Rose Tinted Lenses

Chapter 7

Friday finally rolled around and Kendall could not have been more relieved. Her mother had left that morning to go to her condo in Cabo for the weekend. Knowing she wouldn't be coming home to a barrage of criticism had made Kendall feel so much lighter.

She finished her tutoring session with Daniel and they made for the school parking lot where Kai and Blake were already waiting. Blake with a girl. She was pretty with jet black hair slicked back into a flawless ponytail and perfect makeup. Kendall noted her caramel skin and hazel eyes.

Blake put his arms around the girl's neck in a hug. Kendall stared enviously, wondering if she'd ever have that.

"Why, hello nerds. How was your study date?" Kai said cheerfully, interrupting Kendall's thoughts.

Daniel rolled his eyes. "Shut up, Kai."

"Hey! Be nice or I won't bring my alcohol to your party later," Kai warned.

This sparked Kendall's interest and she looked up at Daniel. "You're throwing a party tonight?" she asked.

Daniel sighed.

Kai let out a chuckle. "You didn't invite her? After all she's doing for you?"

"Yeah, what's that about?" Kendall said as Daniel became increasingly uncomfortable under their accusing stares.

"I didn't think it was your kind of thing," Daniel said defensively.

"I party," Kendall said enthusiastically.

Daniel chuckled, there was a part of him that knew it would be a bad idea if he invited her. He was, however, smart enough to know he wasn't winning this one. He knew he would look like a complete asshole if he flat out refused to invite her.

"Ok, well then you can come," Daniel said, looking down at Kendall.

"Wow, try to contain your excitement," she said sarcastically.

Before Daniel could get another word out, Kendall walked off to her car.

"Maybe see you later," she said over her shoulder.

Daniel watched her leave for possibly a moment too long because when he looked back he saw Kai grinning at him like an idiot.

"You're crushing on your tutor?" the dark-haired girl asked bluntly.

"No Chris, I'm not," Daniel said agitatedly.

"You so are! Why else wouldn't you want her at your party?" Kai chimed in.

Daniel scoffs. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Every guy in school has a thing for her and most of those guys will be at your party. She will turn up in one of her sexy little outfits and the guys will be stumbling over their own two feet trying to get her attention. And you know this, so you didn't invite her," Kai said with conviction.

Daniel laughs humourlessly. "Yeah, okay man. Sure."

He couldn't understand why everyone kept accusing him of crushing on her. He was certain it couldn't be further from the truth.

Maybe half-certain.

***

Kendall gave herself one last glance in the mirror, admiring her outfit. She had straightened her dark hair so it looked extra-long as it cascaded down her back. She had spent an hour doing her makeup to perfection. She didn't wear a lot of makeup but she liked to take her time with it. She wore a tight black wrap mini skirt with a strapless black top with diamonds lining the neckline. She paired the look with some small pink kitten heels and silver jewellery.

Once she was satisfied with her appearance, she headed downstairs where Megan and Austin were waiting by the front door.

"Cute outfit, Kenny!" Megan said approvingly.

"Thanks, you too," Kendall replied, not even bothering to glance at what Megan was wearing.

Austin looked conflicted at what she was wearing. "Do you have to wear that?"

Kendall huffed. "What's wrong with it?"

"It looks great but there's just not much of it and I don't want to be fighting guys off of you all night," he said.

"Then don't," Kendall said confidently and sauntered out to the car before he could reply.

Austin was the designated driver for the evening, so they picked up Ethan and headed to Daniel's house.

The party was in full swing by the time they arrived. Music was thumping and lights were flashing through the windows. Kendall stopped for a moment to admire the property. It was a large suburban family home with a lot of character and warmth. Daniel's family clearly didn't struggle for money but they didn't flaunt it either.

The smell of alcohol, weed, and sweat reached her nose the moment she stepped inside. Red solo cups were scattered over every surface, couples were lip-locked wherever she turned, and people were stumbling out of the kitchen. She assumed she'd find the alcohol in there.

The kitchen was beautifully homely and her attention was immediately drawn to the sparkling light fixture hanging over the kitchen island that was covered in assortments of alcohol and other beverages.

Ethan came up behind her, dripping in excitement. "Let's do shots!"

Kendall was never one to say no to shots with her best friend. No matter how many times it ended with bad decisions and hangovers from the depths of hell.

Five vodka shots later and Ethan was already laughing like a crazy person. The alcohol hadn't hit Kendall yet but she was excited at the prospect of the elation and confidence she knew she'd feel when it eventually did.

At last, Daniel walked into the kitchen through the French doors that led to the patio. Kai was with him and she assumed they had been smoking or something.

Daniel was wearing a black long-sleeve button up shirt with the top few buttons undone, so his silver chain was on full display. He'd paired the shirt with simple dark-wash jeans. Kendall tried her hardest not to gawk. He looked amazing. And he was oozing confidence - as usual. He obviously knew exactly how good looking he was and that in itself made him even more irresistible.

Kai spotted Kendall and nudged Daniel who looked over at her. His confidence faltered momentarily as his eyes took her in from head to toe, pausing on her long tanned legs.

Kai beamed and walked over to give her a hug and tell her she looked gorgeous. This snapped Daniel out of his trance and he came and joined them.

"You made it," Daniel said casually as if he hadn't been undressing her with his eyes merely five seconds earlier.

Kendall nodded with a smile. "You just missed me doing shots, I told you I like to party."

Daniel chuckled. "Shame I missed that. How many have you had?"

"Five." Ethan came over and said giddily.

Daniel's expression hardened.

"Don't know how she's still so normal, I'm feeling it already," Ethan said, completely oblivious to Daniel's hostility towards him. Ethan looked down at Kendall. "Do you mind if I go mingle? Can I leave you here with your friends?"

Kendall smiled at his constant need to check in with her. "Of course, go have fun."

Ethan leaned down and gave her a peck on the cheek before heading into the living room. Kendall turned to face the two boys. Kai looked positively thrilled as he stared at Daniel, who looked positively furious.

Kai looked like an idea had struck him. He turned to Kendall. "Do you want to dance?" he asked politely.

Kendall began to feel the effects of the alcohol and suddenly dancing sounded like the best idea ever.

"Lead the way." He took her proffered hand and walked towards the living room and the makeshift dance floor. Over his shoulder, Kai saw Daniel send a warning glare.

Kai winked at him.