I wasn't that much of a heavy drinker, but once in awhile, it felt nice to just not care and throw back a few drinks. Kayley always had alcohol in our apartment. Ever since she turned 21 a few months ago, she's felt like she has to. I don't mind, sometimes we have a few glasses of wine and watch chick flicks on the couch late at night while we laugh about absolutely nothing. Marcus picked us up at 9:00, just like he said. It takes about half an hour to get to Venice from downtown Los Angeles so I sat back in my seat and took in the view. He described that it was going to be a pretty big party. The party was on a part of the beach that one of his friend's owned. I wasn't good friends with Marcus but he was nice to hang around once in awhile. He always had new stories to tell. He's an artist and sometimes he goes to great extent to get inspiration for his paintings, even to the point of going to jail a few times. He had me laughing the whole way to the party; it got my mind off of things. When we arrived, it was already packed. Music was blaring and lights were flashing from the lights set up on the deck above the sand. It was amazing.
"Let's go get a drink!" Kayley said. We walked together over to a large table set up with drinks. A guy was behind it pouring them from various bottles and mixed things. I looked worried, I much rather would've have poured my own drink and not have one handed to me by a stranger. He must have saw my worried look because he smiled at me and started speaking.
"Don't worry, I'm a bartender, I won't do anything to your drink." He laughed. I laughed with him and took the drink he handed to me. Kayley and I walked back to the crowd. She saw a few people from UCLA and introduced me to them. There was always a part of me that was jealous of Kayley. Everyone she met loved her. She was the friendliest person I've ever met. While Kayley was talking, I was trying to listen but I wasn't in to the conversation that much. I looked around the party, taking everything in. I then spotted something, causing me to almost drop the cup in my hand.
"Kayley." I spoke up.
"What's up?" She asked.
"Sam is here. He's over there by the drink table." I told her and pointed. He didn't notice me yet but he's bound to when he turns around. Kayley took my elbow and we walked over and across the sand up to the deck. The doors to the house were open and we went inside. Even the house was crowded.
"I'm sorry. If I would've known he was coming we never would've came." She said.
"It's okay. It isn't your fault." I told her. We sat inside for awhile and talked to the people in there. I actually went up and introduced myself to some people which I never would have done sober. I could still walk and talk normally but a few drinks makes everyone a little out of their comfort zone. Kayley nudged my elbow as I was talking.
"There's a guy over there who keeps staring at you and smiling. He's cute, you should go talk to him. He's definitly your type." She smiled. I looked over and saw a tall guy. He looked my age. He was wearing black skinny jeans that were ripped at the knees, combat boots, a black Led Zepplin tank top and a red flannel with the sleeves cut off. His hair was a faded green. I laughed because Kayley was right, he was my type. And by the band t-shirt, he definitly had a good taste in music.
"I don't know if I want to talk to any guys tonight." I told her.
"You were talking to some earlier!" She stated.
"I know, but you were there and so were other people. It wasn't anything serious." I said.
"Rory, he's perfect for you and you know it. More perfect for you than Sam. Go talk to him." She demanded.
"Fine." I laughed. I looked down at my black skinny jeans, cutout black ankle boots and charcoal grey "Yeezus" tee-shirt. Did I look okay enough to talk to a hot guy? I mentally laughed at myself. This is ridiculous, I'll be fine. I looked back over at him and smiled when I saw he was already looking at me. Kayley nudged me from her spot beside me as she continued to talk to the people we were with. What's the worst that could happen? I walked over to him and stood beside him. He looked down at me and smiled.
"Hi." I smiled.
"Hey." He said cooly.
"I'm Rory." I told him.
"Michael. Michael Clifford."
