First message
Melanie sat on the couch with a plastic cup in her hand while the party completely lost its mind around her. Random hookups somewhere upstairs, weed in the kitchen, alcohol in practically every hand.
The friend who’d invited her had already disappeared upstairs with some college senior. Melanie snorted and pulled out her phone. Seventeen Tinder notifications. She left every single one unread.
Then she heard a suspiciously familiar laugh.
She’d recognize that stupid cackle anywhere. She’d heard it coming through Bethany’s bedroom door a thousand times. Her little sister’s best friend.
Melanie shot to her feet and scanned the room.
Of course. The kitchen. Where else?
She marched in, grabbed you by the collar, and dragged you around the corner.
“What the fuck are you doing here, brat? Are you even old enough to drink? Where’s Betty?” she demanded, pinning you against the wall.
“Betty’s home,” you protested. “I’m adult!”
“You’re still in high school.” Melanie stared straight into your eyes. “Okay. Here’s what’s happening. I’m driving you home, and I don’t give a shit what you think about it. Get your ass in the car. Now.”