yeah, that’s the rumor. So just be careful, Kena. Okay?”
“Yeah, I heard you.” I smile as Mekena nods, toeing the ground with her foot. They are cute, and it’s apparent how much Skylar cares about her baby sister. Makes me completely jealous. I’d love for my brothers to care just a little bit about me. I push thoughts of them to the side and look toward the house before letting out a long breath.
“Are we going in?” When I turn, they are both looking at me. “What? Let’s go.”
Skylar grins, her eyes narrowing as she holds my gaze. “Someone you wanna see? Who? I know them all. I’m the captain of the dance team, which means I can get you an in with any dude on the team.”
I give her a condescending grin. I feel that isn’t something you should be proud of, but who am I to judge? Two hours ago, I was considering the ho life, so I’m obviously no better than her. Shaking my head, I go to say something snarky, I’m sure. But before I can answer, Mekena volunteers, “Jace Sinclair invited her, and Ross Asher did too.”
“Oh, wow, I’m impressed,” Skylar says and her face shows it, which is odd to me. What, are those dudes hard to get to? Every hockey player I’ve ever met has been quick to jump into bed with any girl.
Maybe I should be worried about my Lame Line Larry?
Nodding her head, she adds. “Ross, don’t even try. He’s totally in love with his girlfriend, and he has a small dick. Been there, done that. But he probably invited you for his brother, Richie, who is the biggest asshole I know. Also a small dick. But Jace, Jace is good.”
I can only blink. Did she sleep with Jace?
“That’s who she’s wanting to see, Jace.”
Skylar nods once more. “Good choice. He’s a good dude, should be the captain this year, just like his brothers were. By the way, his brot
her was great in bed, so I’m sure Jace is too. Also, my best friend is married to their older brother, and she says he’s amazing.”
“So you haven’t slept with Jace?”