Four Doors Down(7)

“Becca.”

Maybe if I don’t acknowledge them, they’ll go away.

“Becca?”

Again, I just stand there.

“For f*ck’s sake, Becca. Turn around. We know you saw us.”

Okay, so I’m going to have to turn around or look like even more of an idiot. I can still save this. “Oh. Hello, I didn’t see you there.”

Ryan’s face breaks out into a huge grin. “Right.” I choose not to dignify this with an answer and look pointedly away. “Such an attitude, McKenzie!” he continues.

Jake takes over (which is always best), “We don’t usually see you at these parties.”

“Yes, well I choose not to go to McAllister parties because I’m not sure I like the caliber of people I see there.” I’m hoping I sound aloof; the fact that I’m swaying slightly is hopefully not giving away my drunken state.

“So we just ruined your night by showing up, did we?”

I sigh deeply. “Why are you even here?”

Ryan shrugs. “We came to see Zara.”

“And who exactly is Zara?”

His grin grows even bigger. “This is her house. It’s her party.”

Oh, crap. I knew I should have paid better attention when I arrived. The look on Ryan’s face tells me he knows that I have no idea who Zara is. He’ll probably use this information against me later and get me kicked out.

Jake looks between us and makes the wise decision to change the subject. “So, I heard you floored Kevin this morning. It’s all the guys were talking about. I wish I’d been there.”

“It was amazing, bro. You should have seen his face,” Ryan jumps in.

Hang on a second. I’m not having this. “Fuck you, Ryan. Kevin Wilson wouldn’t even know who I am, let alone think he can treat me like that if it weren’t for you.” Wow. Alcohol really does make you say things you never would sober.

Jake whistles awkwardly and a muscle in Ryan’s jaw visibly tenses. “Well, he’s got eyes, Becca, so I’m pretty sure he’d know who you are.”

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.”

“What did you mean?”

“If you didn’t take every chance you get to make me look like an idiot, then he wouldn’t have thought he could pull that shit.”

Ryan is glaring at me. “You don’t actually think I wanted him to do that to you?”

“Since I don’t have a clue how your pathetic mind works, how could I possibly know what you would think?” I demand. He’s about to respond when I notice something out of the corner of my eye and I cut off Ryan’s response. “Anyway, looks like your fan club has turned up, so you probably don’t want to get caught talking to me. You know? Since I’m not good enough to be seen with you.”

Ryan screws his face up at me, confused, and I nod in the direction of the door. John, Mason, and Luke have just walked in the door accompanied by Bianca, Katie, and Jessica; they’re all part of his group at school. Surprise crosses Ryan’s face and…is that annoyance?

He looks at Jake, who just shrugs. “They asked where we were tonight.” Ryan looks irritated. He must have wanted to focus solely on Zara tonight without distraction.

Seriously, talk about first world problems.

The group spots Ryan and Jake and starts making their way over, and that’s my cue to exit stage left.




A couple of hours later and I’ve found Charlie, and we’re in the laundry room.

Making out.

Big time.

As in if I were at a party and saw me right now, I would definitely comment to Sam about how slutty I was being and how much a private room was required. I mean, literally I’m up on the counter top, he’s standing between my legs which I’ve snaked around him, my hands are in his hair and his hands are starting to move lower and lower. I know I should stop, and I’ll probably be mortified tomorrow, but what the hell. I’m in the moment, I’ve got a hot as hell guy in between my legs and I’ve drunk so much I’m not thinking about the consequences.

I can faintly hear someone call my name, but I ignore it. Then I feel someone grip my arm and pull.

Hard.

I’m literally pulled off the counter top and nearly smack my face on the floor, but strong arms catch me in time. I look up and Ryan’s standing there.

“What are you doing?” I demand.

“Jesus, Becca! I could have been anyone walking in. If you wanna do that shit, then take it to a bedroom.”

“It’s none of your business.”

“You’ll get a reputation.”

I try to scowl at him, but it’s kind of hard when I’m seeing two of him. “What? Like yours?”

“It’s different and you know it,” he practically growls at me. He’s right, I know it’s shitty, but it’s the truth. If anyone from school saw this encounter, Charlie would walk away the stud and I’d be the one called a slut and getting whispered about behind my back. In fact, Ryan’s probably already figuring out the best way to use this information against me.

“Bro, get off my girlfriend,” Charlie says, like he’s only just tuned into the conversation. Ryan’s eyes snap to me in surprise. Ha! Yes, Ryan, I have a boyfriend. A hot, sexy boyfriend, so screw you. Not everyone treats me like something they’ve stepped in.