Bared Souls - Ellie Wade Page 0,20

Anyway, I just got a text from the girls, and there’s another party tonight.” She presses her lips together and smiles, her big green eyes opening wide.

I simply grunt in disapproval.

“Come on. Last time wasn’t that bad. Tonight, you’ll know even more people, and it will be a little easier. You have all weekend to do your homework, though I’m pretty sure it’s all done anyway.”

“You know it’s not my scene,” I reply.

“What do you mean? You did great last time. Plus, it’s no one’s scene until it is.”

“I don’t feel like drinking,” I say.

“Then, don’t drink, and I promise to drink less so that I’m not a total downer tomorrow.”

I sigh, “Okay, fine.”

“What?” Quinn laughs. “That was easy. I thought you’d put up more of a fight.”

“I just figured you’d win anyway, so I should save my energy for tonight.” I grin.

“Good call. I would win anyway.” Quinn giggles. “All right. Now, to decide what we’re going to wear!”

It’s true that Quinn can talk anyone into anything. She’s extremely persuasive. It’s part of her charm. Though I can’t pretend like a certain sulky hottie didn’t weigh on my decision. It’d probably be best if I didn’t run into him tonight, but I’m hoping I do.

“Do you think this is what every weekend will be like?” I ask Quinn as we approach the large frat house.

We’re seriously entering the same scene as last weekend. Clusters of people are congregated on the lawn, drinking. There are some smaller groups on the porch, smoking. A bunch of guys stand before us, cheering raucously. Couples are scattered throughout, making out. It feels identical to last week.

“I don’t know. I bet less people will be outside once winter comes,” she adds.

“Ooh, what a change. Can’t wait,” I kid.

“You’re feisty today.” She chuckles.

“I feel feisty. Maybe I will have a couple of drinks.”

“That’s the spirit!” Quinn approves.

I let Quinn talk me into wearing one of her short black tube dresses while she opted for a hot-pink pleather one. The black dress is stretchy and clings to every curve. Quinn says we look hot, but it feels strange. Especially now that guys on the lawn are checking us out as we walk by.

We head to the kitchen first for drinks and then to the game room, where the group of people we hung out with last week are sitting around, minus one. Leo’s nowhere to be found, and I can’t pretend I’m not bummed. I wanted to see him. As stupid as that makes me, I wanted to. The extra bit of makeup I wore, this dress, and my curled hair were in part for him. Pathetic, I know.

I actually put forth effort to get to know some of the people we’re hanging with. Since my roommate is a social butterfly, I either need to up my game and come out of my shell a bit or spend many weekend nights in our room, alone.

The conversation goes from college football to what bands are coming to Detroit this fall and who wants to go to what concert. There’s chatter about rush coming up, which is where all of the fraternities and sororities host potential recruits over a week of activities and decide which among the interested they deem acceptable to receive an invitation to join their group. Quinn and the girls rank the sororities in order of interest based on what they’ve heard about them so far. I use the time during this particular conversation to count my teeth with my tongue.

Gabby gets my attention. “What sororities are in your top three?” she asks me.

Tilting my head to the side, I answer, “You know, I don’t think sorority life is for me. I’m going to pass on that one.”

“No,” Gabby and Bethany groan in unison.

“Don’t worry,” Quinn says to them. “I’ll get her to change her mind.”

I laugh. “You’re persuasive, Quinn, but even you have your limits. You can tell me all about it though, and I’ll be there in spirit.” I tap her leg before turning to the guy on the other side of me. “Where’s the bathroom?” I ask him.

“The cleanest one is upstairs to the left. There is one by the kitchen, but I wouldn’t use that one if I were you.” He scrunches up his face.

“Okay.” I chuckle. “Thanks for looking out.”

I tell Quinn I’ll be right back and snake my way around the people dancing until I find the steps leading upstairs.

“On the left,” I repeat his directions to myself as