Off Limits

Episode 9 - Wanna Bet?

I was standing in the crowded living room, swaying my hips back and forth while sipping my Red Bull. I didn't need alcohol to let loose, one Red Bull, and I was on fire. And that was definitely not because I knew Easton was watching me. I sneaked a few glances at him from time to time, and sure enough, he was watching me. That is until Blondie showed up at his side and stole his attention. I couldn't help but wonder what they had been doing before when they were upstairs together. I realized that I had been looking at him too long and quickly averted my gaze. I needed to ignore him, but it was impossible.

Suddenly I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned around and saw one of the guys that had been sitting on the couch all night smoking cigarettes standing behind me. He flashed me a big smile, showing off his yellow teeth.

"Do you want some vodka with that Red Bull?" He offered while checking out my legs. I was not in the mood to have some guy hit on me tonight, and definitely not someone who smelled like an ashtray.

"I'm fine, thank you," I replied coldly while wishing he'd just go away.

"I'm Luke. Who are you?" He asked me, unperturbed.

"Not interested," I said purposely, avoiding his gaze.

"Pfft, not interested is not a name. What's your real name?" He pressed.

"I'm Isabelle," I answered, stepping backward to put space between us.

He licked his lips slowly. "Oliver throws a party every Saturday, and I've never seen your face here before."

"I don't party a lot," I replied.

"Hmm... maybe we should change that," he said as he slung his arm around my shoulder, but it was quickly yanked away by Easton, who appeared out of nowhere.

"It's midnight. We're leaving." Easton's stern face told me that it wasn't negotiable.

"Come on. You can't leave yet, the party hasn't even started." Luke wailed, and Easton gave him a look that made him retreat. I was thankful because the cigarette and alcohol stench from him made me feel nauseous.

"You should come by next weekend. Maybe we can continue our conversation then," Luke suggested before he strolled back to his passed-out friends on the couch and lit another cigarette.

"Who was that, and why were you talking to him?" Easton asked me as he crossed his arms and pursed his lips.

"Why do you care?" I challenged him. 

He seemed to think about that for a second before saying, "I'm looking out for you and that guy you were just talking to --" he turned and pointed towards the couch "he is definitely not someone I would consider good company."

"And the blonde girl you were with? Is she good company?" I scoffed.

Easton has this big, cocky grin as he turns to me. "As a matter of fact, she's very good company."

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In the car ride home with Candy, I was still thinking about what Easton had said about Blondie being good company. It bothers me more than it should. 

I suddenly jerked forward as Candy stepped hard on the brakes.

"What are you doing? You're about to give me a heart attack!" I wheezed.

"Someone is lying in the middle of the road. I could have hit him! What kind of crazy person is that?" She asked while exhaling heavily.

I leaned closer to the window to get a better look. A black hoodie covered his head, but I could see his face clearly. The streetlight shining on his face caused the light brown skin on his face to glow. I know who he is. He's Russ's best friend.