Code(48)

“What?” My eyes shot to Ben. That was news to me.

Ben shrugged. “It’s not like it was regular thing.”

Shelton tugged his earlobe. “Well, my parents would skin me if they knew I was at a keg party right now. Hi, your mom might have a heart attack. We can’t even drive yet!”

“Just be cool.” Hi was sporting an Iron Man hoodie and blue-and-yellow plaid shorts. “Remember: It’s Friday, Friday, gotta get down on Friday. Right?”

“What are you talking about?” Shelton nervously tugged at his khakis and white polo shirt. “Tory, you still think this is a good idea?”


“Chill out.” Sounding more confident than I felt. “Let’s say hello to Jason.”

“I’ll pass.” Ben strode toward an ice-filled trash can beside the hot tub.

I almost called him back, but Hi stopped me. “You really want those two face-to-face?”

Good point. Perhaps keeping Ben and Jason apart was the wisest course.

“Tory!” Jason was circling the pool to greet us. “Hey, Shelton. Hi.”

I waved. “Hi, Jase.”

“Hey.” Shelton eyed Jason’s beer can.

“Wassup, dog.” Hi held out a fist. Buffoon.

“‘Sup dog’ back at ya.” With a friendly smile, Jason bumped knuckles. “Glad you guys could make it. Ben didn’t come?”

“He’s over there.” I pointed to where Ben stood, pumping a keg, listening to some lacrosse guys I didn’t know. As I watched, he took a long pull from a Solo cup.

“Should I get him?”

“He’s doing fine on his own.” Jason circled an arm around my shoulders. “Let’s grab a drink first.”

“Okay. Sure.” Not a problem.

“Come along, you two.” Jason waved for Hi and Shelton to follow. “Ever try Southern Comfort before?”

“No.” Shelton reached for his earlobe.

“Maybe.” Hi faked a yawn. “Not sure.”

Liar. He’d never gotten drunk. None of us had.

Except Ben. Didn’t know that.

“Well, you’re in for a treat.” Jason steered us toward the cabana, calling to his friends. “Jeff! Steve! Four So-Co and limes. The Morris Island crew needs a drink.”

Things happened fast after that.

Shot glasses were lined up on the bar, filled with brown liquor, and topped with lime wedges. Jason lifted one and smiled encouragingly.

Other partygoers watched. Skeptical? Amused? No idea.

I’d never taken a shot. Had no interest in doing so then.

C’mon. What’s the big deal?

The “big deal” was, I didn’t want to drink. Then, or ever. Not after what happened to Mom.

I was about to decline when Hi stepped to the counter. “Thanks, man. Bottoms up.” But I could see his anxiety.

Hi clinked glasses with Jason and downed it in one go. Then started coughing. “Wrong pipe,” he wheezed.

Jason slapped his back. “Has a nice kick, huh?”

Some girl I didn’t know shoved glasses at Shelton and me. I thanked her, playing it cool, but felt boxed in. Everyone was watching.

Shelton tensed, psyching himself up.

We lifted, clinked, and . . .





CHAPTER 26





Images flickered in my brain.

Twisted metal. Flashing lights. Broken glass.

A police officer standing in the doorway, unable to meet my eyes.

Mom.

As casually as possible, I placed my glass back on the counter, just as Shelton finished choking down his shot.

“Sorry, Jason.” I hoped my voice didn’t falter. “I don’t drink. I hope that’s okay.”

Jason blinked. Then he sprang forward and swept the glass out of sight.

“Of course, no problem!” He laughed awkwardly. “More for the rest of us, right?”

I smiled, hoping my fa?ade didn’t crack. I desperately wanted to fit in, but wasn’t going to bend on this point. I’d made a promise to myself. I intended to keep it.

Jason snagged my elbow and steered me away from the crowd. The rest of the partygoers had already forgotten me, getting back to their previous conversations. No one seemed to mind that I’d backed out.

“You play cards?” Jason asked. I could tell he wanted to change the subject.

“Hardly ever,” I admitted.

His cocky grin appeared. “Well, I’m unbeatable. Stick with me.”




“And I’m out!” I threw down three queens. “President again! Third term.”

Good-natured groans erupted around the table.

Beginner’s luck. I didn’t know the rules, but was winning anyway. Beside me, Jason began cackling like a hyena.

I sipped a Diet Coke, keeping one eye on Shelton and Hi, who had somehow ended up at the beer pong table.

Shelton looked relaxed, no doubt a result of the booze. Hi was talking nonstop. Both were surprisingly good at hitting cups, and were riding a two-game winning streak.

Their Cinderella run had made Shelton and Hi popular with the older guys. The two were joking and talking trash, seemingly holding their own.

For some reason, this made me proud. What an odd thought.