Page 61 of My So-Called Perfect Life

“We weren’t missing Trivia Night.” Amelia sidles up next to us. “I’m Amelia. It’s nice to officially meet you.”

I roll my eyes. “You’ve met before.”

“Not officially.”

“You were here last weekend, talking to him,” I remind her.

“Last weekend, we were in badass mode.” She waves me off. “No names were exchanged.”

Ryan takes it all in stride, laughing as he takes Amelia’s extended hand. “Ryan. Nice to meet you officially, Amelia.” He turns toward Mercy next and offers his hand. “And you are?”

Mercy eyes his hand and then grins. “Mercy.”

“So good to see you again, Mercy.”

Ryan grabs some barstools lined along the wall and places them at the end of the bar.

“Did you do that just so Dani would be close to you?” Amelia asks.

Why is she always so embarrassing?

“God, why did I bring you two?” I mumble to myself under my breath.

Mercy takes it upon herself to answer my question as she sits in the middle stool. “So we could win Trivia Night.”

Ryan shakes his head with a laugh. “I have a feeling this is going to be a very interesting night. Just please, no vomit.”

My cheeks heat and then full-on blaze when Mercy adds, “And the STD exchange already took place this morning, so we’re good on that front.”

“Oh Lord,” I groan.

“There’re still some left to exchange,” Ryan adds with his smooth grin.

“God, help me,” I groan again.

“Here,” Roxy says as she saunters over with a glass in her hand. “Jack and ginger should help. I’ve got your back tonight, girl.” She winks and walks away.

* * *

“Brian, Nick, AJ, Howie, and Kevin.”

“That is correct!” the host announces. “One point for Team Trouble.”

We all high-five just as Ryan makes his way back down the bar.

“I knew that name would fit you girls well.”

Ryan suggested that we name our trivia team “Team Trouble” since every time we come in, there’s always trouble.

He quirks an eyebrow. “Although, I’ve never seen someone answer a question with that much gusto. You really like the Backstreet Boys, huh?”

Amelia and Mercy giggle like drunk schoolgirls.

“Dani loves her boy bands, and I mean, looooves.” Amelia confirms.

“You’ve got some competition with them,” Mercy adds but tilts and then shakes her head. “Actually, probably not. You look like you could be in a boy band. Or maybe have a solo album. You’re more like a Bieber or that guy from One Direction with the hair. What’s his name? Zack? No, Zane. Yeah, you could totally play the bad-boy role well.”

Ryan looks at me, and his eyes sparkle with mischief. “Hmm … some tight jeans, a leather jacket, and some lip-syncing could be in the future if you play your cards right, Dani Girl.”