Page 30 of Play Fake

“Ok Debbie Downer and Pouty Petunia, do you know how many people would die to go to this party tonight? You’re taking your good fortune for granted, and I won’t have it.” She waves her hand dramatically, half trying not to laugh and half not being able to control it.

“My good fortune?” I ask doubtfully. “Good fortune for what? Watching people act like a drunken mess and sloppily hookup in dark corners.”

“Maybe less watch and more do?” Wren wiggles her eyebrows.

“Right,” I roll my eyes. “I’m definitely going to hook up with a football player”

“Or hockey player, don’t forget.” Olivia smiles.

“You ladies have fun with that.”

“Ben will be there. It is his house.” Olivia sips the last couple drops out of her glass.

“And Waylon,” Wren adds helpfully.

I had disclosed the almost-kiss to Wren in my desperation to figure out what the hell had happened, or almost happened there. Now, I deeply regretted giving her any more ammunition. I hoped Olivia didn’t read into that because she would be team Kenz and Waylon all the way if she had the chance.

“Both very good options.” Olivia nods, luckily without any sign she knows more than she should.

“What’s the saying again? Best way to get over someone old is to get under someone new? Perfect opportunity.”

I hate myself for admitting it, but it’s not a terrible idea. Erasing thoughts of Ezra for one evening would help, and maybe answering lingering questions about Waylon in the process. I mean, would it be terrible if we hooked up? He is the most non-committal, no relationship kind of guy I know, and he takes exactly zero things seriously. It would be the textbook definition of no strings attached. And I could stop thinking about him nearly naked. Stop thinking about what might have happened if we kissed the other night.

Two birds, one stone. Definitely not the worst idea my friends have ever had.

“She’s thinking about it.” Olivia smirks.

“She’s definitely thinking about it.” Wren gives me a devilish grin.

“Good. Now let’s get you guys dressed in something extra hot!” Olivia hops up and starts rifling through my closet.

* * *

Several more pre-gameshots later and the three of us are making our way down the street, happily warm and buzzing our way to the football players’ house. The whispers of fall are making their presence known in the color of the leaves, but this evening is still incredibly warm and the sun’s setting rays are making beautiful patterns on the sidewalk in front of us.

Olivia’s phone chirps, and a smile breaks out across her face.

“What is it?” Wren asks.

“Nothing,” she tucks the phone back in her pocket.

“Lies!” I shout.

“Is it Liam?”

“No,” Olivia frowns.

“Someone else? A football player? A hockey player?” I check her gently with my hip.

“Mayyybbee.”

“Ooh, this is gonna be good.”

“Can’t wait to see if he meets with Liam’s approval.” Wren hedges.

When we getin the doors, the music is so loud the entire house is thumping and bodies are already stacked wall to wall in every room visible from the entryway.

“Come on, let’s go put this in the fridge,” Olivia motions for us to follow her. We’ve brought our own drinks with us because while I trust most of the people here, I know there are far too many here tonight who we don’t.