Page 7 of Positively Pricked

For the third time, he slurred, "Everyone hates you. You know that, right?"

"Uh-huh. Now tell me something Idon'tknow."

"All right." The guy gave a drunken laugh. "You're an asshole."

"Sorry, try again."

The drunk paused. "What?"

"That, I already know." Zane's voice hardened. "Now tell me something I don't."

Another pause. "I've gotta pee."

I rolled my eyes. Fine. Whatever. There's a dozen bathrooms. Go find one.

The night was cold. Naomi was waiting. And Istillneeded to find the candles.

Stupidly, all I could think was, "I hope they like cold crab cakes."

Outside, I heard a quick zipping noise, followed by the distinct sound of –What the hell?– liquid splashing against the side of the van.

Oh, my God.Was the guy seriouslypeeingon the catering van? I gave a disgusted shudder.Talk about unsanitary.

Searching for a silver lining, I reminded myself that it could always be worse. At least, he hadn't said he had to poop. I made a face.Not yet, anyway.

When the splashing stopped, I said yet another silent prayer.Just go. And I don't mean number-two.

Sounding more sloppy than ever, the drunk mumbled, "Man, it goes right through ya, you know?"

Whether Zane knew or not, I had no idea, because a new voice sounded in the distance. It was a male voice, filled with hearty good cheer. "Hey,thereyou two are!"

From near the bumper, I heard a muttered curse. But from who? Zane? Or the drunk? I couldn’t be sure either way.

A moment later, the new voice, sounding much closer now, said, "So, what are you two young bucks up to?"

I gave another eye-roll.Young bucks. Seriously?

I wanted to scream in frustration. Outside, the crowd was growing, not shrinking, which meant that I was more trapped than ever.

Fearful of rocking the proverbial boat, I wasstillon all fours. My hands were freezing, and my thin pants were doing nothing to pad my knees from the cold metal of the van's floor.

When neither of the "young bucks" responded, the new guy said, "I hear you caused quite a ruckus."

The drunk mumbled, "So?"

"So, I called James. He's waiting with the car out front."

The drunk whined, "But I'm not ready to go."

The stranger gave a friendly chuckle. "Still full of piss and vinegar, huh?"

I gave another shudder.Nope. Not piss, anyway.I tried to think. Was the car-wash still open?Doubtful.It was, after all, nearly midnight – or later, for all I knew.

The new guy said, "Hey, uh, Teddy?"

"Huh?"

"Your, uh, fly's open."