“I told you, I’m hanging out. I told you I wouldn’t go to your house for any parties, but this isn’t your house Liam,” I say as I grab four beers out of the fridge.
“Damn baby girl, you trying to get drunk?” the same guy asks.
“Spence shut up,” Liam says coldly. “You need to leave,” he says as he pierces me with cold dark blue eyes.
Just then Austin walks into the kitchen, “Hey, I wondered what happened to you,” he says as he spots me. “What’s up Masters?” he says to Liam.
“You know her?” Liam asks Austin, as he points to me.
“Yeah, she’s my date tonight,” he says as he comes to grab some beer from me. “Everything alright?” he looks to me to see if I’m okay.
“Everything’s great,” I say quickly before flashing a fake smile.
“Hey Masters, you coming over this weekend or what?” Austin asks.
“Yeah, I’ll be there,” he says as he gives me a knowing look that says I better not be wherever there is.
“Alright, then I’ll catch you later,” he says as we walk back towards Rebecca and Rob. “How do you know Masters?” he asks me looking confused.
“I grew up with him,” I admit.
“I take it he’s the reason we didn’t go to the party at his house tonight,” he says sounding amused.
“That would be why.”
“What’s he have against you?”
“Just some miscommunication, that’s all.”
“He looked pissed.”
“You should have seen his face when I first walked into the kitchen then,” I say with a smile.
“I don’t usually see him mad, especially at girls, so what happened?”
“I told you it was just a miscommunication. I’m sure it will straighten itself out sooner or later.”
“Well good luck with that, he’s not really someone you want on your bad side.”
“Why’s that?” I ask confused.
“He’s the starting quarterback; if he hates you, he can have everyone hate you. If he wants you to have a life of hell, all he’d have to do is say the word.”
“Well I guess it helps that I’m in the sorority with his girlfriend.”
“She likes you?”
“Yeah, she does.”
“Then at least there’s that. I think you’re pretty cool Haley.”
“Thanks, you’re not so bad yourself,” I say with a smile.
“So tell me about yourself,” he says as he passes Rebecca and Rob their beers.
“Umm…I’m from Delaware, I have a sister, I’m in a sorority. Yeah that’s probably about it,” I say laughing.
“I doubt that. Does your sister go here to?” he asks looking thoroughly interested.
“No, she’s at West Virginia with Brody, Liam’s brother.”
“So your sister dates Masters’ brother?” he asks looking confused.
“Yeah, they’ve dated since middle school.”
“Nice. So is your sister younger than you?”
“Oh no, she’s my twin sister.”
“Twins,” he says surprised, “Identical?”
“Yeah, except I have dark hair and she has blonde.”
“Why is that?” he asks with a look.
“I dyed mine when I got here.”
“Ahh, wanted to be different?” he says calling me out.
“You could say that,” I say with a smile.
“So how does it feel to be here on your own?”
“Great, I love it. Have you been here all four years?” I ask making conversation.
“Yep, it was my only choice growing up.”
“Why’s that?”
“I wanted to play ball here.”
“Ball?” I ask confused, because there’s football, basketball, and baseball.
“Basketball, sorry,” he says with a smile.
“So you’re on the basketball team?” I ask surprised.
He starts laughing, “Is that hard to believe?”
“No, I figured you were in some sport or club or something.”
“Why’s that?”
“You can tell you work out,” I say pointing to his muscular arms.
“Yeah, I guess you can. Do you want another drink?” he asks as he looks at my empty can.
“Sure.”
“Okay, I’ll be right back,” he says as he stands up.
“Haley, we’re heading out,” Rebecca says, as she appears out of nowhere with Rob, “Are you going to be okay here or do you want me to walk you back?”
“I can walk you back,” Austin says sweetly.
“Thank you,” I tell Austin. “Have a good night Rebecca,” I tell her as she leaves with Rob.