"Is it insensitive for me to say, get your shit together. So I can love you?" -T.S.
The minute we walked out of the room, we heard the lively noises running throughout the house. Everyone had made their way inside the house now. I took a deep breath, ready to play the part of scorned friend once again. But this time we were okay, no fake argument that turned into real hurt.
We shared one more quick smirk before rolling our eyes and crossing our arms. A scowl here, a frown there, tapping into the anger I still harbor for my mom to make it seem genuine as we made our way down the stairs.
Once we stepped on the last stair all eyes were on us. Dani had a questioning look across her face. I gave her the slightest nod signifying we didn't fix it and immediately she sighed and had a small pout on her lips. My eyes locked on Erik, who's eyes said more than I could've, I walked over to him first, his arms instantly wrapping around me. I let myself melt in his embrace. Justin however got pulled to the side by Marshall, I saw all the guys follow them outside, except for Erik who stayed inside with the girls.
The door closed behind them and immediately Mallory jumped at the chance to ask. "What happened? We heard yelling again." Her face showed genuine concern and I was starting to feel guilty for lying to her of all people. I let go of Erik and faced them.
"He's just…" I looked at Hannah for a beat and looked away just as fast. "He's so fucking difficult. Last night just reminded me why we've never gotten along in the first place." I rolled my eyes and scoffed.
Dani gave me a slight pointed look. "Yeah I did not like how he was talking to you and neither did Marshall."
I looked around and could tell Nancy, Allie and Hannah were clueless. Finally Allie asked what they were all thinking. "What happened? I mean we saw what happened last night but what happened today?"
"His idea of an apology is 'I'm sorry BUT.' Which to me isn't an apology, it's a way to excuse your poor behavior by shifting blame." I answered, dialing back enough so I don't seem performative. I turned my head to look outside and caught Justin's eyes for a split second. My heart stuttered at the way he held my gaze, so calm, so unreadable, like he wasn't even trying. Before I could think too much about it, he looked away, and I did too.
Hannah turned to look at me, she looked hesitant at first but then finally said something. "Yeah that's exactly what he was saying to me yesterday, and obviously right now he didn't even look at me so I know he's still upset."
We all sat there momentarily quiet, I was starting to feel even more guilty for lying. I felt Erik's firm grasp on my back, like he was reminding me he was there for me during this "fight" with Justin. Which only made the guilt sting more. Heat crawled up my neck but I pushed it as far down as it would let me. Luckily for me this group was always moving forward.
"Well tonight let's not dwell on the mess and let's just have fun." Dani clapped her hands together silently, and had a soft smile on her face.
"Yes! The sun is still out, we should go on the boat! We haven't been on it in a few days!" Allie chimed in, a smirk on her face.
Everyone turned to look at Erik, he instantly smiled at the idea, he let go of my back and took out his phone. "That's perfect, I'll call the captain right now and see if anyone's available to take us out." He walked past the kitchen to the front door, already making a call.
I turned to look at the girls who were already jumping into conversations of what they're gonna wear. Mallory walked over to me and looped her arm around mine and leaned in to whisper in my ear. "Come on, let's figure out what to wear." I didn't hesitate, I hadn't been down here for long but I was already over it.
Once in my room Mallory immediately questioned me about what actually happened, prying for more than I was ready to or wanted to give. "So, why weren't you guys able to solve anything? You guys were up here for like an hour or more." The look on her face told me she didn't believe my original story.
I shrugged my shoulders, trying not to let her see my eyes because she will be able to tell I'm not telling the truth. "I told you we are just tabling it for now. Agreeing to disagree."
She walked over to my bed and sat on the edge. She narrowed her eyes at me and twisted her lips slightly. "Auggie, you're avoiding my eyes. Why?"
I rolled my eyes and bent down to my suitcase looking for what to wear before she wore me down. I already had a bathing suit on but this one felt tainted by what Justin and I did a bit ago. I needed to change if I wanted to believe our lie. But before I could stop myself, I started talking. "He said some pretty mean stuff to me. I just think we bit off more than we can chew and I don't know how we're going to fix that. Besides I want to focus my attention on something real, something that can actually build into a future I want. I need to focus on Erik." I let out a deep sigh as I pulled out a new bikini I bought the other day. Hoping what I said would be enough to get her off my back. I didn't fully lie this time, I just gave her my always used half truth.
That seemed to satisfy her curiosity for now, she nodded at my pick of bathing suit and stood off from the bed. "Alright, well I fully support that. Erik is the right choice." She gave me a pointed look as she walked out, closing the door behind her.
Erik is the right choice. Her words ran through my head as I changed into my new bikini. He is the right choice but it's hard to move past what Justin and I share, even if it's just physical. For today though, I'm going to pretend Justin doesn't exist, no matter how difficult it may be.
As I was finishing my last touches a soft knock ran through my room, followed by a familiar voice.
"August, can I come in?" Erik's muffled voice could be heard through the door.
"Just a minute!" I threw some shorts over the bottoms and ran to open the door, opening it just enough for him to come in. "Hi, what did they say?" I asked as he entered, taking the chair by the vanity.
"They said they'd have someone out there for us in an hour and a half, so it gives us enough time to get ready and get things together." His smile was soft, attentive but I could tell he was holding back.
I took a seat at the edge of my bed, facing him. Trying to mirror his expression as much as my unsettled nerves would let me. I don't know what I was more nervous about. Whether it was about him seeing through mine and Justin's act or him believing the act we've put up. "How were the caves? Did you have a good time?"
He nodded slowly, "I had a good time. Wish you could've made it. I think you would've loved it."
"I know, I'm sad I missed it. No more vodka for me. I think I lost like three pounds this morning from all the…yeah anyway. I'm glad you had fun though and I'm glad I feel better so I'll be able to enjoy the boat, I mean the yacht." I playfully narrowed my eyes, still making fun of the fact that he rented such a luxurious boat. I liked teasing him for that because he is everything but flashy. I got a quick laugh out of him before he shifted in his seat. I could tell we were switching into a more serious topic.
He hesitated for a moment, sensing his discomfort, I patted the spot next to me on the bed and he took me up on my offer. I turned to face him and he did the same.
His smile didn't meet his eyes this time. I was nervous about what he was about to say. "August, I think we should talk about last night. I just want to see what you remember, cause I know we were both pretty…buzzed." His laugh came out dry, like he didn't want to talk about this but knew we had to.
"Uhm well I remember…everything. And now that I am sober I wanted to apologize again for not being honest or telling you about what happened the first night we were here during truth and dare." I bit my lower lip watching his face shift slightly. I couldn't tell if he was happy that I remembered everything or not.
He extended his hand and reached for mine, I let him hold my hand gently. "I'm still a little hurt by how I found out. Again what you do on your own time is your business but I just don't like being blindsided in front of everyone." His words came out sharper than I expected them to. It felt like he was saying he knows there's more but is waiting for me to confirm. But I don't. Instead I just nod and watch his reaction intently.
He stared at me with the same intensity, but his expression quickly shifted and a small smirk formed on his lips. "So you remember what happened between us last night?"
I couldn't help but smirk back despite the gut sinking feeling I had. "Yeah I do remember."
His smirk wavered a bit as the moment stretched. "Last night was definitely hot, but I really don't want to make you feel pressured into something you're not ready for or if you're still waiting for marriage." His thumb brushed across my knuckles and I felt a gentle squeeze. "I'm okay waiting for whatever comes first. I told you before. You're worth the wait."
His words, while warm, left a pit in my stomach, because here I was tangled up in a web I created, but this entire time I had someone who was willing to wait for my original intentions. And I don't blame Justin for pushing the boundaries when I basically begged for them to be pushed. This guilt just continues to gnaw at me in ways I never expected. I was so stuck in my head but I know Erik caught on. He stood up slowly, his hand still holding mine and I followed and stood up as well. We stood close, close enough to make me look up to keep eye contact. Neither of us said anything else, we let our eyes speak for us. Saying things I couldn't say out loud, not yet anyways.
His hand met the small of my back, pushing me closer into him. I wrapped my arms around his shoulder as he leaned down near my ear and whispered, "you will always be worth the wait, August."
This time I lightly grasped the back of his neck and pulled him closer into me, close enough for our lips to meet. Delicately at first, but then the same fire from last night came through. I felt his hands glide up and down my back, stopping at my waist, holding me firm in place as his kiss became more unrelenting. I let my hands drop at his shoulders, not pushing him away, not moving him closer, just steady in place. He was the first one to ease away, pulling himself just enough to where our breaths still tangled, uneven and a little heavy. I could've sworn you could hear my heart beating through my chest at a loud, even rhythm.
I waited silently for him to say something but he didn't, instead he brushed my lower lip with his thumb and pulled me in for one more kiss. I let myself fall once more, though the kiss was soft now, something more natural, like we'd been kissing for months and it was just second nature to us. His hand trailed from my shoulder down to my hand, where his hand wrapped around mine. My chest tightened, trying to get a hold of my emotions. But my tension eased the minute a smile spread across his face and he said, "come on, lets go get a cooler ready. Make sure we bring something other than alcohol, 'cause we know we can't trust any of them." His laugh was low but smooth, I could feel it vibrate through my body, bringing me back to earth.
"You're right, they probably will take out water bottles to make room for more drinks," I let out a soft laugh, and gently tugged him to the door.
Once we stepped out we saw Justin and Hannah in the den, sitting on the couch, both had an intense look on their faces. I looked at Hannah first and offered her a tight lipped smile, she did the same but I didn't bother to look at Justin, I was afraid we'd break our facade if we stared for too long. I might have had this moment with Erik but I could still feel Justin's lips on mine. I bit my cheek pushing the memory back down as we walked past them and down the stairs still not saying anything. I looked back at Erik as I took the last step, widening my eyes slightly to let him know that was awkward. His smile told me he felt the same.
"Anyways…let's get some snacks as well, I haven't eaten since this morning and I am starving!" I laughed but for a second I had forgotten that I chose time with Justin instead of eating the pizza that Mallory had ordered for us. We walked into the kitchen where we were greeted by Hunter and Jacob, they were already filling the cooler.
Hunter was the first to look up, his cheerful smile ever present on his face. "Erik, do you know if we have to take our own food or is it full service today?"
I let go of Erik's hand as he reached for his phone in his pocket. "I'm not sure, let me make a call." He answered and started walking to the back door, quietly stepping outside with his phone up to his ear now.
"Hey August! How are you doing? Feeling any better?" Jacob's voice cut through the loud noise coming from Hunter tossing ice into the cooler. I stepped closer to the counter and took a seat on the stool, since they were already filling it up, I figured I could relax.
"I'm doing okay, I was wrecked this morning but I'm kinda hungry now. How were the caves?" I responded as Jacob took a few water bottles out and replaced them with seltzers, I laughed to myself knowing this would happen.
"Aw man you missed out Augs! We went with a tour guide this time and man was that worth it!" He beamed as he opened a water bottle and took a big gulp before continuing. "Sucks you got sick! Erik told us about this morning, you gotta pace yourself tonight though!" He smiled and took a seat next to me.
"I think I'm going to cool it tonight, probably stick to water." I laughed as he rolled his eyes playfully to my response.
"Just don't mix liquors, and I promise not to stir problems tonight! That reminds me I owe you an apology, I know I kinda pushed it yesterday. I got a talking to by Allie for not picking up on cues that you were clearly uncomfortable so my bad. You know it wasn't my intention." Jacob slightly nudged my arm with his, trying to gauge my reaction to his apology, though I didn't feel like I needed one from him, I greatly appreciated it. I looped my arm around his and pulled him leaning my head on his shoulder. He instantly wrapped his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into a tight side hug.
I pulled away and faced him again, my smile was now softer than earlier. "It's okay, I appreciate the apology."
Just then Erik walked back inside, slipping his phone in his pocket. "So they said they could do full service but they also asked if we wanted to spend the night out in the water, what do you guys think? We just need to give them another hour to prepare everything." His arms extended out and his palms faced up like he was saying why not. In the same beat I heard a familiar voice around the corner.
"Did I just hear we're gonna be spending the night on the yacht!" Dani's voice exclaimed, coming out the hallway from her room. She bee-lined straight for me and threw her arm over my shoulder, gently pulling me in.
Erik shrugged and responded. "I mean that's up to everyone, the yacht…boat has like five rooms I think so it could easily accommodate us comfortably. We just need to pack an overnight bag but we have plenty of time, he said we'd be departing at 7 the latest."
Hunter's hand shot up almost instantly. "I'm in!"
"Me too, I'm sure Allie would be too." Jacob added, standing up from his stool.
"Honestly that sounds like a fucking blast, we can't turn that down, I'll even sleep outside under the stars!" I finally spoke up, excitement started bubbling up in my stomach. This would be a perfect way to breakaway from the tension I feel being in the house.
"I'm with Auggie! I'd love to sleep under the stars!" Dani chimed in and pulled me tighter in her embrace.
Dani finally let go as conversations started around us. I stood up from the stool and looked over at Dani. "I'll go ask Mallory, and go pack a bag. Think Marshall will be down?"
"We can leave him here if he's not." She laughed as we started slowly walking.
"I'll go get Nancy and Allie, I'll catch y'all in a bit!" Jacob was already halfway to the backdoor.
I made it to the top of the stairs and started walking to my room. Justin and Hannah were still in the middle of a conversation on the den couch. I figured I'd have to be the one to ask them, and for my sake I was hoping they would say no.
I looked at Justin but shifted to Hannah instantly, a knot formed in my stomach as the words came out. "So the captain invited us to stay on the yacht for the night if you guys are interested?" I asked. Neither of them said anything for a second, they looked at each other and then towards me.
"Why not that sounds like–" Justin started talking but Hannah cut in.
"No thanks, I'm gonna stay here." Her voice was sharp, and there was no hesitation in her response. Justin turned to look at her confused.
"Why not? This could be fun, come on." Justin pleaded with her but her expression didn't change, he looked at me like he wanted me to help convince her but I was going to stay out of it. She was his problem, not mine.
She turned to look at me and asked,"is there even enough room?"
"From what Erik said, it sounds like a few of us might have to share but truthfully I might grab a few blankets and sleep under the stars." I shrugged my shoulders and gave her my honest response, not trying to sway her either way.
She looked at me and then to Justin, hesitating for a beat longer until she finally sighed. "Fine, I'll go." She stood up from the couch looking down to Justin. "I'm gonna go pack a bag, I'll see you guys later." She gave me a small smile as she walked toward the stairs. I glanced over at Justin, whose expressionless face started forming a knowing smirk. I rolled my eyes but my smirk followed right after, we finally had a moment alone. But it didn't last long. Mallory's door swung open and she walked out wearing a bathing suit covered by a sheer dress.
I turned to face her and smiled. "Hey, so change of plans."
"What! I just got dressed!" She pouted and crossed her arms.
"We're still going on the boat, but we're staying the night if you're down?" I beamed, knowing Mallory would love the idea.
Her jaw dropped and her face brightened. "Uhm yes!" she giggled and turned back into her room, probably already having outfits planned for our one night stay. I turned to look at Justin once more and his smirk was still firm in place.
"The night just got a little more interesting." He whispered as he stood up from the couch and stepped closer to me, minimizing the space between us almost instantly. I couldn't fight the smirk that was forcing its way back.
I gave him a playful push trying to create a little space between us, '"stay away from me tonight, we can't risk slipping up in tighter quarters." I rolled my eyes as he winked at me.
He didn't care about the space I was trying to make, he leaned in and whispered in my ear. "Yeah it's just… I can't stop thinking about what we did earlier. Now we know we can work fast, all we need is a few minutes. Who knows, maybe later tonight I'll find you alone on the top deck when everyone else is asleep."
I bit my lower lip, I couldn't deny how good it was but I shook it off just as quickly as I got lost in the memory. "You wish." I pushed him back once more but this time I turned around before I could get lost in it all over again. I looked over my shoulder and he was watching me with the same intensity as earlier, this was going to be harder to shake. I forced the heat I felt away and entered my room to pack a quick bag. I packed an oversized sleep shirt, my toiletries, some underwear and a dress for tomorrow into the backpack and I was ready to go.
I put my backpack on and headed outside of my room, where I found Mallory rolling out her carry-on bag but struggling because she also had a backpack on her back.
"Mals, it's one night!" I laughed at how crazy she looked. But I immediately jumped in to help her with her carry-on. Rolling it towards me as she shut her bedroom door.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. You will never catch me looking a mess, not here, not in the middle of the ocean." She laughed, almost like she knew how ridiculous it was but she didn't care.
Just then, Hunter walked out, a backpack on his back and an easy smile. "You ladies ready?"
We both nodded and smiled at him. Seconds later Justin walked out as well. My smile dropped as Hunter and Mallory's eyes shifted between him and I.
Justin took a step closer to me, extending his hand out trying to grab Mallory's carry-on. "Here let me help."
I slowly pulled back, not wanting his help because we're supposed to be mad and people who are mad don't help each other. "Justin, it's fine. I got it."
"August,"
"Justin,"
We stared each other down and when I didn't budge he scoffed and spoke under his breath. "You're so fucking stubborn August." Walking past me and straight for the stairs.
Hunter and Mallory quietly watched the exchange. I just rolled my eyes and sighed. Knowing I gave him full permission to call me stubborn makes me want to laugh but I had to keep the act going. Especially now that it was more believable.
Sensing the tension Mallory reached over and grabbed her carry-on from my hands. Mouthing "I'm sorry," as she walked to the stairs. Her bag clinked all the way down. Hunter just gave me a tight lipped smile and followed closely behind her. Now that I was alone I could finally let out the little laugh that bubbled in me. I made my way down, mostly everyone was already in the living room with their bags in their hands. Nancy and Hannah were the only ones that still weren't there, though we still had roughly another hour before we had to leave.
We all sat around, patiently waiting until we could leave, conversations circled around me as I just scrolled through my phone. As I was mindlessly scrolling I received a text message from Justin, who was sitting on the other side of the living room from me.
Justin: "So are we going to mark having sex on a boat from the list?"
I locked my phone and dropped it on my lap, my eyes shot to him and he was watching me quietly. I looked around hoping no one noticed my flustered movements and thankfully no one did. I debated texting him back but I wasn't sure if I even wanted to risk it all together. The thought of being out in the open and being caught is a thrill or risk I don't know if I was willing to take.
August: "I get sea sick."
Justin: "I got the perfect solution."
August: "you're still insufferable."
Justin: "I'll make it worth it. Promise."
August: "yeah, we'll see about that."
Justin: "that wasn't a no."
August: "it wasn't a yes."
A small chuckle escaped me as we texted back and forth, maybe the risk might be worth it…
Finally after what felt like forever we all started loading the Jeeps. We split the groups accordingly, Erik, Jacob, Allie, and I took a jeep. Marshall, Dani and Mallory took another. And Justin, Hannah, Hunter and Nancy took the last one. I was grateful to avoid any awkwardness of a car ride with them.
The Jeep rumbled along the winding coastal road, salty air rushing in through the open windows. I let the wind tangle through my hair, focusing on the sun dipping lower past the horizon. Erik was driving, while Jacob sat next to him in the passenger seat. Allie and I were sitting in the back.
We sat quietly for a while, just taking in the scenery. Until finally Allie shifted in her seat a little and leaned in to whisper. "So, August…"
I glanced at her warily. "So, Allie…"
She grinned. "How's Hawaii treating you? Or, more specifically… How's the company?"
I narrowed my eyes, catching the pointed look she shot toward Erik, who was calmly watching the road ahead of him, talking to Jacob about some finance stuff.
"I mean, it's been fine. Good. Great, even," I said, keeping my voice neutral, no inclination of anything else. But she wasn't going to drop it, whether it was because she didn't believe me or wanted more. She pushed.
Allie leaned in just slightly, lowering her voice even more so only I could hear. "But seriously…you're okay? Last night was rough, and I'm sorry if Jacob made you feel uncomfortable or if he added fuel to the fire. He just doesn't know when to stop sometimes. And now you and Justin aren't even talking…"
I hesitated, then gave a small, genuine nod. "Yeah. I am. I know Jacob means well. But I appreciate it. And we definitely couldn't have predicted last night would end the way it did. I will be fine if Justin never says another word to me again." I laughed but it didn't feel or sound genuine. I worried she would catch on but she just gently placed her hand on my knee.
She studied me for a second before smiling. "Okay Auggie. Well you know I'm here for you if you ever need to talk about anything. Jacob and I both are here for you. We owe you a lot for introducing us." Her smile grew more as she spoke. She lifted her hand off of my knee and shifted her body to face forward now.
"I'm just glad he hasn't ruined it yet. Otherwise you'd blame me for that too." I nudged her and now my laugh came out more naturally. Letting go of any knots I felt in my stomach.
I turned toward the window again, watching the sky streak pink and orange over the ocean, pretending like she didn't almost catch me slipping up.
Finally we made it to the marina parking lot, one by one the Jeeps pulled up next to each other. We all got out and stretched even though the ride wasn't more than forty minutes, my legs still felt a little numb from being crammed in the back. The crew was already waiting for us at the dock, where the yacht was "parked". We made our way onto the ramp as the captain welcomed us aboard once again. Running through his safety protocol, and talking about all the rooms on the yacht.
We decided to split the rooms according to couples, so Marshall and Dani had their own space, as well as Allie and Jacob. I got paired with Mallory which I was grateful for, while Nancy and Hannah shared the other room. Leaving Hunter, Erik, and Justin in the last room. Which made me a little anxious given our current situation. But I let the anxiety go knowing it was only one night and we would be spending most of it hanging out, only being in the rooms to sleep.
Mallory and I got lucky, taking one of the master suites on the higher floor level right down the hall from Marshall and Dani who took the Captain's suite. By far the most luxurious room on the yacht but they definitely deserved it. Mallory and I dropped our stuff off, taking a quick second to lay down on the bed.
We lay there silently just staring at the ceiling until she turned over to face me propping herself up on her elbow. She stared at me for a second before I turned to her and propped myself up the same way.
"So, you and Justin are actually upset with each other?" She paused for a second, trying to read my face. "See I thought you guys were faking it because I know you and you're not good at hiding stuff but he looked genuinely pissed when you didn't let him help you."
I kept my face as stoic as I could, because she was right, I was awful at keeping things secret or hidden, especially from her. But I pressed forward, not letting her crack me. "Don't get me wrong, we had a good time doing whatever it was we were doing but…we're coming to the end of the trip and once we go back home I don't have time for games. It's probably better to cut it off here than when we go back."
"I agree, let Hannah deal with him. Speaking of, she doesn't look too happy to be here. I heard them talking in the den but couldn't make out what they were saying." She raised an eyebrow, questioning me like I had the answers.
"She didn't want to come. She wanted to stay back but she gave in when Justin agreed on joining us. I think the leash got tighter. I think she's going to forgive him but just wants him to go through the trenches first." I laughed but I didn't find it funny. I was growing more uncomfortable as the conversation continued, because the hole kept getting deeper, the lie kept stretching.
Mallory laughed a little and slowly nodded her head. "Well that's her personal choice, I know she really likes him but it feels or I should say it looks very one sided. But who am I to judge, I'm over here desperate for Mark to call."
My eyebrows furrowed but then they released, realizing I also wasn't in any place to judge. Being stuck between two guys, for two completely different reasons. "I was going to throw a jab your way but…I guess I don't have a leg to stand on considering I might have been the reason he hasn't opened up to her." I sat up on the bed and scooted myself back to the headboard, letting out a small laugh.
"No, no you don't have a leg to stand on or the right to throw jabs at me." She laughed loudly this time and sat up as well.
A second later our door flew open and Dani stood with a bottle of Champagne and three glasses.
"I stole this from the deck so we gotta hurry and get rid of the evidence." She had a mischievous smile that spread across her face as she closed the door with her foot and handed us each a glass. She popped open the bottle effortlessly and began pouring it in each of our glasses.
"Alright. Cheers my lovely ladies. We are almost off this beautiful island and we need not to dwell on buffoonery or men with no romantic futures. I'm talking to you both." She pointed a look at each of us then smiled wide as she raised her glass towards us.
"Cheers!" Mallory and I sang in unison. I tilted the glass enough to let the champagne flow into my mouth, drying it almost instantly. Still hate it.
Dani took another sip before speaking. "They're waiting for us at the dinner area, the crew already has the food laid out. Let's go before they take the best of the seafood!"
Mallory and I jumped off the bed and followed Dani closely behind, with our glass in our hand. We got to the lower deck where everyone was either gathered at the table or serving their plates. I grabbed a plate and began serving myself, accidentally bumping into Justin in the process of serving myself shrimp. He looked over his shoulder and for a second I thought he was going to smirk but thankfully he realized we were too out in the open and instead he shook his head and continued piling on oysters on his plate.
I could feel the heat crawl up my neck, part of me wishes we didn't need to act like we despised each other but for his and Hannah's sake I understand why we had to.
Once we all served ourselves, we sat around the table, eating and flowing between topics of conversation. I sat next to Erik who held my attention for the most part, but every once in a while I would steal a glance at Justin and he would do the same. Even though I felt at ease, something inside me brewed, I could feel every beat of my heart as the night progressed.
We all sat around quietly after dinner, just reeling in from the good food we just ate. "I am stuffed! I can't look at another clam." Jacob laughed as he rubbed his stomach.
"I think I'll need to be rolled to my room," Marshall added.
The night continued with playful banter and nonsensical conversations continued around me. I talked mainly to Erik but I would get pulled into the main conversation from time to time. And it wasn't until Nancy spoke up that we all finally had one big group conversation.
"Okay so I brought with me a game called "Most Likely To", basically the group votes on who matches the card. And the person with the most votes has to drink. You just point at the person to cast your vote. Is everyone in?" Nancy looked around as she laid the cards out on the table. Everyone nodded in agreement, even I was a little excited because this time it wouldn't be 'truth or dare'. The game that has gotten me in trouble one too many times before.
Nancy started by pulling the first card. Everyone leaned in closer, excitement written on our faces. "Okay who's most likely to drunkenly text an ex."
We all looked at each other one by one but I knew my vote would be for Mallory. And it looked like I wasn't the only one. Everyone pointed to her, and we all laughed because it was unanimous.
"Alright, alright. Yes I have texted him each time I've gotten drunk." Mallory laughed at herself as she took a sip from the bottle of rum. "I get the next card…so most likely to get kicked out of a club for causing too much trouble?"
Again, I didn't hesitate for my answer, and pointed towards Jacob, knowing he has gotten kicked out of many clubs from what I've heard. He faked offense as he realized he was also being picked unanimously. He took the bottle from the middle of the table and took a long gulp before reaching for the next card.
He read the card and his eyebrow raised slightly, and a mischievous smile appeared across his lips. "Oh this one is good," Jacob looked around the room at each of us as he read, "Most likely to have a threesome."
I giggled a little, but this time I wasn't sure who would be the most likely to have a threesome. Part of me thinks it's Justin but I don't want to give it away to anyone that I see Justin in that way so I waited to see how everyone votes. The votes were split between Justin and Nancy, I ultimately voted for Nancy, causing her to win or I guess lose. She hesitantly grabbed the bottle and drank. Pulling a card on her way back down.
"I've never had a threesome just so y'all know. And I'm sure Justin has." Nancy laughed and we all looked at Justin. He shrugged and laughed, which made me think he definitely has. "Oh this one is tame. Most likely to flirt with everyone in the room, just for fun."
We looked around the room, trying to fit the person to the description. I landed on Justin, knowing others felt the same, except they didn't. Everyone pointed to me. Everyone including Erik. I could feel a flush of red flow over my cheeks.
"What? Me!? There's no way!" I squealed in defense. But no one backed down. So I begrudgingly grabbed the bottle, rolled my eyes as I took a long sip and then I flipped them off.
"See, she's being flirty right now!" Jacob added.
"How?" I asked.
Dani laughed and said, "It's not what you do, it's how you do it. But hey you're just a naturally flirty person."
"I've never been told I was flirty, like ever. I would see myself as most likely to become a nun before I would consider myself flirty." I laughed as I grabbed a card from the stack. "Whatever! Moving on. Most likely to oh my… uhm shout the wrong name during sex and then lie about it afterwards."
We all silently looked at each other, I know both Mallory and Dani have but I don't think they lied about it after. I couldn't think of anyone to do that except maybe Jacob before Allie or even Justin. Finally fingers started going up, I voted for Hunter because even if he isn't that chaotic he is that clumsy, and a few others agreed. Hunter got the most votes and couldn't help himself but to laugh very loudly.
"For the record, I've never used the wrong name during sex and LIED about it." Hunter laughed and took the bottle. "One more and I say we switch the game up?"
Everyone nodded in agreement, I was a little nervous hoping it's anything but truth or dare.
Hunter cleared his throat as he read the card in his hand. "Most likely to have a wild secret they'll never admit."
I could feel a few eyes linger on me, I swallowed hard and looked at Mallory for comfort. She gave me a tight lipped smile and voted for Hannah. Unfortunately no one else got the hint and they voted for me. Except this time Erik voted for Allie and Justin interestingly voted for Erik. I tried not to dwell on why he would pick Erik but I pushed the thought away.
"Again?!" I laughed as I got up and grabbed the bottle, taking a smaller sip, knowing I couldn't get drunk tonight. "I just want to know how you guys perceive me because I am anything but flirty and wild."
"It's not that we think you're wild, it's just there's definitely more under that sheltered persona than you give us." Nancy's voice was playful but sharp as she gave me a pointed look.
Hunter stood up to catch everyone's attention. "Alright! As promised, let's switch the game up! Any ideas?"