“I’ll let that go,” she grumbles and slides her arm into mine. We head outside and the night air is warm, and humid, which will likely make a mess of my new hair. Since Landon’s house is just a few blocks away, we walk over. Peyton has a car, but no sense in bringing it, especially if she’s drinking. I could always drive. I plan to stay sober, as I have apologies to make. As we approach the house, music blares from the open windows. It’s a good thing most of the houses in the area are rented by college students. No family would put up with the football team’s antics. Cars are parked all over the place, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the cops get called. Then again, the police give a lot of leeway to the players, as long as no one is underage or drinking and driving.
“Excited?”
“I’m the laughingstock of the football team, Peyton, and I’m here to apologize. I’d hardly call what I’m feeling excited.” My steps slow. “I know you come to these things all the time, but I don’t know, maybe it’s not the right place for me to apologize. The guys are probably all drunk by now.”
She grabs my arm. “You need to get it done and over with tonight. The longer you wait, the worse it will be. Trust me, and I promise, if you’re not comfortable, we leave. Girl code. I promise. Also, you’ll need a safe word.”
I stiffen. “A safe word.” I falter. “Why the hell would I need a safe word?”
“It’s what friends do, that’s all. If you’re going to go off with a guy—”
I hold my hand up. “Not going to happen.”
“Let’s just say the planets all align or something and you find yourself with a guy. Technically the upstairs bedrooms are off limits, but that’s never stopped anyone before. So if you go to a bedroom with someone, and I can’t find you, I’ll worry. Just shoot me one word to let me know you’re okay.”
“What word?”
She frowns and glances around, then a slow grin spreads across her face. “Hmm, how about torpedo.”
“You’re not very funny.”
“Torpedo it is, and if you’re uncomfortable and need to leave, send another word.”
I fold my arms. “Can’t wait to hear this one.” Just then some jock with spiky red hair sticking out from a ball cap comes stumbling out of the door, and stops on the steps and stares at me. “Okay, I think I’ve had too much. I’m seeing double.” He leans over the railing and proceeds to throw up into the bushes.
“Lovely.”
“That’s Jonny, star catcher on Kingston’s baseball team. His nickname is Red, obviously from his hair. Just ignore him. How about…” She taps her chin, like some guy isn’t puking right beside us. For two girls who are best friends, we sure see the world differently. Then again, this is her scene, not mine. “What is something you say a lot, so no guy would notice?”
“None of these guys know me as it is.”
She crinkles her nose, and I’m not even sure she heard me. “You’re a film student, so if you said action, it might just go right over their heads.”
“Or they could take it that I’m looking for action.”
“Well, that’s true. All right, what do you suggest?”
“I don’t know.” I consider it for a moment. “My God, is it always this hard?”
“That’s what she said,” Peyton blurts out and starts laughing hysterically.
My lip quivers at the corner and as much as I don’t want to laugh, I do. “You’re your own biggest fan, aren’t you?” I shake my head. “Okay fine, if we’re going to be immature about this let’s make it V-Card. That way if I say it, you’ll know I’m protecting mine.”
“Deal. V-Card it is.”
“Who has a V-Card?” Jonny asks as he wipes his mouth and turns our way.
Ignoring him, Peyton grabs my hand and hauls me inside, and within minutes, red Solo cups are being thrust into our hands. I grip mine and search the room, my gaze scanning over the scantily dressed girls, the couples with their tongues down each other’s throats, and the boys doing keg stands. The second my eyes land on Landon, my heart jumps into my throat, and while I might not know a lot about these kinds of parties there is one thing I know for sure.
This was a big freaking mistake.
4
Landon
I can’t stay mad at her. Hell, I want to, but seeing