Friends With Benefits

05. Party with a Pool

05. Party with a Pool:

MIKHAIEL CHUCKLED nervously as they entered the big gates of the mansion and walked up the driveway to the house. When they reached the house Mikhaiel read the family name inscribed on a big marble like tablet.

“The Holmes’ residence." he read off of it then spun his head round to face Alyx so fast that it almost cracked.

“Holmes? As in Jesse Holmes’ place?” he looked around then turned to Alyx as they entered through the front door. “This place belongs to Jesse Holmes.” He said as she pulled him into the kitchen and picked two red cups for them to drink from. “You realize that Holmes and I get along as well as The Joker and Batman. Which means – not at all. Our getting-along-ness is non-existent. I get along with zero number of people here, I'm not like you, Alyx. I can't fake a smile at Jesse Holmes.”

“Dramatic much, Boy Wonder?" She rolled her eyes. “And please don’t go around saying stuff like that, I don’t like Holmes at all, he’s an egocentric whoopee-cushion who thinks he’s God’s gift to the high school.” Alyx said casually. “But his girlfriend does know how to throw a hell of a party and I like being invited to them.”

“Does he know you use him for his girlfriend’s parties?” he asked as he followed her out into the backyard. “I just see a pool, booze and lots of unnecessary touching.” he said while looking around. “Is that what constitutes a good party?”

“Only once the music starts.” she nodded.

As if on cue, giant speakers interspersed at randomly chosen intervals of the party kicked to life playing Timber by Kesha and Pitbul. The bass had every one moving to the beat whether voluntarily or not.

“He’s really getting around.” Mikhaiel remarked.

“Who?” Alyx turned to him. He put his finger up in the air pointing upwards and her eyebrows furrowed. “God…?”

“No! Pitbul!” he said gesturing to the speaker a few feet from them, just as it started his solo of, "This biggity boy's a diggity dog."

“Why would you point upwards for Pitbul?” she asked, placing her hand on his hip.

“Because the music is in the air.” he said pointing his finger upwards and moving the hand in circles.

“You’re a literal weirdo.” she told him.

“I’m literal? You thought I was pointing at god, not even the sky!” he exclaimed.

“The sky isn't even a 'him'!" she argued.

They both looked at each other and started laughing. “We are having an argument over Pitbul and god!” she said, her words were broken as a laugh escaped her mid-sentence.

His grin widened and he hmm-d thoughtfully. “Those would be some real messed up commandments. Thou shalt use Vodka as the new water. Dali.”

Alyx only cracked up harder.

“Hey, Alyx! And....Who is this?” they heard a voice from behind Mikhaiel; Alyx’s gaze drifted over his shoulder.

“Melissa.” she said to the tall, slim brunette.

“Call me Melisandre.” she insisted. “Who is this?”

When Mikhaiel turned around she gasped, Jesse Holmes standing a step behind her almost spit out the drink he’d just sipped at. “As I recall Melisandre was a wicked witch who gave birth to a shadow monster that killed a gay dude. Interesting choice.” he spoke softly, his expression neutral, positive even. Anyone around would’ve mistaken what he was saying as some sort of compliment or even something flirty.