Guys Like You

Chapter Three

The next week went by rather quickly, and I was really starting to enjoy my job. I had the night off, and Chloe had talked me into going to some birthday bash for her friend. I had thrown on some shorts, a black strapless halter top, and my favorite pair of white chucks, and was now sitting in the living room waiting on Chloe to finish up.

"Two more minutes!" Chloe shouted from her room.

I roll my eyes and laugh, "You said that ten minutes ago."

Forty-five minutes later, we pull up to the party. Cars are lined up and down the street.

Chloe grins, "Ready?"

"To get drunk? Abso-fucking-lutely." I smile. I needed this. I've been wound up so tight lately.

We make our way through the door and head straight for the kitchen.

"CHLOE! Stoked you made it!" Says a tall, good looking guy. "Who's your friend?" He asks turning his attention to me.

Chloe beams, "This is my best friend Rylee. She just moved here from Oak Hills. Rylee, this is the birthday boy, Tyler!"

"Hi Rylee, It's a pleasure to meet you." He says holding his hand out with a bright smile.

I smile back, placing my hand into his. "Nice to meet you as well Tyler, and happy birthday."

"Thanks! Let me get y'all some drinks" He walks over to the counter, which is filled with a variety of liquor bottles. "Vodka or Tequila?" He asks holding up two bottles.

"What kind of a question is that Ty?" Chloe asks with a questioning smile.

"Right... that's my bad" He laughs, "Tequila Sunrise for you. What about you miss Rylee?"

"Do you have beer?" I ask.

He gives me a questioning look, "What kind of party doesn't have beer?" He laughs, "Remind me never to go to an Oak Hills party. They sound horrible"

I let out a small laugh. I was ashamed to admit that I couldn't even remember the last time I'd actually been to a party. I used to be one for social gatherings and going out, but after Adam and I moved in together it slowly stopped. Him and I both worked a lot, and when we did have free time, he wanted us to spend it together at home. Anytime I'd bring up going out and doing something, his response would be somewhere along the lines of "We have each other, isn't that enough?" or "Why do you always want to go out? Are you not happy just being here with me?" He'd always make me feel guilty, and eventually I quit asking him. It got to the point where my friends no longer asked me to join them, and I just let it go. Of course it bothered me at first, but after awhile I got used to it. It became normal, and for some odd reason I believed that 'normal' and 'happy' were the same thing. I needed a damn dictionary.

"Ty! We need to do some birthday shots!" Shouts Chloe excitedly, breaking me away from my thoughts.

Tyler brings over three shots of Tequila, along with some salt and lime wedges, and we cheers before shooting them back. I close my eyes and embrace the burn as it slides down my throat. I don't wait for the warmth to reach my stomach before I smile and suggest we do another.

The party was going well, Chloe had gone around introducing me to everyone, and they had all seemed super nice. Although, that could've just been the alcohol. It didn't surprise me that Chloe knew so many people, it had always been that way, even back in school.

"Eli!" Tyler shouts with his arms up. "It's about damn time!"

My head shoots up mid swallow and I nearly choke on my beer when I see Eli walking in with some tall blonde clinging to his side. "Lovely" I say quietly to myself. As if he hears me, his eyes find mine. I quickly look away before I'm able to see his reaction. I down what's left of my beer, and excuse myself to the bathroom. I have no idea why in the world I'm reacting like this. I wasn't even sure what this was that I was feeling. Jealousy? No way. I mean, I just met the guy a few weeks ago. Sure he's hot as hell — Okay, scratch that — more like mouthwatering perfection, but I don't even know him. Besides, he's obviously with someone. I decide to blame it on the alcohol, shake it off, and head back out towards the party.