I jump up and yank the shirt out of his hands. “I can’t just change who I am, Shane.”

He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. Which isn’t fair because that is the way I’m looking at him. He’s the crazy one. Not me. “Wearing makeup changes who you are?”

“Well...” I remember all the times I watched Jenna getting ready for things. Sometimes she took an hour on her eyes alone. But she’s still a great person. “No, not really.”

I repeat: Not fair.

“It will be just like hanging out with us at home only more beer and stupid people to watch.”

“You make it sound so enticing.”

“Look, Velma. Nobody is asking you to change. I don’t want you to be different. I want you to be more comfortable being you.”

I take the shirt and hanger out of his hand and put it back into my closet. “Well, that’s a super nice sentiment, but going to a party does not make me comfortable. It makes me the opposite of comfortable. And sometimes I have a way of making everyone else around me uncomfortable also. It’s not a good time.”

“I think the scientist in you realizes that the best way to observe the natural behavior of your subjects is to be where they are acting natural. So, look at this like an experiment. You go, dress in the proper camouflage, watch the subjects, and then see what happens when you introduce a new element of two horndogs trying to get into your pants.”

“I’m not going to the party.”

“You’re totally going to the party. Do you have any red underwear?”

Oh, my God. I am not going to this party.

Chapter Six

Walking to the party, I can already hear the music and laughter from the end of the street. I have no idea what to expect, and I’m terrified. Fletch puts his arm around me and pulls me to his side. “It’s not a big deal, I promise.”

Sure. Right. Not a big deal. Just my first college party. My first party ever without Jenna. We climb the steps of the house. I don’t even know whose house it is. I won’t know anyone there except my roommates, and I’m guessing they’re going to know everyone. And probably will disappear with whatever girls they pick for the night, leaving me alone with all these people who probably won’t like me.

The second we walk in the door, I’m blown away by the loud music and house full of people. There must be fifty college kids in the living room alone, all talking, dancing, and drinking. There are several beer kegs set up, and I’m handed a huge plastic cup of beer. Fletch immediately takes it away from me.

“Hey!”