It Only Hurts at First by Allison Rogers

Author:Allison Rogers [Rogers, Allison]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-01-09T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

According to Max, the show ended far too early. He tried to confront the band members, but they just laughed, dismissing him with a wave of their hands as if his antics were an every-Friday-night occurrence. Since he was older, Kohen had his own apartment in a run-down complex in the middle of town, and it was decided we’d continue the party there. Hudson lived with him, and from what I guessed, they were the closest in age.

There were stacks of dishes in the sink, and the coffee table was littered with ashtrays and obscure bongs. Band posters plastered the walls, and I inspected them, wondering if Hunter had the same music on one of his numbered playlists. The nicest thing in the apartment was a giant flat-screen TV, and it stuck out like a sore thumb on the peeling walls. I sat on a shabby couch while Kohen passed out beers. As soon as we sat down, Max was on his phone, insisting the place needed more people. And by people, he meant girls.

We sat around the coffee table playing a game called Kings. I didn’t know how to play, so I followed along with Hunter. Every so often, a bong circulated through the group, but I passed it along. Hunter did too but with a sideways glance at me, as though maybe there were times he didn’t. As if I would jump up and draw the line at marijuana when he stuck multiple cancer sticks in his mouth every day.

Melody’s new tactic was to pretend I didn’t exist, but her interest reignited when four girls walked in. She shot me a demonic grin and waved them over with far too much enthusiasm.

“Melissa!” She stood to hug the tallest girl with one quick arm.

Hunter was deep in conversation with the guy sitting next to him, but his head shot up.

Melissa stared back at him, her smile soft and hesitant, as she pulled away from Melody. “Hey, Hunter. Long time no see.”

She wore a tight black skirt, and I tugged at my own sweater, the threads itching at my skin in mocking wholesomeness. The powder on her face covered the freckles dotting her nose and cheeks, although they still poked through. She was beautiful, but she struck me as someone who might be prettiest as she rolled over in the morning. And based on both of their expressions, I suspected Hunter could confirm or deny that assumption.

“Hey.” Hunter’s gaze flicked to me as he gestured in my direction, but Max beat him to it.

“Melissa, this is Alice . . . Hunter’s . . . um . . .” Max turned to me, one hand perched beneath his chin in mocking interest. “What are you exactly, Alice?”

My face burned bright red. “We go to the same school.”

Max burst into whooping laughter, and even Hudson smirked.

“Ouch!” Max whacked Hunter on the back, his voice low and mischievous in his ear. “Not even friends, dude.” He gestured to me again in polite clarification, his voice louder.

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