The Popularity Project

Chapter Thirty Six

Vivian's POV

"You want a drink?" Piper asks Perry and I the second we set into the house. Loud music, unfamiliar pop and rap music, the dance type. Not my style, not since I was into the party life. A time I wish not to relive, I have a suspicion that I may be an alcoholic. I believe my father was, and his father was and so on.

"Sure," I answer for Perry and I, I need a drink if I am to survive this night. Piper smiles, then leaves to retrieve two beers.

"I don't drink," Perry informs me, I only roll my eyes.

"Oh, grow a pear. You don't have to drink, but you also shouldn't be a bummer, they will kick you out." Perry purses his lips, and when Piper returns with our cups, he drinks his immediately, giving me a pointed look.

"Yum," he grimaces.

"It is wonderful," I muse, praise.

"Do you drink often?" He raises an eyebrow and cringes again when h takes a sip of his drink. What a baby.

"I did, now not so much. You had better not be one of those judge-y types, I am not ashamed and I will not be shamed by you," I snap.

"No, no." Perry holds up his hands in surrender. "I was only making conversation."

"C'mon love birds, we want to play a game!" Magnolia calls to Perry and I.

"Let's go have some inappropriate fun," I sigh.

Nearly an hour later, the entire group is no longer coherent they are so drunk. I am still standing, as is Perry. Piper has fallen asleep among the other lightweights. We played spin the bottle, which was a bore for me, I had to kiss two repulsive individuals. Perry kissed Faye, which I'm sure wasn't easy for either of them. I couldn't help but notice Faye taking more alcohol after the kiss. He also had to kiss Magnolia, and me. Actually, Perry's taking his turn now, and if the bottle lands on me, we will have our seven minutes in heaven. Good lord, I do not have time for this shit.

Those who are still up and running Magnolia, Faye, Tyler, Perry, a kid named Aaron, Laurel, her boyfriend, and me of course. I watch the bottle spin round and round. In circles, not slowing down for an eternity. I watch Faye's expression when the bottle finally stops in my direction. Damn, I curse, kissing him in front of an audience was easy enough, only a peck on the lips. This will be different, I can tell by the way in which Faye glares at me. Such hatred for a pretty face.

"We don't-"

"Nonsense," I smile, okay, maybe I have a few too many drinks myself.

"It's only a game," Perry continues. I answer by standing and pulling him up with me. Then I practically drag him up the stairs into the bedroom. When the door closes behind him, I lean in to kiss him.

"You will regret that," he warns.

"Really, why is that?" I ask raising my eyebrows while removing my shoes and unzipping the back of my dress. Drunk, hormonal, hurt, and a cute boy are a dangerous combination.

"You love Ryder," he stands from the bed and paces around the room. I watch his slow deliberate movements. Oh...

"Perry, you said it yourself, he doesn't love me. If he loved me, he would be here. I can promise you one thing, when I see him next... I will not regret this," I vow, standing from the bed and walking in front of him. I lay my hands flat against his chest, moving them slowly and enticingly toward the front buttons. I undo one at a time, keeping eye contact with him.

"I really cannot let you do this, Vivian. It is a bad idea," Perry protests once I have opened his shirt, exposing his toned abdomen. I trace my fingers up and down, creating different patterns on the tan skin.