Nobody Likes Megan McGowen

30. Party at Greg's

When everybody was finally ready, the girls piled into Karen's car. They only wanted to take one, so Megan squished in the back with Jen, Stacey, and Tara. Danielle, of course, got the front seat.

"It's good to be tall." Danielle said, turning around and grinning at them.

"Yeah, shut up." Stacey mumbled.

"It's only a few minutes – you'll be fine." Karen told them over her shoulder.

They found a space to park at the end of the street. Megan was surprised at how many cars there were. How many people came to these things?

Megan was more than ready to get out of that cramped back seat, but Tara had a few last-minute reminders for everyone.

"Remember, don't leave with someone you don't know. If you get in trouble, call someone. And watch your alcohol."

"Wait, what?" That last part was news to Megan.

"If you lose track of your glass just get another one. And don't let Keith pour you anything." Tara told her, misinterpreting Megan's surprise.

"Yeah, ok." Megan nodded.

She wasn't sure how much she'd actually have to worry about that though. She and Jen had sneaked a few drinks out of their parents' liquor cabinets once or twice, but Megan never really cared for the taste.

"And nobody let Stacey text Heath." Tara added.

"Yes, mother." Stacey rolled her eyes.

"I'm serious. I see you texting him, I'm throwing your phone in the toilet. He's not ruining this – especially since he won't even be here tonight."

"Wait – he won't?" Megan broke in. "Why not?"

"It's across town from where he lives – he says it's too far." Stacey shrugged, like he'd told her so many times she didn't even care anymore.

"Everyone ready?" Tara asked. When no one else said anything, they piled out of the car.

As they walked towards the house, Megan found herself getting nervous. She could barely believe she was doing this, but it seemed way too late to back out now. So she tried to look her most mature – like she basically crashed parties all the time. She just really hoped Jake's magic held and they wouldn't throw her out for being a junior or something. Nervously, Megan knocked on the door. Well, here goes nothing, she thought.

"Yeah?" An older blond boy asked, cracking the door open.

Megan was pretty sure he went to their school last year; he was on the soccer team or something. But what was he doing here? Was this really a party that college kids were attending? Maybe Megan had made a mistake in coming here after all; suddenly she felt like she could be in over her head.

"Uh, hi." she said.

The guy's abruptness had caught her off guard. She took a timid step towards the door. She was pretty sure it was going to slam in her face, but part of her thought that if she was close enough, she could stop it in time.

Megan stood there for a second, trying to think of something to say. She knew her popularity worked on kids at her school, but she was pretty positive it wouldn't affect college guys.

"Hey, Rollin." Jen said, stepping up next to Megan.

"Hey, Jen." the guy said, giving a short nod.

Megan just stared. How did Jen know someone in college? It wasn't like she had any older brothers or sisters she could have met him through. But as Megan stood there trying to figure it out, the question was answered for her.