Following My Sister's Rules

Chapter 8

"Yo, Max!  You made it!"  I hear Steve holler at me as soon as I walk through the front door at Melissa's party.  He makes his way across the room to see me, with some young girl following close behind him.  "Awesome game tonight, dude.  You were legendary, as usual."

I grinned.  "Thanks, man.  Did you guys play today too?"

"Yeah, this afternoon against La Brea.  It was close but we managed to pull it off in overtime."

"That's awesome."  I told him sincerely.  Steve was a nice guy, and we have had a great time goofing off in Spanish the past two weeks.  He had a quick wit and a hilarious sense of humor that was always so perfectly timed.  This year could be awesome with him around.  "Hey, have you seen Audrey by any chance?"

"Yeah, she's in the kitchen with Melissa and Bianca."  He told me.  "Looking hella fine tonight too."  He wiggled his eyebrows at me.

I have him a chuckle before slapping my hand down on his shoulder.  "Well, in that case, I had better get in there before some other guy snatches her up, huh?"  I joked.

"Like that would ever happen."  He joked back.  "You guys are pretty much the quintessential teenage couple.  Football captain and head cheerleader?  It's practically a movie."

"We'll see."  I grinned.  "Have a good time, man, I'll see you around."

He turned his attention back to the girl who had followed him as I made my way to the kitchen.  Sure enough, Audrey was standing there talking to Melissa.  Bianca was nowhere to be seen, but Brett was.  I took in Audrey's outfit before I was spotted, and I was not disappointed.  Her toned body was wrapped up in a red dress that showed a perfect amount of skin, and there was a black belt that pulled together in a small bow at her waist that made her look like a delectable little Christmas present.  A present I was hoping to unwrap later tonight.

Brett leaned in and whispered something in her ear, and I grinned as she turned a bright shade of red.  Even her blush was gorgeous.  I loved that they were getting along.  With all that was going on with Jimmy, I knew I could rely on Aaron and Brett to back me up.  Jimmy would come around eventually, but for now, we were so strained.  I hated it, but I would just have to deal with it until he came to his senses and broke up with Andrea.  If I have to walk on eggshells for a while, so be it, if it meant keeping my friends happy.  I know he'd do the same for me.

Finally, I stopped being a creep and made my way up to my friends.  I wrapped my arms around Aud from behind and nuzzled her neck.  "Hey gorgeous."  I muttered against her skin, enjoying the shiver that went through her as I planted a small kiss at the point where her collar bone met that perfect neck.  "You look amazing tonight."  I told her.

"Thanks."  She breathed out, and I stood as she turned to face me and wrapped her arms around my neck.  "Where have you been? I've been looking for you."

"Dinner with my family."  I told her.  "It's a tradition.  Next time, you'll just have to come with."  I beamed at her.

"What about me?"  Brett interrupted.

"What about you?"  I asked, shifting my attention from Audrey's sweet face to my friend.

"Do I look gorgeous too?"  He asked, fluttering his eyes at me.

"Oh, god."  Melissa grunted.  "I'm grabbing a drink.  You want one, Max?"  I nodded before turning my attention back to Audrey.

"Seriously.  Max.  Don't I look gorgeous too?"  Brett continued, winking at Audrey as he teased me.

I rolled my eyes.  "Yes, Brett.  You look absolutely gorgeous.  I have never seen you look more attractive."

"Aww, shucks! At least buy a guy a drink first."  He teased.  "I gotta get some air, I'll see you guys in a few."