Page 68 of Kiss Collector

In that moment I want to cry, because Sierra and Meeka are being nicer than my own friends.

“I love you guys,” I say thickly.

“Oh my God, you’re so drunk.” Sierra laughs, rubbing my arm. “What the hell happened with you and Lin?”

“Nothing.” My eyes well up, and I take another drink.

“No more.” Meeka takes my cup and flings it into the sink where it spills out.

I stare at it, morbidly fascinated by the red splatter dripping.

“Are you about to puke?” Sierra asks.

It’s hard to lift my head. “I need to sit.”

“Take her outside,” Sierra tells Meeka, and she complies.

We sit on the steps and I close my eyes as I lean my head on the splintery rail... so heavy. I flop over onto the cozy wood.

“You can’t lie here,” Meeka says. “People need to get by.”

I feel her tugging at me, but I can’t get up. It’s the perfect place to lie.

...

...

“Damn, what happened?” Kwami? I try and fail to open my eyes.

“What does it look like, dumbass?” Meeka snaps.

...

...

...

“What are you doing?” Meeka.

Something touches my butt, but I can’t move. I’m so heavy.

“I’m getting her phone to call her mom.” Monica?

“Noo,” I moan.“Lee me lone...”

Monica’s voice sounds far away. Who is she talking to?

“We need to get her out front.” Lin. “Sweetie, can you walk?”

I laugh, a slurred sound.

“I’ll carry her.” Dean!

“No, I got her.” Joel... my neck kisser. I feel myself heaved and lifted, and I’m surrounded by his cologne.

“Youlefffme,” I murmur into his neck.

“You wanted to chase after Big Boy.”