“So I live here with my buddy Cody,” Dean says, turning back to me. “We were in the dorms together freshman year.” He leads us into the living room to where a group of about twenty people are gathered. I realize immediately that we’re wearing the wrong thing. It’s all sweaters, sweatpants, and flannel shirts, like everyone is trying so hard to look like they don’t care. I can see the contempt in their shadowy eyes, pierced lips puckered like something tastes sour. I fold my arms, feeling exposed, wishing I brought a sweater to cover my bare back and shoulders.

“I thought this is what everybody wears at frat parties,” Hannah hisses under her breath. She’s in a crop top too, showing off her toned stomach.

“Yeah, well, this isn’t a frat party, is it?” Danielle hisses back. Dean motions us toward a skinny black guy on the couch, who’s rolling a joint on the cover of a History of Film textbook. He has thick horn-rimmed glasses and a knit beanie.

“Hey, Cody, this is the girl I told you about from work.”

I feel myself flush, pleased to be referred to in such a way. The girl I told you about.

“Hey, dude!” Cody says, nodding his head. Dean motions to the girls behind me.

“And this is . . . well.” He notices Hannah and his eyes brighten. “I know you. You came into the store.”

“Hannah,” she says, giving a little curtsy. Ava plops down on the couch next to Cody, her skirt riding up as she crosses her legs.

“I’m Ava. You’re cute.”

Cody lets out a surprised gust of air, smiling wide to show his teeth.

“Oh, really? I like you.” He looks back at Dean. “I like her.”

Danielle grabs Ava’s arm, pulling her back up off the couch. “Don’t be so obvious. Let’s go get a drink. Dean, right?” Danielle gives Dean a glittery smile. “Do you have anything to drink?” It makes me nervous. She’s the one guys are supposed to stare at. Why would Dean want me if he could have her?

“Yeah, sure,” he says. “Follow me.”

“Hold up!” Cody puts a finger in the air to pause us, then lifts the joint off the table, rolling it between his fingers. “I’m coming with.”

Dean walks toward the kitchen and we all follow. He grabs four cans of Bud Light out of the fridge, handing them to each of us. Then he grabs a fifth can and throws it to Cody, who catches it one-handed and cracks open the top with one fluid motion.