It All Started With A Pen

I. Love. Tequila.

"Woah. This brings back high school memories," Casey says, and I nod. We are parked in front of a towering building-sans the fact that it's not tall. It just gives off New York City skyscraper vibes. The building has a large ΣΦΕ on it with indiscernible writing inscribed under it. You guessed it. A frat house. I groan, utter a thank you to the driver, and hop out of the back seat of the Uber, allowing Ava to squeeze out after me. We decided driving would not be smart because although Ava is usually our designated driver, she "wants to get drunk because thanksgiving is coming soon, I can't handle my family, especially when I'm not allowed to drink." I get her point. Ava's family is pretty anal about small things. And Casey was going to drive, but every time that happens, she claims to stay sober, and two beers in, she's already drunk off her feet.

Zara grabs my wrist and pulls me to the doorway of the house. I sigh through my nose. "Why did I let you drag me along?" I asked.

"Because you're Grover, and I'm Perzee! We're best friends."

I roll my eyes at her, but a grin breaks across my face. "First of all, it's Percy. And you're Grover. I'm obviously the lead." Zara hasn't even read the series, but I talk about it-along with all my other favorite books- so much that she can quote certain pages. Oops.

"Whatever. Imma go get my Annabelle!" she screams, spotting Bex.

"It's Annabeth!" I call, but she's already lost in the sea of drunk college students.

Ava giggles beside me and nudges me. "Maybe now's not the best time to show off your nerd tendencies," she whispers and points subtly to Adam, who's advancing towards where we are so gallantly cowering by the doorframe. I gulp and straighten my hair a bit.

Casey laughs and I frown back at her, noticing a red solo cup that has magically appeared in her hand. She shies away from me and drags Ava towards the keg stand by her wrist, leaving me alone. I am so going to kill them later.

My thoughts of sweet murder are interrupted by Adam approaching me and tapping me gently on the shoulder. "Hey," he says, and his voice sounds like melted butter. I would pour a gallon of that on my hypothetical popcorn if I could.

"Hi there," I respond, my voice shaking slightly. GET. IT. TOGETHER. ASHLEY. I clear my throat and smile up at him. He's wearing a grey flannel and dark blue jeans, and his honey brown hair, though buzzed at the sides, is flicked up slightly. Swoon.

He laughs. "I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"Me neither." I shrug and he grins again. Will I move past 2 word answers with this guy? I try again. "I mean, Bex invited Zara, and she kinda dragged us along, so..." I trail off awkwardly. It shouldn't be like this! I like him! We should have chemistry!

He nods understandingly. "I heard about that. They're pretty cute, aren't they?"

I grin, about to give him a multi-sentence response~progress~ when Dean hops up. And I mean literally.

He's bouncing along on the balls of his feet, still managing to fist bump his way through the crowd.

"'Sup dude." He slaps Adam on the back, speaking much too loud for being right next to him. Definitely tipsy.

Dean catches sight of me and I mentally curse him with a Harry Potter spell. Damn you for ruining my moment!

"Hey Princess," he says to me, and I freeze. What? My face heats up as I remember the reference.

"The funniest thing happened, man. So I was over at Ashley's, and-" He's cut off by me dragging him away, shooting Adam an apologetic smile. The roles are reversed.

"What do you think you're doing?" I hiss at him, my eyes narrowed so much they're almost closed.

He looks around, confused. "Do you not want me to tell Adam you have Princess Tiana on your bra?"

"No!" I slap him gently on the chest. "Of course not!"

He rubs his chest and pouts. "What was that for?"

I frown. His puppy eyes won't get me. "Stop embarrassing me!"

He leans closer to me and I freeze at his approaching proximity. His nose stops two inches from my collarbone. I shiver as it brushes slightly against my skin. Probably because it's cold, I tell myself.

"You smell good. Like... the stuff they sell at the fancy shmancy stores. What's it called. Room spray. From Pier 1." He inhales again and I find myself laughing. I gently push him away.

"And you smell like alcohol. Didn't take you for a Tequila kinda guy."

He brings his head up and looks me straight in the eye. They are the same color of an ocean-no, a swimming pool with clear water on a sunny day. The light seems to bend, tinting them with different shades of blue. I find myself paralyzed as he leans closer. His lips are an inch away from mine. What are you doing, Ashley? Move!! Adam could be watching. Still, I was frozen in place.

Suddenly, he turns his head so his cheek is brushing against mine.

"I. Love. Tequila," he announces before bouncing away, leaving me utterly dumbfounded.

***

What the heck, Dean. She has an imaginary boyfriend!!
Okay, so I lied. 3 parts! Next one coming soon! It's much more eventful! I just want to build up the suspension hahah