Page 239 of Lilah

I love him.

"When you get back we can order food," he places his hand on my stomach, "you're hungry now but what was the rule I told you?"

"First of all, I'm not even hungry right now, and second, the rule was don't eat anything at that party, no matter how good it looks or smells."

"Good. Be careful for the love of God. And you're coming home straight after, right?"

"Lord willing and the creek don't rise," I nod.

"I'll be waiting for you. Text me every ten minutes, I'm not fuckin' playing, you better blow up my phone. I love you," he bends, kissing me.

"I love you too. And you better be careful too. Watch for those headbutts," I smack his booty, turning to leave. He grips my wrist and pulls me back to him, kissing me once more.

"I love yoursexy, godlylittle self. Don't forget that's what you are," he smacks his hand down on my butt.

"You're such a male stripper. A Jesus-loving male stripper. Where am I going with this? You're going to make me some good money someday," I slap his butt too.

"Okay, I feel like you're trying to get me to keep talking, I'm going now you sneaky," I walk to where Abby is waiting for me.

~~~

"Bekah," Abby starts as I get in the car, "this is my friend, Azalea."

"Hi Azalea," Bekah says monotonously. I can't blame the poor girl, her boyfriend just broke up with her.

"Hi Bekah," I smile even though she can't see me.

We set out on the hour-long car ride. Bekah mostly just turns up the radio, not making room for much conversation.

I'd hate to be ridiculous and I know that it's Abby's car but their taste in music is nowhere near similar to mine.

I don't think I know a single word to any of their Ariana Grande songs. But I don't complain.

But when I get home though, I'm busting Grey's eardrums with Cherry Pie. And Def Leppard.

We finally pull up to a huge house. My heart falls to my stomach and my hands turn clammy upon seeing all the people here. Hundreds. People out in the large yard, people on the wrap around porch, there are people everywhere.

I'm starting to regret this just a bit. The girls get out of the car and I follow slowly, swallowing nervously.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Abby chuckles, coming up beside me.

"I'm just a little nervous," I admit, laughing sheepishly.

"Nice dress," Bekah flits her eyes over to me, her tone less than sincere. I look down at my feet.

"Bekah? What's wrong with you?" Abby scoffs, "just because you're dealing with your own shit doesn't mean you can take it out on her."

Bekah ignores the comment said by Abby and takes out a small-sized bottle of Fireball, chugging it.

I send a text to Grey.

'I didn't make it to the party. We're currently being held hostage at a gas station-whoop nevermind I've just been killed.'

Hardly any time passes before he responds.

'RIP'

Abby leads us to the front door and I admire the confidence she has. We walk past two guys who act as guards to the sides of the front door. I keep my eyes downcast.