LAILAH #2
“I might have gone into town and bought the shirt for you to wear tonight,” Cami said. I turned to scold her, but she raised her hands, stopping me. “I knew that this was your first party, and I wanted it to be perfect. I couldn’t in good conscience let you wear anything that you already own.”
I frowned, but I wasn’t sure if I was more bothered by the fact that she went shopping for me, or that she didn’t like any of my clothes.
“Don’t get me wrong. I live for your T-shirt collection. That one the other day that said ‘Shhh, no one cares’ was priceless. I love that you don’t need fancy clothes to be who you are, but every once in a while, every girl needs some new clothes.”
I had to agree with her. The shirt was amazing, and something that I never would have tried on, but I loved it. “Thank you, Cami. It means a lot that you care so much to make this night awesome.”
“Aw, of course, you’re my girl. Now it’s time for me to get ready for this thing,” Cami said. When I paused at what she said to look at her, she started laughing. “Oh man, I had you for a minute.”
The party was being hosted at a student housing complex off-campus.
Apparently, Ryevick had a strict policy about parties on school grounds.
The students had quickly figured out a way around that, and truthfully, I think the school was quite aware of what was going on.
When we arrived in Cami’s car, the party was well underway.
I had asked Cami why we didn’t start getting ready till eight, but she informed me that the party didn’t really get going until eleven.
She told me it was embarrassing to show up too early, but she took into consideration that it was my first party, and we got there at nine-thirty.
The house was a beacon in the dark night.
Loud music could be heard thumping as we drove up the country road where it was located.
When we walked up, tons of students were milling about on a large wrap-around porch with drinks in their hands.
The front door was wide open, so we just walked in.
The living room was filled with people chatting, making out, and playing what looked like poker at the dining room table.
I followed Cami into the kitchen, where food was spread out on the counter, along with three kegs of beer.
“Cami, I wondered if you would be gracing us with your presence at the first party of the year,” a busty redhead greeted her and kissed Cami on both cheeks.
“Once I heard it was one of yours, Maggs, I couldn’t refuse. This is my friend Lailah; she’s a freshman,” Cami said.
Maggs nodded her head at me and looked me over with a critical eye. “What can I get you ladies to drink?” she asked, apparently satisfied with what she saw. “I have a dark, amber, or cider for those of us that are gluten-free.”
“I would love the amber, and Lailah should probably have a cider,” Cami said, giving me a look over her shoulder. “I’m guessin’ you're not much of a drinker?”
“You would be correct on that, but it’s because in the states we can’t drink till we’re twenty-one, and that’s still a few months away.” I didn’t want to appear lame in front of Maggs.
They both shrugged and seemed to accept that explanation as Maggs handed over our drinks. “You guarding the goods all night, or are one of the other girls going to take over for you later?” Cami asked.
“Not tonight. I have to set the newbies straight on how my parties roll,” Maggs said, winking at us. “Go have fun. We opened up the backyard because it’s still nice out.”
Taking her cue, we headed outside onto the patio.
There was a ping pong table set up for beer pong, and it looked like there was quite an intense game going on.
Squealing from across the yard caught my attention, and I saw a hot tub filled with people.
The water was sloshing over the sides like a tidal wave had hit.
I looked over to say something to Cami, but she was talking to another girl I didn’t know. I caught her eye and motioned that I was going to sit on one of the patio chairs. She nodded and gave me a smile with a wink of encouragement.
I sipped on my drink and was surprised when I discovered that I really liked it.
It was sweet and yet had enough of a bite to it that I knew it was for adults.
My eyes wandered over the crowd of people dancing in the grass where the DJ was set up.
Some danced in groups enjoying the flow of the music, while others looked like they might as well just be having sex; it would actually have been less provocative.
Before I knew it, I was done with my drink.
I scanned the patio to see if I could find Cami to let her know that I was going to get a refill, but couldn’t see her.
How lost can I get in a house, I thought.
I feel like I can manage this on my own.
I made my way back toward the kitchen, grabbing a few snacks along the way.
“Ready for another?” Maggs asked, holding out the hose for the keg.
“Yeah, thanks, this is really an awesome party,” I said and found I really meant it.
“You’re welcome. I’ve found it’s my calling in life to provide a place for people to let loose while in the throes of college life. Some students get so caught up in the schoolwork, they forget to live in the moment. Don’t you agree?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.
I laughed. No wonder Cami liked this woman, they were kindred spirits. “I would be one of those people if not for Cami.” I nodded my thanks and headed back out to the patio.
On my way out, I ran into a group of guys walking in. I almost spilled my drink all over one of them. “I’m so sorry, I hope I didn’t get any on you,” I said, looking him over.
“I wouldn’t have minded if you had, then you could have helped me clean off,” the guy said, giving me a sly grin.
I groaned internally. Please, no; please don’t let this be happening to me. I was having such a nice time.
“Thankfully, crisis averted, and there's nothing to clean.” I tried to brush past him, but his friends blocked my way.
“I’m Max, by the way,” he said, holding out his hand.
I shook it quickly before pulling my hand back not wanting to get trapped. “Lailah.”
“Oh, you’re scholarship girl. Damn, who knew someone from the states could pull that off? Smart and sexy, what an enticing duo.” He was trying to be charming but failing.
“Thanks, I was pretty surprised to get the scholarship too, I fully expected to be rejected.” Ha, what are you going to say to that, idiot?
“Did you send a picture along with your application? I know they try to have diversity, and we are on short supply of doe-eyed Yankees,” Max said.
“Excuse me?” I snapped. Was this guy trying to be an asshole or was this his poor attempt at charming?
He was strongly leaning in the asshole direction.
“First, Americans do not find that term endearing. Second, if you’re trying to pick up a girl, don’t call her a derogatory slur.
It pisses us off and makes you look like a douchebag. ”
“What the fuck,” Max said, towering over me.
Oh God, how I wanted to run away from this fight, but my big mouth started it. What was wrong with me? I’d never started a fight; sure, I’d dreamed about stepping up for myself and telling people what I thought all the time, but it never really happened.
“Look, bitch, I was just trying to be friendly, no need to get all high and mighty. Maybe you were right, and you shouldn’t be at this school.” His friends now started to close in on me.
“Lailah,” Parker said, appearing out of nowhere putting his arm around my shoulders. “Why didn’t you text me and tell me you were here? Hey, Max, have you met my friend, Lailah?”
“Actually, we did meet, and I was just about to excuse myself to look for you.” I played along with Parker’s ruse.
“Here I am, no need to look any further. See ya later, Max,” Parker said as he turned us around and headed through the house and upstairs.
“Where are you taking me?” I said, worried I had jumped from one problem to another.
“There’s a small deck up here that not many people know about. I figured you might want a little space from the party, and it gives Max a chance to chill the fuck out.” He opened a set of French doors to a wrought iron patio with two large deck chairs piled with pillows.
“Is this where you take all the girls you rescue at parties?” I teased, settling into one of the chairs.
“To be honest, I think you’re the first person I’ve brought up here. Typically, I chill up here alone when I need a breather.” Parker stared out over the lawn filled with people.
I looked at Parker with a different lens. I never would’ve guessed that he would need a breather from people. He seemed to thrive on the interactions with others, but maybe everyone needs a moment to themselves.
“Thank you for getting me out of there.” I turned to watch the party and took a sip from my drink. “I don’t know what came over me, I never get in people’s faces like that.”
“I think it might be your drink loosening your tongue and lowering your normal censoring ability.” Parker chuckled.
“Either way, I’m happy to help, but you didn’t look like you were doing too badly on your own.
Max is an idiot when it comes to hot girls, he always manages to piss them off.
You were kind enough to tell him why he pissed you off, most just walk away. ”
“I’m glad to know I’m not epically failing at my first party.” I took a gulp of my drink.
“This is your first college party or first party ever?” Parker leaned his elbows on his knees.
I blushed under his focused attention. “Ever. I never got invited to any in high school, and with my town being so small, I didn’t want to spend extra time with any of those people.”
Parker shot to his feet and reached out to me. “Come on, if this is your first party, there is no way I’m letting you stay up here. You need to get the full experience; finish your drink, and we’ll get in on the next beer pong game.”