“Seth,” called a voice from across the room. I turned to find Britany Burns coming my way. Britany had been after me for a while, and I wasn’t as happy to see her as she was to see me.
“Oh, hey. How’s it going?”
“Better now that you’re here.” She put her hands on me as soon as she got within reach, and I caught her hands and removed them from my chest before she could put them around my neck or arm.
“I’m not staying too long,” I said, trying to give her the brush off.
“Come on. I came hoping you’d be here. We never got to finish our talk last time.”
I looked into her big blue eyes and tried hard to remember ever striking up a real conversation with her that didn’t end in me coming and going. “I’m sorry. Maybe some other time.”
“You’re so silly.” She took my hand, and before I could get her off of me, Lizzy walked over and slapped my ass from behind.
“How’s the hottest guy at Providence?” she asked.
“Being silly,” said Britany.
Lizzy laughed. “Perhaps you should see what needs he has. You know, any and all.”
Lizzy had a group of friends, and their mission was to please anyone important to Omega House no matter what the pleasure. As a friend of Omegas, I had been given the honor many times.
“I’m good,” I said. “I think I’ll just get a beer.”
“I’ll get it,” said Lizzy. “You just let Britany know what else you need.” Her tone suggested she already knew what I needed.
And when Britany licked her lips, I knew we all had the same thing in mind.
“I said I’m good.” I hoped she’d leave me alone. I had no interest in the girl. Not at all. Now that I was getting another shot with Avery, I wasn’t about to mess it up.
“I bet I know how I can change your mind,” said Britany. She reached for my bulge and cupped it. She tugged on the front of my jeans as if to show me what she wanted. “Remember last time.”
I tried to remember what happened between us as I took a step back. “No, I really don’t.” When I got wasted after Layla left me, I was with a lot of girls, but I didn’t remember much beyond if they were good or not.
It was something I wasn’t proud of now, and I knew I needed to be better for Avery, but I couldn’t lie. I was curious.
“Come here, and I’ll remind you.” She leaned in and kissed me, but I pushed away.
“It’s cool. I’m good. Why don’t you go find someone else to play with?”
“Are you for real?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“Yeah, that’s me. I’m about as real as you can get. I’m with someone.”
“Who?” she asked, her eyes narrowing at me as if I had done something to wrong her.
“That’s not really your business.” I shrugged her off, and Ben came over to shake my hand.
“What’s going on, man?”
“He’s acting like an asshole,” said Britany.
Lizzy returned with my beer. “Here, drink this, honey. You’ll start to loosen up.” She gave a wicked laugh, put her arm around Britany, and whispered in her ear. The two giggled as Ben shook his head.
“Looks like you’ve already got your hands too full,” he said with a laugh. “Hey, man, you can use my room if you want.”
“No, I’m good. I just came to hang out. I didn’t think it would be this crowded.” I took a large pull on my drink and gulped it down.
“Yeah, it’s usually not, but we had a celebration for Will’s birthday.”
I looked across the room to find Will in the corner. He was always looking at Avery, and I wondered if he had a thing for her. He was good friends with Dillon and probably had told the guy he’d keep an eye on me. As if I needed a babysitter.
The girls took that suggestion as their cue and stood on each side of me, both letting their hands roam. I didn’t want to push them off in front of Ben, knowing I’d look like a real loser for not wanting the attention, but I had Will looking at me too as well as Avery to protect.
I stepped away from them, excusing myself to refill my red cup. Will met me at the keg. “You know, you’re here so much I’d almost think you were a pledge.”
“If you’re trying to recruit me, I’ve already said no thanks.”
“Yet, you come and drink all of our beer for free.”
“Actually, I bought the last keg you guys just drank. I’d say I do my part for my friends.” I wasn’t expecting Will of all people to confront me.
He gave a nod and took a drink from his own red cup. “Aren’t you talking to Avery Russell?”
“Yeah, actually, I am. I just took her out tonight.”
“And so you came here to hit on the cheerleaders? Nice work.”
“No, it’s not like that. I came here to hang out with the guys. The girls aren’t usually here on Thursdays. But if you’d pay more attention to your house than your dope, you’d know that.” It was a dick move to say that, but I didn’t need him telling me anything about how to act and where to be.
Will didn’t take the words too friendly. “You should watch your back. I’m surprised someone didn’t kick your ass for Layla already, but I’m up for it anytime, anywhere. And if you’re smart, I’d stay away from Avery. You’re not good enough for her, and everyone knows it.”
Him bringing up Avery had my temper flaring. “Well, Avery thinks I’m good enough, and that’s all I care about.” I put down my beer and turned to leave, only to be confronted by Britany again.
“Hey, Seth. I really hoped we could party tonight.
