She got excited and clapped her hands together. “We would secure all future riches with that podcast. It would be a truly epic venture. Will you be okay to get home?” She had a twinge of guilt in her features. She asked me to the party, and we were about to leave separately–I was sure she didn’t feel great about that sentiment.

“Yes, of course! Just remember I know where you sleep,” I gave her a playful nudge to the shoulder.

“I don’t know whether to be reassured or scared.”

I threw her a wicked grin. “Yes.”

We burst out laughing. One thing I loved about her was that she truly felt like a sister to me despite not being my blood. We stuck together like glue and no matter what happened, we were there for each other at the end of the day. No abandonment, no worries, no drama. She was my soulmate in every way, and she reminded me of it every day.

I grabbed her hands. “You go and have some fun tonight. You have just as much right to enjoy your parties as I am about to enjoy some snacks before bed and scroll through stupid pictures on the internet.”

I gave Shane a once over. “Make sure she comes back alright? Or I’ll have your balls.”

Kelly blushed. “See you in the–uh–morning then? Since you’re going to bed immediately?

I nodded, sticking my tongue out at her. “Love you, dude.”

“Love you more,” she said, linking hands with Shane.

I waved her off and approached the crisp evening air that called to me. My phone dinged with a text from Garrett.

Garrett: what movie u want to watch?

Me: something scary!

Garrett: theater or house?

Me: i dunno yet

Tucking my phone away, I took in the sights. Outside was just as much of a beautiful view as the mansion. Acres of lush, green land. Trees galore. Bodies of water scattered everywhere on the different properties of Greek Row. We lived in our own little slice of heaven, minus the college bros being, well, college bros.

The music died out as I walked away from the party, the sound of the bass following me. I stopped, pulling my phone back out to call for a rideshare, quickly losing myself in my phone, quickly noticing my nose touching the screen.

A familiar voice came from over my shoulder. “Leaving so soon, babe?”

“Jesus Christ in heaven!” I clutched my phone close to my chest. "You scared me.”

I spun around to face him. Oh shit, I’m too close.

He let out a low chuckle, thumbing out a cigarette from his case. "Want another?" he asked, offering it in my direction.

I looked at his case, noticing he’d restocked his supply, and it was full yet again. “Sure, I have some time to kill.”

“Your friend ditch you for a guy?”