— Wren —
👸🏼 J-Beezy: U done with work yet??
👸🏼 J-Beezy: what coffee shop is even open this late?
👸🏼 J-Beezy: did u get kidnapped?
"Wow, Miss Popular, your phone is blowing up," Pete, my manager, observed with a gentle laugh. I replied with an apologetic smile.
"My friends are throwing a small going-away party tonight," I explained casually.
"Who's leaving?" inquired Patrick, a coworker, genuinely curious as he wiped down the countertops in our little coffee shop.
"My boyfriend," I replied, which prompted an intrigued raise of Patrick's eyebrow.
"He's in a band. They're starting their tour tomorrow," I clarified, lazily sweeping the floor.
"That's a big deal," Pete chuckled softly. "You don't seem too phased."
I shrugged, offering a sad smile. I was happy for them, but it was hard to imagine coping with my boyfriend's departure after just a little over a month together.
"It's something I'll have to deal with, I suppose."
"You know, I was in a band once," Patrick reminisced. Pete rolled his eyes.
"You should head out now if you want to spend time with him before he leaves," Pete suggested, taking the broom from my hands.
"Are you sure? I can stay longer if you need-"
"We've got it covered. Go have fun."
I hugged him quickly, grabbed my keys, and practically dashed out the door, yelling a swift "thanks, Pete!" over my shoulder.
***
The blaring music filled the neighborhood as I turned onto the street Jenna had directed me to. It was a mystery how they managed this without the cops showing up, but I was delighted to see Tyler and Josh had such strong support.
Upon entering, a slightly tipsy Jenna immediately greeted me, her blonde hair swaying as she threw an arm around my shoulder while holding a plastic red cup aloft.
"The other girlfriend has arrived!" she exclaimed, causing the other party guests to raise their cups and cheer. We both burst into laughter, and Jenna pulled me into a warm hug.
"Where's Josh?" I shouted over the music.
Jenna pointed towards the dining room and then disappeared to refill her cup. I navigated my way through the crowd, which wasn't easy as a petite 5'2 girl surrounded by towering men.
I eventually reached the dining room, where Josh and Tyler were engrossed in a game of beer pong.
"Your girl's here, Joshie!" announced the tall, lanky player at the other end of the table, drawing everyone's attention. Josh spun around, eyes wide, and lifted me off my feet, spinning me around. I squealed and hugged his neck as he repeatedly expressed how much he missed me.
"Unbelievable!" Tyler groaned as the opposing team scored while Josh was distracted. "That wasn't fair! I need a new teammate! Brendon, come here." A taller guy with dark, slicked-back hair and a slightly prominent forehead finished his drink before replacing Josh on Tyler's team.
Josh laughed, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.
"Hello, beautiful," he slurred slightly.
"Already drunk?" I giggled.
"Definitely. But you're still beautiful." He pressed a soft kiss to my lips, and I felt my heart melt. Since I started working and Josh began preparing for the tour, we hadn't had much time together. While a quiet night in would have been nice, I was thrilled to be with my boyfriend again.
"Drink up, bitches!" Jenna shouted as she handed us each a red cup. Josh and I exchanged glances before shrugging and accepting the drinks.
I didn't quite reach the level of drunkenness that Josh and Jenna were at, but I didn't mind, especially since everyone had been partying for a couple of hours before my arrival.
"Wren!"
I recognized Tyler's voice instantly.
"Tyler!" I called back, giving him a quick hug. He laughed heartily as we pulled away. "What's so funny?" I asked, furrowing my brows.
"You seem different. Less... Wednesday Addams."
I rolled my eyes at his comparison but couldn't help but laugh too. I raised my cup defensively, and he nodded, understanding that my change in mood was due to the buzz.
"She's not always so scary," Josh chimed in with a crinkly-eyed smile.
"Josh, I heard Debby is here," Tyler's tone grew more serious.
I glanced up at Josh, who nodded and took a long sip from his cup. I tried to ignore the increasing awkwardness in the room.
Josh cleared his throat suddenly and announced he was getting another drink.
"What was that about?" I asked.
"You don't know who Debby is?"
I shook my head, feeling just as puzzled as Tyler looked. I wanted to mention that I had seen their texts the other day, but I knew it would invade Josh's privacy, and Tyler might think I'm crazy.
"She's Josh's ex," Tyler sighed.
My breath caught in my throat when Tyler revealed this. I couldn't tell if it was jealousy or just empathy for Josh. It was clear he was uncomfortable with Debby's presence.
"What are you thinking?" Tyler asked softly.
"I'm not nearly drunk enough to deal with this," I replied honestly. Tyler laughed and handed me an untouched drink.
"Go ahead," he encouraged. "It's your night."
I would've argued that it was more about him and Josh, but I bit my tongue and downed more than a few drinks.
