Page 35 of Vicious Little Snakes

“Iwish you were coming. Are you sure you won’t change your mind?”

I’m not looking as Donovan holds up the millionth outfit for me to vote on. I don’t know why she’s asking because she already knows the answer. She walks back inside her closet, bringing back three more outfits. She’s holding them up one at a time, and I shrug.

“Shouldn’t Kai be doing this? He loves clothes. I don’t care what you wear, Van. I’m only here because you said you had donuts.”

She texted me after practice asking me to come over. Told me she’d feed me snacks, but all I’ve gotten is air and irritation. I should’ve known something was up when Grey couldn’t “make it.” Fucker.

“Whoa there, dick. You’re so grumpy, Brookie. You need a night of fun…just saying.”

I’ll kill her. I’m not doing this again.

I glance up at Van, who’s got her bottom lip pushed out, pouting to add some pressure. This girl won’t quit. She’s been pestering me about Caroline’s damn birthday party since the beginning of the week, and now that it’s Friday, she’s going for broke.

“You’re killing me, smalls.” I groan, from where I’m seated on the edge of her bed. “Go ahead, give me your best pitch. You’re dying to. But after, you have to feed me, or I’ll start choosing all the shitty outfits.”

“Deal,” she squeals, adding, “There weren’t any bad outfits.”

I laugh, wrinkling my forehead, “Lies. There was some real shit in there.”

Her mouth drops open. “You’re the worst friend.”

“Whatever,” I laugh, “Speak now or forever hold your peace, pest.”

She tosses some sparkly green thing on a chair and jumps up on her bed. Crisscrossing her legs to look at me.

“Okay, listen.” She takes a deep breath like she’s preparing. “It’s not the same without you, Liam. And if I have to, I’ll stoop to peer pressure and call in the troops. I’m not above it. If it gets me what I want, then so be it. I’ve never pretended I wasn’t selfish.”

“Is that it?”

Her hand darts out to pinch me, but I put my own in her way to protect myself.

“No, that’s not it. That’s just my warning in case my speech doesn’t work. Now, shut up so I can give it to you.”

I pretend to lock my lips as she starts fidgeting with her bracelets. Sweeping her bangs from her eyes, she smacks her hands down onto her knees. “I have threeexcellentreasons why you have to come. And they’re debate proof. Are you ready?”

I open my mouth to say, “Then why the warning?” but she narrows her eyes, so I just motion with my hand as an invitation for her to begin. I lie back, tucking an arm behind my head.

“Okay. Number one—” she starts.

I chuckle at the way she says it, like she’s giving me a presentation.

“Stop laughing at me,” she snaps playfully, so I give her a thumbs-up.

“Number one. I’ll have nobody to dance with.”

“You have Grey,” I counter, staring up at the ceiling.

She shoves my leg. “No talking. And we aren’t supposed to be a thing, remember? Also, don’t you remember our junior cotillion classes?”

The memory of eleven-year-old Grey stepping all over her feet makes a brief appearance, making me laugh.

I lift my head. “Your second part is solid, but as to the first—Grey made sure the party is camera free. Good luck even going to the bathroom alone.”

She giggles as my head falls back again.

“Okay. True. But that doesn’t solve my dance partner issue. You’re my best friend. You can’t let me die out there. And never tell him this—you’re a better dancer.”

“Straight facts. He may have a small amount of rhythm, but I have an enviable amount of swagger. It’s hard to be the better one, Van. It’s a real cross to bear.”