Distraction (Westbrook Series Book 1) (43 page)

I glance back over my shoulder, wondering if Devon is here.  He and Chase are usually a package deal.  I’d think they were a couple, if I didn’t know how big of a pervert Chase is with the ladies.  Sure enough, Devon is next to Chase, staring right at me with a huge smile on his face.

My heart races a little at first.  It’s probably more out of habit, though.  After all, I used to have a major crush on him.  All things aside, he looks really good tonight.  His tan is darker than it was a couple of weeks ago, and his blond highlights are more intense.

I turn my attention back to my friend, who is now clutching her long blonde hair into fists while moaning.

“Are you ok, Allie?” I ask, while crouching down to get a better look at her.  Her face looks like it is turning green.  She is having a hard time keeping her eyes open.

“I’m fine.  Just a little dizzy, but I’m fine,” she mumbles.

“Here, drink this.”  Trevor tries to hand her a bottle of water, but she moans and pushes it away.

I grab the water from Trevor.  “Look, Allie.  I really need you to do me a favor, okay?”

She nods, when I finally get her to look at me.

“I need you to drink some of this water.  I know you don’t want to, but will you just try a little . . . for me?”  I plead with her.  She reluctantly takes the bottle, and forces herself to take a sip.

“What’s up with Allie?” Avery’s casual voice draws my attention away from Allie.

I roll my eyes.  “Stupid Chase and his dumb drinks.  She was already drunk when we got here.  She couldn’t even remember how many she’d had.”

“The Chaser Special?” she asks, while smirking in his direction.  I nod.  “Those are brutal,” she adds, while shaking her head and smiling.

“I know you just got here, but I think we need to get her home before she passes out,” I say apologetically.

Avery looks at Allie again, and nods.  “I agree, Lays.  We can’t let her go home like this.  Her mother will absolutely freak.  She already feels like a bad parent as it is.”

“I already texted her mom to let her know she is staying at my house tonight.  You have to help distract my mom and dad, so I can get her upstairs.  They cannot see her like this.  Did you drive?” I ask her.

“No. My mom dropped me off.  Actually, I made her leave me about a quarter-mile back.  I wasn’t about to be caught having my mom drive me to a field party.  Plus, she thinks it was a small, campfire thing.  If she knew people are drinking . . .” She doesn’t finish, but she doesn’t have to. I know how strict her parents are. 

“Anyway, I figured I’d just ride back with you guys. Trevor drove, right?” she asks, looking around.

“I guess we’re all going to have to squeeze into his car.  Have you seen him?” I ask, while scanning the crowd.

“Yeah, he’s over there, talking to a couple of guys by the bonfire.  I’ll go get him.”

Avery disappears while I attempt to lift Allie up.  I wrap her limp arm around my shoulder, and use all of my weight to prop her up, but I’m just not strong enough.

Much to my relief, Avery returns fairly quickly with Trevor.  He immediately steps in, and helps Allie up.  When it’s apparent that she isn’t going to stand on her own, he drapes her over his shoulders, and carries her to the car.

I am completely embarrassed for her.  It’s a good thing it is just the beginning of the summer.  If this had happened during the school year, she’d have to face everyone on Monday.

Thankfully, it is a short drive to my house.  It’s not very comfortable to have Avery scrunched on my lap, but we had no choice since Allie is passed out in the back.  Trevor may have a nice car, but it is way too small.

Trevor insists on helping us get Allie into the house, even though I tell him he doesn’t have to worry about it.  It works out, because he’s able to help me get Allie safely up the stairs and into my room, while Avery acts as the perfect decoy.  She keeps my mom busy, telling her all about the charity event.  My mom doesn’t even realize Trevor is here.  He slips out quietly, before she can make her way into the foyer.

“Okay, Avery.  I’m stealing you now.  We really need to talk.  Is it okay if I take my friend away, Mom?” I ask, with a hint of sarcasm in my voice.

“Well, it sounds like everything went really well, Avery.  I’m sure your mom was very happy with the turnout.  You girls have fun.  I’ll see you in the morning.”

She starts up the stairs, but stops suddenly, and turns back around.  “Oh, yeah.  Avery, I didn’t see your car pull up.  Did you drive tonight?” she asks.

Damn it.  That reminds me.  The Murano is still sitting there, at the stupid skate park where I left it, after Sam broke up with me.

“Trevor drove tonight, Mrs. Patterson.”

“So, where is the Murano, Laila?” she asks me pointedly, her eyebrow arched up in an accusatory way.

“I left it at . . . Avery’s.”  It was the first thing I could think of.  “We’ll pick it up tomorrow.”

I don’t really want to explain that I left her car at the park, just so I could run four miles home yesterday.  It doesn’t make any sense, and it would only conjure up suspicion.  Part of me is sad that I won’t have to worry about my parents finding out about Sam anymore.

We slip away before she can ask any more questions.  I sigh with relief once my bedroom door is shut.

Allie is laying on my bed, fully dressed, with my turquoise, butterfly blanket draped across her chest.  Her sandals are on the floor next to the bed.  Trevor thought to take her shoes off.  I’m not sure why I think this is so cute, but I do.  My heart speeds up a little, just knowing he can be thoughtful like that.