C'est La Vie

09. Alcohol

Ryder cuts the engine and climbs out of the car. He doesn’t bother opening my door, but then again, if he did, I would be rather afraid. I climb out awkwardly. Yup, this dress was definitely not a good idea.

               “Come on,” Ryder murmurs, gesturing to a huge mansion about two houses down. The mansion is ablaze with lights and even from here, I can see tons of people hanging around the driveway.

I sigh and follow him as he leads the way to his friend Tony’s place. “This is a house warming?” I ask uncertainly as I pass couples making out heavily and grinding against each other. Umm, wow! They’re outside on the driveway and they’re so far gone! There isn’t even any music on!

               “Well no. I just said it was a house warming. It’s more of a freedom party. His parents and kid sister are out of town and he has the mansion to himself,” Ryder explains, smiling easily.

I nod my head uncertainly but follow him anyway. What choice do I really have anyway? I have no idea how to get home from here, so I’m pretty much stuck till Ryder feels like sending me home.

               “Preston!” someone shouts eagerly from inside the house. In a moment, a tall blonde guy comes jogging out, grinning happily. He’s got the whole charming smile, really cute thing going on.

               “Told you I’d make it Tony,” Ryder murmurs easily, shrugging.

               “Well how was I supposed to know? You told me you had to baby sit a baby bird,” the guy, Tony, shoots back, holding out a can of beer for Ryder. He stares at me for a few moments trying to place me. Once he’s decided there’s no way in hell he invited me, he turns to Ryder quizzically. “Dude, is the chick with you?”

               “Oh yeah. I forgot. Tony, meet Faye Malcolm, my little brother’s best friend. Faye, this is my mate Antony Richards,” Ryder introduces, taking the beer.

               “Hi,” I squeak which causes Ryder to chuckle softly.

               “Might I know why you’re with your little brother’s best friend?” Tony asks, ignoring me as he gives Ryder a knowing look.

               “I was babysitting her at a high school party. I thought she would have more fun here. End of story,” Ryder murmurs, taking a swig from his can.

               “Yeah, you can tell she’s having fun from the way she looks frightened to be here,” Tony mutters sarcastically. “Faye, right?” he confirms.

I nod my head and he smiles reassuringly. “Why don’t you come in? I’ll introduce you to some of my peeps. I’m sure you’ll find someone you can hang around with,” he murmurs.

               “Ryder, if you’re gonna drink, how are we going to get back?” I ask quietly.

Ryder and Tony exchange a look before chuckling. “Ahh, so it’s her first time partying, huh?” Tony jokes teasingly.

I stare at the both of them confused before Tony shakes his head in amusement and gestures for me to follow him into the house. Ryder motions for me to follow him and I do with Ryder following me close behind.

               “Faye, dance with me,” Ryder calls over the throbbing bass. He basically shouts it out.

I shake my head, grinning at him. “Why not?” he asks, clearly surprised.

               “I don’t dance with man-whores,” I call back, shooting him a mock smirk.

He chuckles at that and wraps his arm around my waist leading me to the kitchen. The kitchen’s been turned into an impromptu bar which is being manned by two guys. Ryder greets both guys, conversing with them easily.