Fireworks 1 and 2

Chapter Twenty-Five

    The party lasted long into the night. As time passed, Mia began to feel more comfortable. Prior to arriving to YOLO estate, she hadn't known what to expect from her experience here. Upon arrival, with Drake being approached by a random woman alluding to a tryst they'd had, Mia hadn't gotten the best of impressions. But as afternoon winded down into evening, Mia relaxed and began to really enjoy herself. It was hard not to with OB's antics, Chubbs's perfect sarcastic one-liners, or Ryan hilariously keeping everyone in check.

    Everything was on point. The music played set a light-hearted, carefree vibe. The swimming pool was perfection; Mia and Bri stayed in it so long, their skin started to prune. The food Ryan prepared was excellent. "I'm giving the chef the night off, yo!" he shouted into the night air, throwing his head back.

    When they weren't swimming, or eating, or drinking, or joking around, they were dancing, talking, or listening to one of Hush's many anecdotes about the mistakes women make in relationships.

    The vibes were positive, the liquor flowed, and everyone was having a good time. It especially warmed Mia's heart that Bri was enjoying herself, in light of her recent concerns about being a mother.

    Mia reclined on one of the patio chairs with one knee raised and an arm balanced on top of it, while holding a mixed drink in her free hand. She was already beginning to feel a buzz.

    "Do you know how unfair it is that you can get tipsy and I can't?" Bri muttered from the chair next to her, frowning down at her stomach.

    "You barely even drink," Mia said, giggling. "You hate alcohol."

    "But I liked at least having the choice," Bri whined, folding her arms across her chest and pouting.

    "This is my last drink, I promise," Mia said, taking another sip.

    Bri rolled her eyes. "You said that about four drinks ago."

    Mia giggled in response and lay her head back against the chair, staring up at the sky.

    "Enjoying yourselves?"

    Mia turned her head. "I'm enjoying myself very much, Aubrey," she replied.

    He'd put his tank top back on. His curls were still damp, glistening with droplets of water. He kneeled between Mia and Bri's lounge chairs.

    "Ay, man, we need you over here!" OB shouted over to him from near the grill. "Beer pong!"

    "Start without me!" Drake called over his shoulder. He turned to Bri. "And you? Are you having a good time?"

    She nodded. "Thank you for inviting us."

    He grinned. "Thank you for coming."

    "I...am starting to feel kind of tired, though," Bri said. "Is it okay if I go back to my room?"

    "Bri, no," Mia said, screwing her face into a pout and reaching out towards her friend. "It's early still. It's... it's..."

    "It's time for Bri to get to bed," Bri finished smoothly. "You party animals can stay and keep the party alive, but I'm about to pass out."

    "There would be nothing wrong with going to your room," Drake said, answering Bri's earlier question.

    Bri gave him a look. "I'm just making sure. You guys are holding our cell phones hostage. I didn't want to be shot on sight if I was seen tiptoeing around the house by myself."

    Drake laughed and stood up. "Security isn't quite that tight here, but I'll show you to your room so you don't get lost or shot on sight." He looked down at Mia. "I'll be back in a bit."