Drinks 'n Dares

An Affair to Forget

Chapter Thirteen – An Affair to Forget

Claire's POV

"Oh my goodness." Kira mumbled. "I feel so old."

"Tell me about it." I muttered.

It was the night of Conner's brother's post-graduation party and Carla, Kira, Harvey, Jon, Crag (Kira's date) and I were all dressed up and ready to go. However, we hadn't gotten past the front entrance yet. That was for the simple reason that the scene before us was stunningly similar to the American frat parties I'd seen on TV. Loud music thumped from inside making my teeth ache. Scantily clad people who looked barely older than teenagers were running around, chasing each other, dancing, drinking and having the occasional brawl. Guys and gals spilled out of the two-story house in front of us and struggled to get back in through the crush. And it wasn't just the noise or the over-whelming stench of alcohol, we were definitely over-dressed. The post-graduate students were dressed to a varying degree of scandal. There was also someone dressed in a chicken suit. Kira, Carla and I were all wearing what had seemed like casual party dresses at the time. Now they felt suffocatingly posh. And it wasn't much better for the boys. Both Harvey and Jon were wearing smart jeans and casual dress shirts. Craig was wearing some tight-fitting skinny jeans a t-shirt and vest.

The majority of the young inebriated men running around weren't wearing shirts at all. As the weather was still hot, even in the evening I supposed they had a good excuse. I didn't think that was what they'd been thinking of though.

"Are you sure we have the right address?" Jon asked. I could tell he was already regretting letting me talk him into this. Even Harvey looked a little uncomfortable.

"I'm sure." Announced a glum looking Carla. She'd been the most excited for this party and she was obviously disappointed.

"Well, we might as well go inside." Kira said sympathetically. "It might not be as bad in there."

Kira was wrong. It was worse, much, much worse. Inside the heavy crush of people was almost as overpowering as the strong smell of beer. Jon and Harvey tried valiantly to protect us ladies from being battered by the crowd but to no effect. Craig however looked very excited by our surroundings.

He glanced at Kira. "Do you mind if I…?"

She waved a resigned hand at the party. "Go for it."

He scampered off into the mess like an over-excited schoolboy. That left the five of us standing there awkwardly, and wondering what the heck we were supposed to do. Dance? The gyrating and bouncing that was going on didn't look much like dancing to me. But maybe I was just showing my age. Just another reminder that I was closer to thirty now than twenty. I was already getting the feeling that the best part of the party was over. And by that I meant the getting ready part. Us girls had met up over at Kira's and gotten dolled up to the sound of Shania Twain's 'That Don't Impress Me Much.' A much different sound from the electro-beats that were filling the room currently. Then Conner appeared, disturbing me from my thoughts. He looked vaguely embarrassed I noticed with interest. But his eyes were on Carla.

"Hey Conner, nice party." She commented dryly. I noticed her shift closer to Harvey. There was a note of challenge in her voice.

"Yeah…" he cringed. He scratched the back of his neck. "I'm sorry it's so…"

"Raunchy?" Harvey offered gleefully. His discomfort seemed to ease slightly at the sight of his rival's embarrassment. Conner frowned at him.

"Well yes. I guess my brother and I had different ideas of what his party would be like."

"Clearly." Kira murmured. Conner looked at her but she just smiled demurely.

"But if you'd like to come upstairs I've arranged a, er,quieter area for the guests I invited."