If I Was Your Girl by Meredith Russo Read Free Book Online Page B

different.
    â€œUm … hey,” a deep voice called, almost drowned out by the music and the crowd. I looked up and saw Parker standing a few feet away, a nervous expression on his face.
    â€œHey,” I said, trying to act nonchalant. Something about his heavy-lidded gaze always set me on edge. “Congrats on the game the other night.”
    â€œWe lost.”
    â€œIt was still the most fun I’ve ever had watching sports,” I said, shrugging. “Seems like there should be a prize for that.”
    â€œOh,” he said, looking away. His cheeks flushed red and it occurred to me that he was nervous. I felt guilty all of a sudden, as if just by existing and talking to him I was leading him on. It gave me a strange sense of power, and not one that I liked.
    â€œCan I get you a beer?”
    â€œI already—” I began, but he said, “I’ll go get you one” abruptly and disappeared into the crowd. I let out a long sigh as I watched him go.
    Only seconds had passed when Grant appeared in front of me. He wore a heather-gray T-shirt and well-worn jeans, looking completely at ease, his jet-black hair tousled like he’d stuck his head out a car window on the freeway.
    â€œSo, hey,” he said, giving me a mischievous smile. “I might be confused, but the idea of a party, generally, is to have fun.”
    â€œI’m having fun,” I said, taking another sip of beer.
    I had rehearsed this encounter all afternoon as I got ready. In the shower, I pretended I barely knew he existed, looking cool and aloof. As I blew out my hair, I threw caution to the wind and flirted mercilessly with him. While I got dressed, I gave innocent and naïve a shot. No more plans came to me when I got around to putting on makeup, and now that he was actually in front of me, I realized I didn’t even have to try.
    â€œYou’ve been staring at the ceiling for the last ten minutes.”
    â€œWell, then you’ve clearly been staring at me.”
    â€œCan you blame me?” he said, shaking his head and laughing. “I just really wanna make sure you have a good time.”
    â€œI’m having a good time, I promise.” I was starting to feel a little dizzy and realized the beer was finally having an effect. “I like this song a lot! It’s, um, my favorite.”
    He raised an eyebrow. “Somehow I doubt anything by Kesha is your favorite.”
    â€œIt could be!” He stared me down, plastering a maddeningly neutral look on his features. I broke in seconds. “Okay, fine. I only really listen to techno.”
    â€œCome with me then,” he said, gesturing as he headed across the room. My head was buzzing pleasantly as I hopped down and followed him.
    Out of the corner of my eye I caught Parker emerging from the kitchen, a red cup in each hand, craning his neck to look for me. The crowd parted at the other end of the room to reveal Grant swiping through the iPhone, his eyes intent on the screen. I tried to peek over his shoulder but he tapped the screen one last time, turned, and smiled at me triumphantly. The familiar, tinny beat of Daft Punk hit my ears, barely audible at first but quickly building. Grant bit his lip and bobbed his head in time with the music. I finished my drink, set the cup on the table, and joined him.
    The vocals kicked in, a digitized voice commanding me to work harder, become better, faster, and stronger, reminding me my work was never over, and I felt so good, all of my fear gone somewhere else for the night. Grant took my hands, and I didn’t shrink from his touch. Our fingers were the same length, I noticed, but his were much wider and stronger. He led me into the crowd, and when we took steps our feet moved in time with the beat, my hips following suit. Bodies pressed and swirled around me, but I didn’t mind. I always avoided crowds instinctively, but tonight the crush of bodies actually felt comforting.