“Yeah, but imagine how much fucking you’re going to do if you hit it off tonight! I mean, even if you don’t hit it off, you can still bang.”
“Working! Not fucking!”
She stops and stands in front of me with her hands on her hips while I sigh. It’s honestly comical and I should be laughing. I’m a good six inches taller than Dani, even in her heeled boots. So while she’s trying to be serious with her arms folded and giving me one of her looks, it ends up looking like a kid is angry with me.
“Where’s Lexi? My Lexi? Not that shy, self-conscious girl you become around your mom.” She digs through her purse until she finds her cigarette case, pulling out a joint and handing it to me. “I didn’t invite Alexis out, even if you are wearing that fucking dress she bought. I invited Lexi, my ride-or-die. The bitch who gets drunk with me and dances on the tables before turning the guys down. The chick that chants at pride parades and takes exactly no shit from anyone? Now, let’s smoke this and go be the badass bitches we are!”
“You’re right. You’re fucking right.” I light the joint and take a slow, deep inhale. Feeling the haze settle in my mind, I let my whole body shake off the stress and worries. When I open my eyes again, I grin at her. “Let’s go get drunk, dance, and maybe even screw. If that doesn’t happen, we can end the night getting even higher and watching horror movies at my place. I’ll even make out with you on the couch.”
“That’s my girl!”
CHAPTER9
ALL THE GOOD GIRLS GO TO HELL
BILLIE EILISH
The soundsof music and talking spill out of the building when we open the door. There’s already a massive crowd, and it’s not at all the atmosphere I expected for a brewery. The open industrial ceiling and giant brewing tanks are the only signs that this was usually a laid-back place with burgers and beer. Tonight, though, one of the host companies rented it out, and someone obviously paid top dollar to have the space redecorated for an impact. Two full bars are already slinging drinks, and trays of finger foods make their way around the room. To keep it semi-professional, they’ve got a few tables off to the side with literature about different creative groups and places to sign up for job fairs. A DJ setup has transformed the cozy bar into a nightclub and she already has the party very started.
“Oh shit! Okay, this is amazing. I need to get the contact info for whoever did this and hire them for Sam’s next event,” Dani shouts over the music. She points to a group in the corner near the dance floor. “There’s Kennedy.”
I’m not sure if that’s meant as a warning or a direction to follow, but Dani grabs my hand, and we move through the crowd toward the table where Kennedy is holding court. At least four guys are drooling over her, and she’s absolutely in her element. She’s changed out of her work clothes and into what I can only describe as a college party girl club dress. Before, I was feeling too exposed. Now I think like I’m dressed for a totally different party. I’m so glad I’m high.
“Oh my god, I forgot you guys were coming!” Her voice is even more grating as she screams too loud. “Guys, these are my friends from work. This is Dani. She’s amazing and is in a fucking band. She’s also single and looking to mingle. You’ll love her! Oh, and this is Lexi. What the fuck?”
It’s like she’s looking at me for the first time, her jaw dropping open as she stares. I glance down at myself, expecting to see a giant spider or a space vortex opening, but it’s only me. Standing there like an idiot.
“WOW! Oh my god, you should dress like this more often so you’re not permanently alone for the rest of your life! That outfit is so cute! And look! You have legs!” She slaps the table and the guys around her take the cue and run with it, laughing their fake little laughs. “Seriously, you’re going to need to go to confession or whatever after this. What would Jesus think?”
I flip her off and hand my bag to Dani, motioning that I’m headed to the bar. A spot opens as I walk up, so I take it, and a cute blonde takes my order. I think about flirting with her because I’m a flirt when I’m high, but she’s too busy. I pull out my phone while I wait, texting the one person I trust more than Dani.
Lexi
I think I’m about to do something stupid and so very you.
??BEXXUS??
WHAAAT?! Not you!!
Wait, no, seriously…what are u doing?
Lexi
I didn’t think you’d answer. Aren’t you in Amsterdam?
??BEXXUS??
Yep, still adjusting to the time change.
TELL ME!
Lexi
I’m out drinking with Dani, and she’s invited a guy…
??BEXXUS??
TELL ME MOOOOORE!
