"Does this look good?" Violet poses in front of the mirror, then turns to me for my approval.
"Are you trying to impress Ethan?" I smirk. "Ugh, no. I just wanna look cute," she shrugs.
"Yeah, okay." I look down at my phone and see 5:47pm.
"We should get going," I say. "Did you text Adrianna?"
"Yeah, but she said she didn't wanna come," I shrug. "What's up with her never wanting to come to things?"
"I wouldn't know. I've only known her for a week, Violet."
"Okay, true," we both laugh.
———
Violet and Ethan sat next to each other. Ethan had his arms around her, and I could tell she loved it.
I sat on a different couch that faced the tv. We were in the basement waiting for Grayson, who was getting snacks.
My head pounded still and it wasn't getting better. I also felt really nauseous and felt an urge to vomit.
"Yo, Gray. What are we watching?" Ethan says as Grayson makes his way down the stairs.
"Uh, I don't care. Jersey Shore is on."
"I love that show!" Violet comments.
Grayson tosses a chip bag to Ethan, then falls onto the couch. We were about two feet apart, at most.
He opens up a bag of Doritos after turning on the tv.
"Want some?" He asks. "N-no, I'm good." Fuck, I really did want some.
I'm so insecure about eating around guys. I feel so loud and obnoxious when I chew.
I look over and see Violet and Ethan already making out. Now I'm uncomfortable. "Have you ever been to the shore?"
"No, I haven't even seen the whole city yet," I chuckle. "Oh, yeah. I forgot," he smiles.
"I wanna go there someday, though. It looks amazing," I say in admiration.
"I can take you," he casually says.
I giggle and shake my head. "No, for real. I haven't been there in a while. I swam naked there last time."
"And I should go with you, why?"
"Because why the hell not?" He smirks.
Violet and Ethan fall off the couch, making both of us look over at them. "Okay, seriously? Go upstairs or something."
"Okay," Ethan says and they both rush to the stairs. Grayson shakes his head in annoyance.
"How's your head?" He asks. "It's fine. Just have a headache, and that's about it." I didn't want to worry him.
"Grayson!" Ethan calls out. "What!" Grayson yells back. "Allison is here!"
"Oh," he says with his mouth full, "I forgot."
"Forgot what?" I ask as he stands up from the couch. "I invited my friend, Allison over."
"Oh."
She comes down the stairs, then suddenly I recognize that face. She was one of the three girls Grayson talks to every morning in algebra.
Otherwise, known as Scarlett's friend.
"Hey," he walks up to her and they hug. I ignore their conversation and tune into the tv show.
They sit down next to me, Grayson still at my left. "Chloe, this is Allison."
"Hi," I weakly smile. "Hey," she smiles back.
"We're watching jersey shore," he says. "I love this show," she leans back to get comfortable.
I felt completely out of place now, kinda like I've been shut out and forgotten. "He's hot," she points at the guy in the show, "he kinda looks like you."
"Wow, I'm flattered," he laughs.
The rest of the time I stayed pretty quiet and zoned out. The two of them were really playful and flirty.
I glare at them and see him put his left arm around her, then she leans into him.
"Well," I stand up, "I should get going."
"Already? It's only been a half hour."
"My mom texted me. She needs me home... so," I shrug, then head to the stairs and go up.
I grab my purse off the floor and pick up my shoes, then leave the house.
The concrete was warm and the night was quiet. "Chloe," I hear Grayson come out of the house.
"Yeah?" I turn around. "Is everything okay?" He asks. "Y-yes...? Why wouldn't it be?"
"Well, you were in such a rush."
"Sorry, I just... needed to get home," I lie. Part of me felt like he could see right through me.
I start walking towards the driveway, then I stop. I turn and sigh. "Violets my ride home," I say.
"I know," Grayson chuckles and nods, "I can drive you."
"No, it's fine. I can walk."
"No, it's dark out. Are you crazy?"
"Just a little," I shrug. He laughs and shakes his head. "You're insane. Just text me when you get home."
"I will," I say before I start to walk away.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" He calls out. "Maybe," I call back.
———
