Clique Bait - Ann Valett Page 0,46

have either been for show or simply a friendly gesture. I couldn’t tell which. Nearby, I could see Francis whispering in Lola’s ear.

“But congratulations,” I continued. “You played really well.”

“Wow, a compliment from Chloe Whittaker?” he asked in mock surprise.

“Don’t get used to it,” I said, smiling despite my words.

“Wouldn’t dare it. Anyway, we better shower. We’ll see you girls back at Maddy’s, right?”

“I think that’s the plan.”

He slapped the shoulders of the others before the three of them headed toward the showers. I turned to look for Maddy, who had been beside me moments ago, but she was already talking to number two from Richmond Prep.

It was almost dark when we piled into the chauffeured car taking us to the Danton house.

It was already crawling with caterers and cleaners when we arrived. Maddy’s house was classic, giving off a rustic feel with its wooden panels and antique decor.

Maddy welcomed us into her home by retrieving two bottles of expensive wine and passing them to her guests. She laughed, tossing her curly black hair over one shoulder before finding a third on the shelf, pulling the cork and downing two large gulps.

Sophie rolled her eyes. “Such a show-off, Maddy.”

After we’d each toasted to Arlington’s win—despite the actual players having not even arrived—the girls went into Maddy’s home makeup studio.

It was incredibly glamorous, lights framing the edge of each mirror and exquisite marble counters lining the walls. I stood in the threshold, watching as the girls laughed and placed themselves onto the stools surrounding the room.

“Come on, Chloe, sit,” Maddy said enthusiastically, patting the seat beside her. I smiled and obeyed, swiveling on the seat and catching a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror.

“Shots,” Maddy ordered to a caterer as they passed the wide entrance of the room. “An entire tray, one of every spirit you can find.”

“Hey, Chloe,” Lola said, her gaze eating me up. “Can you handle your liquor?”

I laughed nervously as the other girls gave enthusiastic grins, their attention locked on me. “Of course.”

“Are you proposing a game?” Sophie asked, her interest piqued.

“We may as will kill time while we wait for the others.” Lola’s narrow eyes glazed over us, her attention landing on Maddy. “Equilibrium.”

“Sounds fun,” Maddy said, her smirk pulling to the side, dimpling her cheek. “In fact, perfect with a newbie.”

I tried to convey enthusiasm as I tried to figure out what she meant.

“Right,” Sophie said, her expression so full of glee I could only describe it as wicked. “I’ll explain the rules.”

I shifted in my seat, wondering how I could participate and still maintain control over the party.

“Equilibrium,” she began, “is a game we designed ourselves. To get everybody on the same level.”

I held my breath as she allowed for a dramatic pause. Level One wants us on the same level? Ironic. The caterer returned with a large tray of shots, their colors ranging from clear liquid to a minty green.

“It’s a reversal of Never Have I Ever. The less experienced players get drunker. The innocent girls catch up to the”—her eyes landed on me—“not so innocent.”

“Everybody is equal,” Lola finished. “In equilibrium.”

We moved our stools to a circle, the shots in the middle. My mind was already trying to calculate ahead of time. I needed to earn their approval, but I was also aware this game was specifically designed to target me. To embarrass me and remove my inhibitions.

“Right, I’ll start,” Sophie said with a smug smile. “Something simple. Sex.”

I looked around with burning cheeks as each girl in the circle raised their pointer fingers to their lips, as if they’d never speak of their escapade.

I considered faking it, to blend in. But I had a feeling they’d question it, and without the support of William—the only one in Level One I could control—I felt my confidence to lie compromised.

Reluctantly, I reached forward to grab a shot. It was slightly brown. Maybe tequila. I gulped it, keeping my eyes closed as the fire trailed down my throat.

“Oh my God, seriously, Chloe?”

“A virgin?”

“Leave her alone,” Lola’s voice came, its tone tinged with amusement. “No shaming, right, girls?”

I ignored the embarrassment, trying to raise my jaw with confidence. “Next.”

“My turn,” Maddy said. “Hmm . . . Cheating.”

I noted Lola’s guarded expression holding Maddy’s for a fraction of a second. Then her finger came to her lips, and Maddy did the same.

Sophie and I drank, again the burn enough to bring tears behind my eyes.

Lola didn’t hesitate, her gaze still locked with Maddy’s. “Screwing two