Fresco

Closer

Companion Song: Dreams by Fleetwood Mac

Rose

"I'm backkkk!"

Cass swings the dorm room door open.

"Good morning slut." I say, still wrapped up in my comfy gray blanket.

Cass has spent a couple nights at Patrick's this week. I'm really happy for her, it seems like she's slowed down with some of the other boys and gotten really focused on him.

"What did you do last night?" she asks

"Just homework, then Piper, Jen, and I went to a volunteering club meeting. Pretty quiet Friday to be honest."

"Well I'm glad that you got your rest in-"

She seems like she's holding back.

"because we are SO going to Amore tonight." Cass says as she lets a smile creep across her face.

The memories of the first weekend at Amore creep back into my head. I'm not sure if I can handle watching a real fight again. God forbid Vinnie is there, I won't be able to focus on having fun.

"Ooh, Cass I don't know about Amore tonight. The line is so long, the drinks are so expensive, and who even knows if my fake will work again this weekend." I say, trying to list out any excuse to go somewhere else.

"I'm glad you mentioned those things. First, we have an in on the guest list and we are officially skipping the line tonight. Second, we were invited to a booth and they have bottle girls passing out shots on someone else's dime. Finally, I have it on good authority that we will get in, no problem. Ta daaa!!" she says looking proud of herself

"I am hearing a lot of 'we' here. How did 'we' get these connections, if I wasn't even there?"

"It's nothing really, one of Patrick's friends has connections at Amore and extended the offer to us." she says

"Which friend?"

My eyes widen with anticipation. I'm hoping she doesn't mean Vinnie.

"Just his roommate, why?"

Cass raises a brow, almost like she can read all of my thoughts.

"Nothing, just curious."

I exhale a sigh of relief. I can't tell her about Vinnie because I can't stand him. She wouldn't get it, she would have just played his game. I'm not like that. I want my first experience to be with someone who cares about me, who loves every part of me, mentally and physically.

A few hours later, Cass pulls a handle of vodka out of her backpack with a cheshire cat smile.

"Are you ready to get fucked up?" she asks

"Jesus, Cass. Where the fuck did you even get that?"

The size of this bottle is actually ridiculous. It is genuinely bigger than her head.

"Patrick bought it for me, he turned 21 a couple months ago and I'm fully taking advantage of the age difference."

We knock back a couple shots and start getting ready. Piper and Jen come in and sit on our beds to chat before we leave.

"So, is your bed gonna be empty tonight?" Piper asks, looking over at me menacingly.

"And if you do come home with someone, you have to bring him to our room first. We gotta make sure he's truly worthy." Jen laughs.

"I don't think tonight is the night ladies, but if it is, I will be sure to have you vet him first." I smile

We take a couple more shots, say goodbye to Piper and Jen, and head out to our Uber.

When we arrive at Amore, Cass walks right up to the bouncer, whispers something in his ear, and he moves the velvet rope over.

"See, told ya." she winks.

When we walk in, the music is loud and the vibe is energetic.

"Come on, I see Patrick"

"What's up ladies!" Patrick says, arms outstretched

Cass leans into a hug with him. Her blonde curls poke through his arms as he embraces her. I've never seen her actually show this much affection with a boy, maybe this is really the start of something.

We head into the booth and I see a gleaming bottle of dark rum. This is definitely a booth booked by men because I never drink dark liquor. Regardless, I pour myself an overflowing shot and knock it back.

As soon as I swallow my drink, I feel the booth sink next to me and an all too familiar Italian voice whispers in my ear.

"It's good to see you, freshman."