I Was Made For Loving You

As my shift comes to an end, Shauna texts me to let me know that her and Spencer are already at Brendon's place and want to know if I'm coming. I choose not to as I still haven't decided what I'm doing. I weigh up my options, go home and endure another drunken fight with my mom, find solace with the strangers on the strip, or go to Brendons party.  I think it's about time I let loose and have some fun. So I text her back, telling her I'll be there in 20 minutes. Removing my apron, I made my way  towards the staff room, and I quickly changed outfits and headed out.
"Goodnight Evie, I'll see you on Monday evening." I shout with a wave.
"Ahh, I see you took my advice to go to the party." She smiles."Have a great time, remember if you can't be good, be careful.." she winks, laughing.
"Sure, whatever, Evie." I reply.

Getting out of my car, I can hear the noise coming from the party. Brendon's currently renting an apartment in a converted warehouse. It's made up of 4 separate apartments, with a communal garden space in the middle of the 4 apartments, with each apartment having their own private roof area. The main door to the building is open, so I let myself in. There are people milling around in the garden area, which looks so pretty, all decked out in shrubs, flower pots with fairy lights everywhere.

I head towards Brendons' apartment. The party was already in full swing, a buzz of activity and energy filling the room. It was your typical high school shindig, complete with music, drinks, and an eclectic mix of people from school.  Brendons band is setting up in the corner, looking relaxed and ready to play.

My eyes, however, are immediately drawn to Brendon, who exudes a laid-back charm, his brown hair flopping perfectly across his forehead, and those chocolate brown eyes shimmering with a mischievous glint. He catches me, looking at him and shoots me a cheeky grin, his dimples on full display. I feel my heart skip a beat; it wasn't the first time Brendon has affected me this way.

I spy Shauna by the makeshift bar, pouring herself a drink.
"Carlyn, over here!" she calls, waving me over. "I've got just the thing to get this party started for you!"
I squeeze through the crowd, and she hands me a red cup filled with something that smells strongly of vodka and cranberry. I take a sip, feeling the alcohol burn my throat. "Woah, you weren't kidding!" I exclaimed, raising my eyebrows at her. Tonight, I decide, is a night to let loose.

Brendon catches my eye from across the room. He gives me another cheeky grin, and I raise my cup to him, a silent challenge. He laughs, turning back to his bandmates. I know he wants to talk to me. To make up for ditching me for some groupies last night. But I'm not ready to make it easy for him.

Spencer makes his way to the bar to collect some drinks for the guys before they start playing.
"Hey, Carlyn. You look nice," he says, taking their drinks from Shauna, planting a kiss on her lips before making his way back to the makeshift stage.
"Woah!! What have I missed when I've been working?" I tease Shauna, whose face now looks a lovely shade of red.
"Well..." she whispers. "Spencer and I have kinda made out already."
"I'm so happy for you, Shauni." I say using my pet name for her.  "Seriously, it's about time you had fun.  You and Spencer look cute together."
"Thanks, Carly. Who knows, maybe you and Mr Rockstar will finally get your shit together and actually "get together."
"Don't hold your breath, babe." I laugh.

The band starts playing, an acoustic set that was surprisingly good. Brendon's voice fills the room, smooth and full of emotion. I find myself swaying to the music, the alcohol making me feel lighter. Shauna and I sing along, laughing and dancing. The room is filled with warmth, and  it has nothing to do with the heat outside.

As Shauna and I are fetching more drinks  from the makeshift bar, Brendon's voice suddenly rings through the room.
"This next song will be our last one tonight. I would like to dedicate it to someone special, someone who just happens to be here tonight. You know who you are. I just want to say I'm sorry for last night and I hope you can give me another chance...."
Shauna is staring right at me, as are all the guys on the stage.
"I told you, he really, really likes you." She whisper/shouts.
"Yeah?? Well, he has a funny way of showing it." I reply. 
"Carlyn!! Will you just give him a chance. He just dedicated the next song to you. That's so cute." She muses.
"Well, I suppose it depends on what the next song actually is." I reply dismissively.