Page 53 of Switch!

We’re grinning at each other as we trade insults. I don’t know why we do it. Somehow it’s fun. I squeeze the helmet on and climb onto the bike behind Eddie. I’m not left with much room. I can either cling to him or grip the edges of the seat and hold on for dear life. I do a little of both during the trip, depending on how fast he takes the corners.

I’m relieved when the bike finally slows again. We’re in the northern-most part of the city. The houses here are huge and built on hills to overlook the waters of Commencement Bay. The address we’ve pulled up to has cars spilling out the driveway, a steady rumble of music coming from inside.

“She’s rich,” Eddie says as he pulls off his helmet. He’s grinning like he’s already standing at the altar and about to become part of the family.

“What’s my backstory?” I ask. “Have we seen any action while on duty? Hey! Can I be a pilot?”

“Maybe it’s best if you leave the talking to me.”

No problem. I’m a little nervous. The only parties I’ve been to are the kind for small children, and I doubt we’ll be playing pin the tail on the donkey here. I’m not sure what to expect, aside from what I’ve seen in films. When we go inside, the house isn’t nearly as packed as in those movies. No one is standing on their head while chugging from a keg. The vibe is much more chill. Pot smoke hangs in the air, and most people have a drink in hand, although I notice more wine and cocktails than beer.

Eddie leads me through the living room to the girl whose photo I saw. She’s even prettier in person. When Eddie introduces us, I snap to attention and salute, just to mess with him, but her eyes light up. She definitely has a thing for military men. I try to be a good wingman, although it becomes clear that Eddie doesn’t need my help. He’s got all the right lines, judging from how much she giggles, and how soon she snuggles up against him.

I’m introduced to her friends and feel uncomfortable when they become flirtatious. I keep conversation neutral while slowly sipping a beer. Eddie disappears at one point, but I’m glad, because it means I don’t have to keep up appearances. I excuse myself and find a quiet corner where I can watch the revelry. Is this what I was missing out on? I used to have fantasies about getting invited to parties and meeting interested girls, but it all pales in comparison to Sarah. I’d much rather be with her. I pull out my phone to let her know that she’s on my mind.

Me:Everything sucks when you’re not around. I’m addicted to you. I might need rehab.

Sarah:You’ll get your fix tomorrow. What’s the party like?

Rather than describe it to her, I send photos, taking the most awkward shots of drunk people that I can. When she asks for a tour of the house, I video call her and walk around. I catch sight of myself in a mirror while doing this and realize just how pathetic I must appear. Like someone who is so socially awkward that they need to hide in a corner with their phone. What else can I do? She’s all I can think about.

“Have fun,” Sarah says at the end of the tour. “I’m going to bed early so I’m ready for your birthday.”

“Okay.” I hesitate, resisting the urge to tell her how I feel. I’ve never said that to anyone before. Not romantically. This will be another first for me, and I want the circumstances to be special. My birthday would be perfect, but to be honest, it feels like someone else’s instead of mine. Because it is. “I can’t wait until tomorrow. What if I come over tonight instead?”

Sarah smiles. “I’m tired, lover boy, but I’ll text you once I’m up and showered. You can swing by then. How does that sound?”

“Incredible. Sweet dreams, Sarah.” I’m grinning like an idiot after hanging up. I wander back to the kitchen and grab a flute of champagne to celebrate how lucky I am. I’m only halfway through it when I feel a hand on my shoulder.

When I turn around, I find Eddie cowering behind me.

“See that guy?” he asks. “Over there. In the living room.”

I look in that direction and see a dozen people who fit the description. “Which one?”

“The giant!”

Ah. That narrows it down. The man is tall like a basketball player. Judging from the sleeveless jersey and his long muscular arms, that’s exactly what he is. He’s definitely older than we are. College age at least. Popular too, judging by the circle of friends around him. Big man on campus. Or maybe on the basketball court.

“Are you a fan or something?” I ask.

“No. That’s her boyfriend.”

I shake my head, not understanding. “Who?”

“Who do you think?”

The girl Eddie has been putting the moves on all night.

“Are you serious? Did you know about this?”

“Of course!” Eddie hisses. “Girls like her are never single. Come on! You’ve gotta sneak me out of here! He already caught me texting her. And uh, seen some photos I sent.”

Right on cue, the basketball player starts scoping out the room, as if looking for someone. Considering how he towers over the crowd, it won’t take him long to notice us.

“Aw shit,” Eddie groans. “What are we gonna do?”

Now I’m glad I spent so much of the party touring the house. “This way,” I say, leading him toward a side entrance I noticed previously. It exits onto a deck and wooden stairs that lead down to the yard. We’re heading toward it by passing through the dining room when a voice booms behind us.