Ace of Hearts by Myriad Augustine

Author:Myriad Augustine
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: James Lorimer and Company Ltd., Publishers
Published: 2020-01-26T00:00:00+00:00

12

Expectations

The last time Alvin had been to an actual party, not just hanging out with Melissa in her basement, he was twelve. And he was pretty sure there had been a magician.

This time, there was alcohol, a massive stereo blasting music throughout the house, and an indoor pool. He got there an hour later than the Trio because he had to take extra care in covering his escape. His parents would never give him permission to spend the night at some rich stranger’s party. Melissa knew how to handle it, convincing them that she and Alvin would be at her house, as usual. Instead, she was at her boyfriend’s — a new boyfriend, Jacob already having bored her. And Alvin was in the fanciest house he’d ever seen. Everyone else in attendance seemed completely unimpressed, but Alvin was afraid to even touch anything.

“ALVIN!”

The Trio ambushed him just inside the . . . Alvin wasn’t actually sure what to call it . . . front hall? Foyer? Jesse’s mom’s mansion had rooms Alvin had never needed words for before. Monica and Robyn quickly ran to his side and pulled him deeper into the house.

Wes ran off to the kitchen. Alvin could see through the open doorway that it was serving as the main bar for the night. Wes quickly returned with a couple rounds of shots for them all and a red cup full of something blue. “This was our contribution,” he said. “Party punch. It’ll help you catch up.”

Alvin hesitated. Then he drained the cup in one go. After all, he was here, so he might as well commit to it. As soon as he swallowed, he started coughing, and the Trio laughed. Wes plucked the empty cup from Alvin’s hand and rubbed his back until the coughing fit passed, soon replaced by a pleasant warmth.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t drink it that fast. It’s mostly vodka and Sourpuss. But trust me, it’ll really help with the nerves. And we know you’re nervous.”

Alvin tried to put on an easy grin, but it was true. He couldn’t stop thinking about the main reason for him being there — to spend time with Alistair, Rowan, or Jesse. Melissa had told him to let things happen naturally, and the Trio had promised not to push him into anything he didn’t want. But he had sworn to himself that something had to happen tonight. Otherwise what was the point?

Monica leaned in close and whispered, “There’s Alistair. We’re gonna let you . . . mingle.” And before Alvin could protest, the Trio had disappeared, giggling, into one of the many rooms leading off the foyer.

Alistair wasn’t exactly sober, either. His eyes were bright and his hair a little messier than usual. Alvin took a deep breath and jogged a little after Alistair to catch up before he made it to the kitchen. But Alvin found out that Alistair was a whirlwind outside of school as well. They had only talked for a few moments before he excused himself and flitted off to chat with someone else who’d just arrived.

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