Fuck the guys looking at me like they're deciding if I meet their standards.
Fuck this whole party.
My gut churns. Why did I let Gia talk me into this? Why did I think an invite from Dean could lead to anything but teasing and embarrassment?
I need to get out of here. Fast.
I look to Alan. He's a wannabe Dean. Not quite as cute or tall or blonde. Not as funny or charming or attention grabbing. "Alan, truth or dare."
Everyone turns to him.
He leans back in his black chair. Revels in the attention. "Dare."
I have to fight fire with fire. "I dare you to streak around the neighborhood."
Alan jumps to his feet. Holds up his hand in salute. "I hope you ladies are in for a show." He sends winks in every direction. Even mine.
Then he marches over the carpet, the white tile foyer, the mat. All the way out the door.
It slams shut with a thud.
"Let's set up on the porch." Dean motions to the door. Leans in to whisper something to the girl next to him.
Even though she's sitting on some guy's lap, she giggles at Dean. "Sure."
She slides off her boy-toy's lap. "Follow me." Her red heels sink into the carpet, then they click against the tile.
She turns back. Motions let's go.
And everyone does.
One by one, people stand. File out of the room.
Someone, a guy about Dean's height, with a Letterman jacket and dark hair, whispers something in Dean's ear.
Dean shakes his forehead. "Got something else to do."
The friend laughs.
Dean watches him leave.
It's just us in this giant house.
I move to the table. Fill my glass with more orange juice and vodka. Pray for it to erase that you don't belong here voice completely.
This is supposed to be the best time of my life. Parties. Boys. Fun.
I'm having fun, dammit.
Dean follows me to the table. "You don't want to watch?"
"Alan isn't my type."
"What is?"
"Smart guys." I take a long sip of my drink. "You know any?"
"Not one. But I can help with that drink." His hand brushes mine. Slowly, he peels my fingers from my cup. "Grenadine." He picks up a bottle of candy red liquid. Pours it into my glass. "Goes does smoother."