MONEY TREES, gossip girl [DISCONTINUED]

07

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CHAPTER SEVEN
IN LUST WE TRUST
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PARTIES are like an alternate universe.

Cristian Hernandez isn't bound to the tether that is his life when he's surrounded by people and blaring music. He can be a different person, or the same person, or a mix of both, and it wouldn't matter. It's not like it's real.

He knows it's a bad idea to throw himself back into parties, especially one his old dealers are likely to attend, but CJ's too stubborn to admit he's weak. In his mind, this party won't end where he started. After all, he has Obie now. And Marley.

"Hey!" The girl practically throws herself onto CJ, nearly squeezing the life out of him, "I didn't think you'd actually come!"

"How could I miss this?" CJ replies as he pulls away, sending a glance to the bystander, "Marley, this is Obie. Obie, Marley."

"Holy shit, really? I didn't think you'd come to something like this. No offense." Marley exclaims over the loud rap music.

"None taken," Obie says, "There's a first time for everything, right?"

"Does that go for fashion, too? I didn't think the prince of New York would wear CJ's clothes," CJ glowers at Marley, who innocently shrugs, "What? I recognize the Selena shirt."

Cristian casts a glance at Obie, and he starts to realize Marley is right. His friend is dressed like him. Obie's wearing an music shirt of his, as well as his black zip-up hoodie, so he wouldn't look out of place.

Obie leans over, speaking into CJ's ear to keep the conversation more private, "I'm going to find the bathroom."

"You're not going anywhere, Obes. Public Enemy is playing," CJ laughs, putting his arm around Obie's shoulders to keep him in place, "No backing out, okay? At least until it's been an hour, then we can consider it."

Obie's eyes scan the apartment filled with rowdy teens and he sighs, "Okay."

"There we go!" CJ beams, "Now let's at least pretend we're enjoying ourselves."

Obie rolls his eyes, but he still lets CJ lead him. CJ and Marley, already in their element, easily shift into dancing together to the best of "Public Enemy No.1." Among his old peers, a lot more of them give CJ quick hellos and waves than he predicted, a girl he doesn't recognize even bombards him with a kiss. He hates to admit Marley was right, but she was right. They did want to see him, reasoning be damned.