In the glittering world of Westbridge, where mansions line the streets and family legacies are worth their weight in gold, five childhood best friends-Lisa, Theo, Gabe, Gen, and Sam-have grown up in the shadow of privilege, bound by a friendship as...
The party at Bennett's had finally wound down, the music fading into a distant hum as the last of the guests stumbled out. Lisa leaned against the side of the house, her head spinning, the warmth from the alcohol mixing with the cool night air in a way that made her stomach churn. She felt sick—really sick—not just the usual "too much fun" feeling; this was worse. It hit her hard.
Gabe, Theo, and Sam were still standing nearby, talking quietly, their faces lit by the golden glow of the porch light. Haley was long gone, passed out somewhere in Bennett's house. Lisa hadn't even seen Sam until the party had nearly cleared out. He'd been doing his usual thing—hovering on the edges, taking pictures, avoiding the chaos.
She groaned, pressing her hand to her stomach. The alcohol was not sitting well. "I think I'm going to be sick."
"You look like you're about to pass out," Gabe said, turning toward her, concern flickering across his face. He hadn't had much to drink, and neither had Theo. They'd kept it under control, but Lisa? Lisa had definitely overdone it.
Theo took a step toward her, looking around for Haley, who was nowhere to be seen. "Let's get you home."
"We should call a car," Sam said, quietly emerging from the shadows like he always did. "There's no way we're walking anywhere tonight."
Theo nodded, already pulling out his phone to call a driver. "I'll take care of it. Sam, can you help me find Haley?"
Sam didn't hesitate, slipping back inside the house to retrieve Haley from wherever she'd collapsed. Theo followed close behind.
Lisa groaned again, this time louder. "I can't believe I drank that much."
Gabe smirked, though the worry was still there in his eyes. "You were on a mission, St. Clair. You out-drank half the guys at the party."
"That's not something to be proud of," Lisa muttered, her voice barely a whisper. Her hand gripped the porch railing like her life depended on it. Her whole body felt weak, like her bones had been replaced with jelly, and her stomach turned again, a warning she didn't want to think about.
"Hey," Gabe said softly, stepping closer and wrapping his arm around her shoulders. "I've got you. Let's get you home."
━━ ✦ ✧ ✦ ━━
The drive to Haley's was a blur for Lisa. Theo and Sam had somehow managed to carry Haley out of Bennett's house, her limp body supported between them as they half-dragged, half-walked her to the waiting car. She'd barely stirred, too far gone to notice the world around her.
Gabe slid into the backseat with Lisa, his arm still wrapped firmly around her waist, keeping her upright as the car started moving. The dim lights of the city flickered past the windows, but Lisa's eyes were closed, her breathing shallow as she tried to focus on not being sick.
"I feel horrible," Lisa mumbled, her voice shaky.
"I know," Gabe said gently, his thumb rubbing small circles on her arm. "Just breathe. We're almost there."
The car ride felt endless, the silence in the backseat punctuated only by the soft sounds of Sam and Theo talking quietly in the front. Haley was completely passed out, her head resting on Theo's shoulder, her body slumped awkwardly in her seat.
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