Liars and Losers Like Us(52)

“We almost did but we didn’t. He wasn’t happy about it either.”

“It’s not a big deal,” he shrugs. “If you had or hadn’t. But he’s a jerk. If I’m being honest, I’m glad you didn’t make that mistake.”

“So,” I say placing the forks back on each of our paper napkins. I fidget with mine, making sure it’s perfectly straight. “What about you? How many?” I ask even though I’m not sure if I want the answer.

“Three. Nothing obscene. Do you think that’s bad or good?”

“No,” I ignore the little pit in my stomach that wishes he would’ve said zero. “As long as they’re not all regrets.”

“That’s up for debate. Some other time though.” Our food arrives and Sean raises his orange juice. “Cheers?”

“To no mistakes,” I say raising my glass, scanning my eyes across the pancakes and eggs on our plates just as we’d ordered.

“And to staying in Belmont.” Our glasses clink.





TWENTY-TWO


Kallie’s eyes are blazing with excitement as we settle into our desks for Norderick’s class. “My parents never go out of town. Ever. They’re already gone and won’t be back until Sunday. You guys can sleep over and I’m calling in sick to work, too. We’re most definitely having a party.”

My stomach high dives as I turn my smile to Sean.

“Sweet. What should I bring?” Justin asks.

“Beer. And maybe some snacks. But not messy ones.”

“Wait. I can really come?”

I’m not surprised. Kallie’s been extra sweet to everyone these past few weeks. Who knows, with all the extra socializing, she might actually have a chance at Prom Queen.

“Yeah, why not?” Kallie shrugs.

“Can I bring a date?” Justin asks.

Sean leans in. “As long as it’s not your Prom Date.”

Kallie turns to Justin. “I still cannot believe you’re going with her. You’ve officially hit rock bottom.”

“She’s right,” I say. “I would’ve rather gone to ‘Prom: Parties of One’ than with Jane Hulmes.” I open my mouth to say something else, but catch a glimpse of the empty chair that Maisey always sat in. No one’s been in it since she’s been gone. I grab a lip balm from my bag, swiping it across my lips to stop them from saying anything else mean about Jane.

“Whatever,” Justin says and leans back in his chair. “If you talk to her on the phone, she’s not that bad. Plus, she’s hot. My Prom pictures are gonna be fly as hell.”

Kallie tells Justin to bring anyone but Jane. When the bell rings, Kallie says she’ll see us all tonight and sprints out the door to meet up with Todd.

****

“It’s pretty crazy that she gets to have a party,” I say to Sean as I ring Kallie’s doorbell. “She’s been waiting since we were like thirteen for her parents to leave her alone. I’m serious. It’s the perfect party house. There are no neighbors close by, so it shouldn’t get busted. Knock on wood.” I knock on the door twice, then twist the handle, but it’s locked.

“You’re right,” says Sean. “It’s great for a party. It’s also great for a horror movie where the dead guy rises out of the lake or the ax murderer comes creeping out of the woods.”

“I know. Good thing you’re here. He can eat you first while I run.”

Kallie swings the door open. “Breeeeeee!” She smiles and shakes me by the shoulders. “Finally. Get in here.” She locks the door behind us. “Take your shoes off and help me by making sure this door stays locked. This is definitely invite only. I can’t have a bunch of dirt rats coming in and trashing my house. But it shouldn’t get crazy, I only invited like fifteen people.”

Brian Wang appears from around a corner, saluting us with a clear plastic cup of something.

“Whaaaaaat’s up Prom Court bitches!” He disappears back into Kallie’s kitchen.

“Brian’s here? Whoa.” Sean shakes his head.

“I know,” says Kallie. “Brian never has time for our parties. Ever since he got a boyfriend, he got boring.”

“Wonder if his college boyfriend will make a cameo?” I ask.

“Doubt it,” says Sean. “This is a high school party.”

“Everyone’s out back getting ready for beer pong, I think,” says Kallie.

“Sounds fun,” I say, adjusting the extra weight in the bag slung over my shoulder. I can almost hear the faint sloshing of the bottle of wine I snatched from the fridge in our basement. My plan’s pretty tight: Don’t get trashed. Don’t shotgun beers after doing shots like I did with Kallie, Sam, and Kendall last summer. Keep it simple and chill. Be smart, be cool. Drink slow. Don’t puke.

“You guys need to try the punch I made,” Kallie says. “My mom would be impressed. It’s clear, so no mess. Just in case anyone spills. You know my mom would shit.”

“I better check it out before Bree does. You know, to make sure it’s not poison.”

“Hey, I thought you didn’t drink?” I ask.

“Well, I don’t usually drink but when I do, I drink … white punch. At slumber parties.”