scoring you ~ matisse thybulle

chapter 6

Lauren's POV

The living room buzzed with Alyssa's Spotify playlist as we unpacked the goodies from our Target haul. Jordan was in full-on mom mode karate chopping pillows and vacuuming the floors. Even if it was just the boys, Jordan didn't care. I couldn't help but chuckle at her dedication.

"Lauren, did we get any limes?!" Alyssa asked rummaging through the produce drawer in the fridge. 

"I don't know, it wasn't on the list," I mock cracking open the red pepper jelly for the charcuterie board. Alyssa shrugs and rolls her eyes at me and returns to the fridge. 

Grinning confidently, I held up the sack of limes. "Don't you worry babe, I wasn't going to let any list get between me and those mules" 

"Why, thank you" Alyssa smiled and grabbed the Titos from the bar cart. 

"Fall can't come sooner!" Jordan chimed in rushing over to give us a whiff of one of the many candles she bought. 

"I think you got enough candles to last us through to graduation" I laughed, setting out my beautiful assortment of cheeses, crackers, and spreads on the coffee table.

Moments later we could hear the boys' footsteps and voices approaching.

"Welcome in" Alyssa greeted swinging the door open and welcoming the boys with laughter and hugs. 

Brandon, such a sweetie, brought a bouquet of fresh flowers. "For the hosts" he started, acknowledging me and Jordan. "And my beautiful girl," he said presenting them to Alyssa who thanked him with an affectionate kiss. 

"Get a room!" Peter joked setting a six-pack of bud lights down on the island. "It always smells so good in here"

Demetri was the last to enter, holding a small gift bag. "A little something to celebrate your internship," he said with a genuine smile.

"Aw thank you," I said accepting the gift and hugging him "You really didn't have to" 

Just as everyone settled in around the living room Alyssa sprung up to her feet.

"Ladies and gentlemen, now for the moment you've been waiting for...my kick-ass Moscow mules!"

I couldn't help but burst into laughter as Alyssa picked up a shaker, putting on an exaggerated display. She filled it with ice, added vodka, and squeezed the limes, all while narrating each step as if she were on a cooking show.

"Next we shake," Alyssa capped the shaker, shaking it with dramatic flair shortly after she poured the mixture into our cute copper mugs.

"And now we top off with some ginger beer and garnish" Alyssa declared garnishing the drinks with lime wedges and sprigs of fresh mint.

"My little mixologist. Bravo!" Brandon applauded, laughing along with everyone as they handed out the mugs. 

"Thanks, everyone for watching" Alyssa curtsied playfully before finally dropping the charade and joining us back on the couch. 

"Cheers to making the last year the best one!" Jordan proposed raising her copper mug high. We all clinked our glasses and enjoyed our first sips of the bubbly drink.

"These are amazing" I complimented her, taking another sip.

"Absolutely," Peter chimed in.

"I learned everything from TikTok" she laughed.

As the evening progressed, we shared stories, jokes, and stories, relishing each other's company. The charcuterie board was quickly devoured and we moved on to playing We're Not Really Strangers out on the balcony.