"Thank you," Sera replied, feeling even more uncomfortable under Michelle's scrutinizing stare.
"She looks wonderful!" Kathleen butted in; her voice tinged with aggravation.
Michelle turned her cool eyes to Kathleen; her gaze became even more disapproving. "I suppose you dressed her," she drawled.
Kathleen's eyes narrowed. Sera shook her head at the hostility between her two best friends. Usually, when one was around, the other wasn't. However, when they were together, it took all she had to stop them from bickering.
"Of course," Kathleen said. "Someone has to teach her how to live life."
"And that's going to be you?" Michelle retorted.
Kathleen's shoulders thrust back as she prepared herself for battle. Sera looped her arm through Kathleen's, knowing it was time to separate the two. "I'll see you in a little bit, Michelle," she said as she pulled Kathleen toward the dance floor.
"I don't know why you put with that bitch," Kathleen muttered.
"Michelle's not that bad; you just never gave her a chance."
"Oh, I gave her a chance, and then I realized the stick shoved up her ass is never going to come out."
"Kathleen," she groaned.
"It's true; you need better taste in friends. But oh well, let's dance."
Sera didn't have time to protest as Kathleen pulled her onto the dance floor. She found herself instantly swept up in the music and the mood. Another drink was thrust into her hand, and she decided to keep this one.
She danced for almost an hour before making her way out of the packed room. She grabbed another drink to wet her parched throat as she wound through the crowd toward the front door. Michelle was standing by the door, talking and laughing with two guys who were openly leering at her. Sera paused, not wanting to go near the guys, but the idea of fresh air was too tempting for her to refuse. She made her way toward them.
"Hey," she said, stopping beside Michelle. "Having fun yet?"
"Oh yeah," Michelle drawled, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You?"
"Actually, yes."
Disapproval flashed through Michelle's eyes as she turned back to the two guys. Sera glanced at them, unable to stop her sneer of revulsion as they openly ogled her. Michelle looked at them disdainfully as she took a sip of beer. "Who's your friend?" the taller of the two asked, his eyes rapidly scanning Sera from head to toe then back up again.
"This is Serendipity," Michelle replied, the annoyance apparent in her voice.
"Huh?" he asked stupidly.
"Serendipity, but everyone calls me Sera," Sera replied.
"Pretty," he drawled, "Suits you."
Sera's face scrunched in distaste. He continued to leer at her, refusing to acknowledge her obvious revulsion. Unwillingly, she began to fiddle with her shirt again. A flash of satisfaction flitted across Michelle's face as she noted Sera's discomfort. A wave of resentment washed over her as she purposely made her hands still. No matter how close they were, Sera would never be able to get used to Michelle's attitude of superiority.
"Well, I'll see you later," Sera said coldly.
"Where are you going?" Michelle asked.
"Outside for some air."
The house had suddenly become overwhelmingly hot and noisy. If she didn't get out soon, she would melt or her head would explode. Fresh air was just what she needed to calm the growing tension inside her.
She hastily moved past the small group, making sure not to touch the guys as she headed out the door. Rapidly descending the steps, Sera strolled onto the front lawn. People were scattered across the grass, drinks in hand, laughing and dancing as they drunkenly stumbled around. Some had gathered beneath the trees to talk, while others were making out under them and on the lawn. One indiscreet couple was having sex next to the small rock wall.
Sera sat on the edge of the lawn, stretching her long legs. Tilting her head back, she admired the stars shining in the clear night sky. It had grown cooler, but summer was fighting to hang on for a little longer. She smiled as the alcohol seeped further into her bloodstream and warmed her from the inside out. The sky blurred for a second, before coming back into place. Laughing from the effects of the few drinks she'd had, she propped her head on her arms and relished in the cold air against her warm skin.
Liam pushed his way through the people gathered on the stairs, ignoring their indignant looks and muttered words. He wasn't really in the mood for a party, but it had been a long week, and he needed to relieve some stress. Not to mention there would be plenty of girls here tonight. Plenty of easy, drunken girls.
"Hey, it's about time you got here."
He glanced up as Mike appeared beside him. Mike's light, sandy blond hair was tousled and wet with sweat as it curled in tendrils around his flushed, broad face. Mike had already been on the dance floor and had at least a few drinks in him as his clear blue eyes were bright with merriment. At an inch taller than Liam, and broader in the shoulders and chest, Mike was built like a linebacker and the star player on the football team. In many ways, he was the classic jock, except he was far from stupid. Mike often saw more than most people did.
He thrust a plastic cup of beer into Liam's hand. "Thanks," Liam muttered as he surveyed the crowd.
The house was already packed with people; the party in full swing as music blared from the speakers. It was going to be an interesting night, he realized as his gaze settled upon Michelle. She stood in the doorway talking to two guys he didn't know; both were admiring all her openly displayed charms. She laughed loudly, her head tilting back as she stroked one's arm flirtatiously.
Liam paid her no more attention as he turned to survey the rest of the room. "There are plenty of girls here tonight," Mike said. "Easy pickings."
"Hmm."
Mike laughed and slapped him solidly on the back. Liam scowled as beer
