Swimming in Stars | Byron Langley

sixteen

"Okay, Caspar is bringing sodas." Joe said.

"Josh, Jack and Conor are bringing alcohol." Byron said.

I walked into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from my eyes.

"Mikey is bringing a ton of snacks." Joe said.

"Tell someone to bring me sushi." I said and slid on to a stool next to Byron.

"Good afternoon sleeping beauty." Joe smiled.

"What are you guys doing?" I asked.

"Caspar and Josh wanted to have an influencer party, so we're having it here." Joe replied.

"Well can you get someone to bring me sushi?" I asked.

"Why don't you ask Conor?" Byron scoffed.

"Because he broke things off with me last night," I said, "I want sushi."

"I'll get Oli to bring you sushi." Joe said.

"Why did he break things off with you?" Byron asked.

"It just wasn't working for him I guess." I shrugged, totally lying.

"Right, well we're going to pick up some stuff from the store, do you need anything?" Joe asked.

"If you pick up some cake batter or brownie batter, I can make some for the party."

"Alright," Joe nodded, "Let me get my jacket and we'll go Byron."

He walked out as Byron turned to me.

"I'm sorry that you and Conor broke up or whatever."

"I don't really care." I said. "It's like I told you, there wasn't really a connection."

"Right," He nodded.

I looked at him, "is your connection girl coming tonight?"

"Maybe," He shrugged.

I smiled as Joe walked back out.

"We'll be back soon." Joe said as Byron stood.

They walked out of the flat as I looked out the large windows. I let out a sigh as I stood up.

"Shit." I said, realizing that in less than a few hours...this place was going to be filled with people I didn't know.

--------------------------------------------------

"Okay ow," I whined as some drunk stepped on my foot.

I pushed them out of my way and made it into the living room. I saw Jack sitting on the couch so I walked over and placed myself next to him.

"Hey, there she is." He smiled. "Why such a frumpy face?"

"My foot has been stepped on at least eight times." I said. "And I went to get a piece of one of the cakes that I made and all these slumps ate them."

"That's why you have to be faster." He smiled and put his arm around me.

He took a big drink of the beer in his hand and leaned towards me.

"Truth be told, I'm using this as an excuse to get drunk." He said into my ear.

I could smell the reeking alcohol from his breath. I pushed him away.

"You smell like a drunk." I said.

"You have no idea." He giggled and took another drink.

I shook my head and stood up. I pushed through some more people to get back to the kitchen. I pulled the fridge open and saw that my left over sushi was now gone too.