2. Raina
2
RAINA
A s Kinsey and I started down the walkway to the front door of a split-level that screamed suburban, middle-class family home, Kinsey pulled us up short and cocked a suspicious glance my way.
Are you sure this is the right place? Five people attending college live here?
Yep, I answered perkily. And four of them are part of the seven.
Ironing down her skirt that had ridden up in the back, my sister squinted inquisitively. Okay, remind me who the seven are again.
They re just…seven friends, I guess, I tried to explain, only to shrug. They re Foster s closest friends. And he makes it pretty obvious they re his core group, which is probably what gives them their notoriety. But all of them are, like, completely gorgeous. Even though their faces always blurred into the background whenever Foster was around—I probably couldn t actually describe a single one of his friends looks. So it s impossible not to notice them when they re hanging out together.
Kinsey pointed toward the front door. And four of them live here ?
I laughed. Yes. Oaklynn calls it Archer House. Now, come on. Hooking my arm through hers, I dragged her forward. I ve been here once before with Jaylani. That s Oaklynn s bestie that you met at lunch on Tuesday. Remember her?
The lesbian?
Right. Anyway, none of the guys were home when I visited, but you ll see as soon as we re inside that it s definitely a bachelor pad.
But you said Foster doesn t live here, didn t you?
Exactly. Just four of his best friends do.
At the door, I could hear muted music seeping out to greet us, so I bypassed knocking and just reached for the handle.
From there, we entered what looked to be Bachelor Central. In a room lit with nothing but black lights, a huge television took up one entire wall and two leather couches faced it in a V-shape, while the walls were covered in sports and movie posters. One poster featured Foster in his jersey and helmet, holding a football and rearing back his arm as if preparing to throw it.
Easily a dozen people were already crowded into the room, separated into three or four different groups, some of them sitting on the couches talking while the rest were standing in clusters.
Raina! I heard my name called in excitement before Oaklynn peeled away from one herd and hurried over with her arms spread wide in excitement. You made it. Welcome .
Hey, hey, I greeted, hugging her back. Looks like you re having a good turnout.
Yeah. And there s more in the kitchen and garage, too, where I ve heard a heated beer pong match is taking place.
Sweet.
And Kinsey, Oaklynn greeted, hugging her next in warm welcome since the two of them had bonded big time when they d met on Tuesday. I m so glad you could make it, too. When do you have to go back to Galveston?
Sunday, Kinsey answered as she glanced around the room as soon as the hug was over. I gotta work on Monday. So where s this Foster Union guy that Raina can t stop raving about?
Oh my God, Kins ! I gritted out from between clenched teeth, sending her a murderous glare when a handful of people in the room glanced over directly at me.
But my totally uninhibited sister only shrugged. What?
Oaklynn laughed. He s not actually here yet, sorry. With a roll of her eyes, she explained, Someone on the football team was throwing a big party tonight, too, and they insisted he go there, but he swore he was going to land here before the night was over. Glancing at Kinsey, she explained, He s in high demand since everyone seems to be celebrating the team s big win.
Kinsey smiled at her vaguely only to roll her eyes the moment someone hollered for Oaklynn, and she turned away to see what they needed.
Well, you called that, my sister grumbled as she pulled her phone from her purse. He s not even here. Glancing up, she asked, Where s this other party happening? I ll get us another ride.
What? No ! I pulled her arm down when she started to tap on the screen. I want to stay here. I actually know people here. Spotting a girl from my Exploration of Education class, I smiled and waved at her. Then I hissed at Kinsey from the side of my mouth, We are not leaving.
No way could I insult Oaklynn like that. Besides, Foster s true friends were here. He d make it here eventually.
Ugh. Okay, fine, she grumbled, slumping her shoulders. But there better be some free alcohol in this place because you and I haven t had nearly enough to drink yet.
Groaning in mortification, I pressed a hand to my forehead because Oaklynn had just returned to us and heard Kinsey s complaint.
But she didn t seem to mind. Chuckling good-naturedly, she pointed. Oh, we definitely have a full bar going. Head on through there to find the kitchen. We have a variety to choose from. And if you want a super awesome mixed drink, just see Hudson. He s the one with crutches and a leg cast, playing bartender.
Sweet. Thank you. Kinsey grabbed my arm and dragged me off.
I waved apologetically at Oaklynn as we left her behind, but she only flashed her deep dimples at me, seemingly charmed by my obnoxious sister.
Hudson s the one our driver was talking about, I think, I turned back to whisper to my sister. The one that Foster gave CPR and probably saved from dying after he was hit by a car.
Damn. Kinsey whistled and shook her head. Your boy s just starting to sound like a mythical legend now. No way is one guy that amazing. Leaning close, she snickered. I bet he s a perverted freak who s secretly a serial killer or something.
I rolled my eyes. He is not .
Well, then he s got to be a conceited asshole who thinks his shit don t stink. Because I m sorry, but ain t no one s that perfect. And—holy mother of God! Shaking my arm as soon as we entered the kitchen, she pulled me to a stop beside her and gaped openly across the room. I know who I m going home with tonight.
Hoping Foster hadn t shown up after all and she was staking her claim, I swallowed thickly before following her gaze and glancing across the room past half a dozen more people to spot the two guys she d locked onto. They were leaning against the kitchen counters, deep in conversation with each other.
Which one? I asked.
Either. Both, she answered immediately. Preferably both.
I laughed. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, sweets, but the bulky, muscled one is Oaklynn s boyfriend, Damien.
Damn, Kinsey hissed in disappointment.
And the one on crutches must be Hudson, I added. Oaklynn mentions him quite a bit, and I m pretty sure he has a girlfriend as well.
Kinsey turned to send me a severe glance. But you re not positive?
Before I could answer, some chick went streaking up to Hudson and tried to reach between him and Damien to nick a drink from the counter behind them. But Hudson shifted to block her.
Hey, hey. You gotta pay the price of admission for one of my special brews.
Setting her hands on her hips, the woman huffed. Oh, come on. I m up next to play the winner of this game. You re going to make me lose my chance to kick either Keene or Alec s ass.
Hudson pouted for a second. But I was just trying to get a kiss.
Oh. Softening, the girl swept in and wrapped both arms around his neck. In that case… She kissed him long and thoroughly, and he gripped her ass to pull her close, only to groan in denial when she pulled away again.
Lashes flickering open, Hudson gifted her with a soft smile. Alright, you can have two drinks.
His girl laughed in delight and drifted the backs of her fingers over his face before filching two cups and then turning to hurry off.
Love you, he called after her. And good luck. Kick ass.
Don t need it, but thanks. Love you back. Lifting one of her drinks to wave in farewell, she disappeared through a side door that must lead into the garage, where half the room roared in applause and the other booed, telling us a round of beer pong had obviously just ended.
Leaning toward Kinsey, I whispered, Like I said, I think he has a girlfriend.
What the hell? She lifted her hands in defeat. Are there no single guys left in this town or what?
As she spoke, the door that Hudson s girlfriend had disappeared through opened again, and a complete hottie who looked vaguely familiar entered the house.
His gaze raked over the room as he started to pass through it, only for him to do a double take when he spotted us.
Well, hey there, he greeted, changing course so he could approach. I cannot believe this; the two prettiest girls just arrived, and I don t know either of your names. Now if that s not a crying shame, I don t know what is.
While I refrained from rolling my eyes, Kinsey laughed and drew closer to him, finding a kindred spirit.
Kinsey, she said, holding out her hand in a way that somehow said she was open for sex. I had no clue how she did it, either. She just held out her damn hand, and even I could tell that she was really saying, yes, I will do anything you want .
It was like freaking magic, I swear.
And this is my sister, Raina.
Sisters? Eyebrows perking up with interest, the guy glanced between me and Kinsey with a wolfish grin. I accept.
I cringed, but Kinsey threw her head back and laughed. Then, setting a hand against his chest, she murmured, Sorry, partner. But Ray-Ray here would never go for a threesome.
Glancing at me, the guy merely shrugged. That s okay. One at a time s fine with me, too.
I snorted, impressed by his flamboyance and yet totally not interested, while Kinsey laughed again and nearly started to just hang from his arm. Oh, I like you.
Appreciating her attention, he turned toward her fully and grinned back. You better. Cause anyone who don t like Keene Dugger just ain t worth a grain of sand.
Oh, you re Keene! I blurted in surprise, realizing I probably should ve deduced that already from the way Oaklynn had described him as a total hound dog.
He glanced over with one lifted eyebrow. Yes, ma am. The one and only. Am I legendary enough that you ve heard of me?
I shrugged, suddenly feeling weird for just blurting out his name. Only from what Oaklynn says, I admitted lamely.
Ah, you re friends with Vargas, he realized with a nod, studying me a moment longer before snapping his fingers. Oh, right ! Raina. You re the chick she keeps harassing Union to meet.
Oh my God, I groaned in horror. She harasses him? Like, truly, honestly annoys him?
He snorted out a laugh. He s started to avoid her because of it.
No… I whimpered, only to whirl toward Kinsey and reach for her arm. We need to go. We need to go right now.
Whoa, whoa! Keene lifted his hands, pausing us there. What s the hurry? He ain t even here. Besides, there are other fish in the sea. Like me. Pointing at himself with both thumbs, he announced, Now, I m a sure thing, baby. You can harass me for attention all you like.
Exactly! Kinsey cheered, gripping his arm as she turned to me. This is the type of guy I was talking about. You need to stop daydreaming about pretty quarterbacks and happily ever afters, and just find a freaky one-night stand like this cutie. I bet he knows how to give a girl a damn fine orgasm.
True story, Keene agreed, nodding at me before he looked at Kinsey. I give the best orgasms.
The best, huh? Kinsey lifted an eyebrow as if to disagree. Now, I think I would have to be the judge of that.
Hey. Spreading his arms in invitation, he answered, If you want to judge my performance, I m completely down. Hell, I m down right now, darlin .
Oh, you are so on, Kinsey murmured, her eyes sparkling with glee. You got somewhere nearby to give me your…demonstration?
Vibrating with exuberance, Keene nodded and reached for her elbow. Yes, ma am, I do. As a matter of fact, I got somewhere in this very house.
She smiled and nodded in approval. Well, then lead the way, handsome.
Don t go far, he told me with a wink before he promptly hurried my sister from the kitchen. We ll be right back.
Of course you will, I grumbled dryly.
Kinsey glanced at me and stuck out her tongue in excitement. And that s how it s done, she said before abandoning me completely.
I huffed out a depleted sigh because there went my wingwoman. I should ve known she d find someone to hook up with, like, immediately.
Typical Kinsey.
Biting my lip, I glanced around to find some alcohol. I d lost my buzz and was no longer drunk enough to face this night on my own. Especially if Foster did happen to show up.
I couldn t believe I d turned into the girl he was adamantly hoping to avoid . Damn that Oaklynn. I appreciated her efforts to toss me a good word, but I think she d gone overboard.
There was no way he d ever want anything to do with me now.
Accidentally making eye contact with Damien across the room, I waved, hoping he recognized me as one of his girlfriend s friends. She d only introduced us once, but maybe?—
And yes , thankfully he bobbed his head in acknowledgment. Next to him, the one on crutches glanced over as well.
They deserted you, huh? Hudson asked, referring to Kinsey and Keene, who he must ve seen me with seconds before.
Shoulders slumping, I nodded. It seems so.
Lifting one of his special mixed drinks from the counter, he held it out in my direction. Come on over, he invited. We ll keep you company until they get back.
I started their way, even as I suspiciously asked, What s in it?
Oh, this is pure heaven in a cup, darlin . He smiled wide. That s what my girl claims, anyway.
Knowing that Oaklynn liked this guy, that he was one of Foster s closest friends, and that his own girlfriend appreciated his bartending enough to take two cups, I decided to trust his mixing capabilities and took the drink. Thank you.
After a single sip, I was sold.
Oh—Oh my God. I took another gulp, pointing at it as I did. This is really good.
He chuckled in appreciation, murmuring, Hell, yes it is.
This is Oaklynn s friend, Raina, by the way, Damien finally said, introducing me to Hudson.
With a tip of his head, Hudson swiveled my way, resituating his crutches and leg cast as he went. Pleasure. I m Hudson. But as soon as he was facing me and had his backside resting against the counters, he snapped his fingers. Oh, hey. Raina . Yes. You re the one Oaklynn keeps trying to set Foster up with, right?
Oh Lord. Guilty, I admitted, shrinking down with a cringe. I heard she s really harassing him about it, too. Immediately spinning toward Damien, I begged, You can get her to stop, though, right?
He snickered and shook his head. I don t stop her from shit. I just sit back and enjoy the view.
Ugh. He was one of those boyfriends. The kind who pampered and adored and spoiled his girl like crazy, never telling her no and always doing his damndest to get her whatever she wanted. God. Now I was even more jealous of Oaklynn than I d already been. The lucky bitch.
Aw, let Oaklynn have her fun, Hudson suggested with a dismissive wave of his hand. She ll wear Fos down in no time. Besides, I say he needs something just like you in his life.
I paused momentarily because I liked the last part of his message—it was a total honor to hear that someone like Foster might need little ol me . But the first part made me cringe because wearing a guy down definitely could not be the ideal way to attract him.
Right, I said slowly, because having him resent me is exactly how I want to start our acquaintance. That sounds super fun.
I took another drink to console myself while the guys laughed at my joke.
I see your point, Hudson admitted with a nod as he scratched his chin. We re just going to have to rig this so it looks as if you two met organically, then. Like tonight… Straightening, he glanced around the kitchen. Where is the asshole of honor, anyway?
He s still at Witt s party, Oaklynn grumbled as she joined us, immediately going to Damien and tucking herself under his arm. It s starting to piss me off, too. We threw this in honor of him . He should be here.
Want me to call him? Damien offered, dipping his face to run his nose through her hair, even as he pulled his phone from his pocket.
She patted his chest gratefully, but said, No. He said he d come, so he ll come.
Here, Hudson told her, lifting another cup of Heaven from the counter in offering. Let s drink while we wait.
Good idea. Oaklynn took the cup and began to guzzle. Halfway through, her eyebrows shot up and she met my gaze.
Amazing, isn t it? I said.
Mmm. She finally paused to wipe her mouth and send Hudson a dismayed glance. Holy shit, Ivey. I thought you were only a master at cooking.
He sniffed in insult. Darlin , I m the master of all .
Oaklynn laughed. Then, she and I drank together and threw ourselves into a conversation about the upcoming semester that would be starting in just four days.
Hudson s girlfriend, Faith, showed up not long after that, bummed because someone named Alec had beaten her at beer pong.
Oaklynn introduced us, and when I learned where Faith worked as a waitress, I had to rave about the food.
Oh my God, the onion petals at Calamity s are to die for.
Girl, you ain t capping, Faith agreed with a lift of her eyebrows. Their free leftovers are the main reason I still work there.
I laughed as Jaylani and her girlfriend, Scarlett, wandered up to get some alcohol. And from there, the five of us gossiped together until I drank enough of Hudson s mix that I was really feeling it—in my head and my bladder.
Bathroom? I asked, turning toward who I thought was Oaklynn but ended up being Faith.
That way, she answered, pointing. Out the kitchen, up the steps, and first door on the right.
Right, I repeated, pointing. Thank you.
Sure thing. When I took my first step and wobbled, however, she caught my arm. You need some help?
Nope, I waved my hand, determined to walk by myself. All good. I got this.
Okay. But holler if you need anything.
Thanks. I sent her a thumbs-up, and somehow I wound my way out of the kitchen.