Homecoming

Chapter 8

Saturday night could not come fast enough. You felt like the week dragged on forever. You found your mind wandering during classes. You were more interested in formulating a plan for your not-so-top-secret mission. Obviously, that was way more important than college.

On Saturday night, you offered to be the designated driver. Your drinking incident from last girls' night out still lingered over you, so you thought it was best to be sober for a night, especially since Spencer was going to be there. The girls were grateful not to have to pay for an Uber. You got ready at your apartment, slipping on a burgundy bodycon dress with spaghetti straps. This new bar was supposed to be more "high-end," according to Derek, so you wanted to look your best.

You pulled up outside of Penelope and JJ's apartment where the three girls were waiting. They climbed into your car excitedly, already asking a million questions about the bar and the two new guys joining the group. You told them they would find all their answers once they got there, and you turned up the radio. As you drove to LA, the four of you sang along to the songs on the radio without any regard for volume, pitch, or tone.

After turning into the parking lot and swerving your car into a parking space, you checked your phone to see a text from Spencer saying he was inside already with Derek at a table closest to the stage. You texted back saying you arrived and were heading inside. The ladies climbed out of the car and headed toward the door.

Inside, the bar had a modern theme with dim blue and white lights and lots of glass shelving for the bottles. There were two bar counters, one on either side of the building, with a dance floor and stage in the back. A DJ was playing pop music. In the middle, there were round tables and black leather couches scattered around a few pool tables. You were glad you dressed up because calling this place sophisticated and high-end was an understatement.

You spotted Spencer and Derek sitting on a couch at a table in the back, just like he said. Derek was drinking a beer while Spencer drank whiskey.

"Hey! You made it! I'm Derek. It's nice to meet all you fine ladies," Derek said with a charming grin. Everyone made their introductions, and the four ladies sat down on the couches across from the two roommates.

Garcia nudged you and whispered in your ear, "You didn't tell me Derek was so yummy!" Garcia was practically drooling. You nudged her back with a smile.

"So, Derek," Garcia purred. "Y/N didn't tell me you were so handsome and delicious."

"Well, baby girl, how about you and I go over to the bar, and I'll buy you a drink?" he winked at her, and she giggled. They walked over to the bartender, leaving just the four of you.

"Wow, that was fast," Emily said with a chuckle.

"Kevin doesn't even stand a chance against him," JJ jested.

You all laughed as you watched Penelope and Derek flirt at the bar from afar. You could tell Penelope was laying it on thick, and Derek was loving it.

"So, you must be Y/N's studying partner we've been hearing about. She's right- you're very adorable." Emily directed her attention over to Spencer.

"Emily!" you blurted out.

"Oh, so you talk about me, too?" Spencer shot you a satisfying smirk.

You stuck your tongue out at him. "Don't flatter yourself too much."

"I'm taking the compliment, anyway," Spencer said with a shrug.

"Y/N also says you like magic. Can you show us anything?" JJ asked.