Lover Dearest

Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

The atmosphere at the bonfire was energetic and fun. It charged my dull mood and I let a bright smile spread across my face as I spotted Megan.

"Hey Meggie! How's your party going?" If it weren't for the tiki torches lined along a path that led to the lake I wouldn't have been able to see her face. She was glowing.

"It's so awesome! Please tell me you didn't get me a present or anything, tonight's just about fun."

"Your present is saved for tomorrow at the family get together or whatever your mom is letting you have. I can't believe you pulled this off without her knowing. Priceless." We both took a seat on the warm grass and watched as a bunch of guys joked around and jumped on each other making them fall on the ground. Dallas and Jason had reluctantly left to find their friends when I practically shoved them away from me. Devin had already seen me come with two guys who were his best friends basically, so their job was done for the night.

"I know right?! Jason! Will you grab me and Kristen two beers please?" I didn't realize it, but Jason was standing behind us beside the cooler. He handed Megan two bottles of beer and eyed me suspiciously as I popped the lid off one and gulped down a large sip, awaiting the buzz that would encircle me soon.

"Don't worry, babysitter. I won't get too drunk, I promise!" I used a tone that made him laugh a little and he walked away after saying something about finding Devin.

"Why did you invite Devin anyway? It's not like you hang out with him or have anything in common except me. Well, had anything in common." Being positive was going to be a hell of a lot harder with that elephant hanging over me all night.

"I want you guys to get back together!" Here we go again.

"Megan! I love being single! I can party and get drunk and not care about the consequences. I can go do whatever I want and I don't have anyone to report back to. That's what a relationship feels like. You feel restricted, like you can't breathe. Sure, I'll miss him. But it is what it is. It's done and over and there's no going back, and I don't want to."

"Good to know where we stand. I guess I'll leave you alone, then."

Unaware to me, Devin had been standing where Jason had been standing less than a minute earlier. Behind me, he walked off in an angry stomp.

My mouth hung open in shock and guilt. I wanted to go after him, but what would I say? Sorry I like the single life more than our entire relationship? Sure, I was torn up about it, but that didn't mean the whole world had to know that. And he broke up with me! Why am I the one feeling guilty?

I downed half the beer in ten seconds, wanting the buzz to make me forget about it all. The bitter liquid didn't burn, but it left a sour taste in my mouth and I burped and almost felt like I was going to puke, but the feeling passed.

"Megan, did you know he was standing there that whole time?" She couldn't have, her back was to the cooler as well.

"No, I swear to God Kristen I didn't."

"Okay, well, let's go party it up! I don't want drama ruining our fun!" I stood up and ran to the water. What the hell. The night was ruined for me, but why shouldn't I have fun? I shucked off all my clothes and earned a low whistle from Dallas, who was seated on a lawn chair nursing a beer.

"Keep dressing like that, you'll make me actually regret something." His words didn't even register in my mind. I grabbed his drink and took a long swig.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I do believe that lake is calling my name." Hey, what can I say, I was feeling pretty ballsy.

"And you're calling mine." The breath caught in my throat as he took his shirt off and walked up to me. I thought he was going to kiss me.