THE THIRD TIME I spent the night at Millie’s, we snuck out to go to a party. She wore this black leather jacket with fringe all along the sleeves. Her hair was wild and loose with large curls, and her lip gloss was a deep berry color. She looked amazing. I had on a sundress, and my hair was pulled back in a ponytail. She lent me a pair of combat boots that were way too narrow, but I shoved my feet into them anyway. Then she talked me into letting my hair down, and she swiped a coat of the same dark lip gloss over my lips. I still didn’t look as good as she did, but it was an improvement.

I’d never been to a party before, so I had no idea what to expect. My only frame of reference was from watching sitcoms. With that in mind, I’d been expecting bumping music and wall-to-wall kids dancing and making out.

That’s not at all what this party was like.

This party was at an apartment downstairs from Millie’s where these two college-aged boys lived. And it literally consisted of them and a couple of their friends. We were the only girls.

It was clear right off the bat that the apartment belonged to two guys. There were no decorative touches at all. Just a ratty couch, torn fabric, dirty yellow stuffing poking out. There were two dinner trays on either side of it, which I assumed were supposed to be end tables. They were covered in ashtrays and books of matches. In the kitchen, a little card table was set up. On the counter was a box of Coors Light, ripped open in the wrong spot, and a half-empty bottle of vodka.

There was no music playing and the room was dimly lit by only one lamp.

I remember reaching for Millie’s hand, wishing we could leave. She squeezed my fingers and tugged me forward. The smile she wore kept my protests locked inside. No way would I do anything to wipe that smile off her face.

She was happy. Ready to have fun.

Who was I to spoil that for her?

I’d never even taken a sip of beer before, but when one of the guys held out two cans, Millie took one and immediately popped the top, so I did the same. It tasted so much nastier than I thought it would. Way too bitter.

Millie talked the guys into putting on some music. The minute the beat swelled around the room, her body started swaying. She reached for me. Giggling, I joined her, trying not to care who was watching. We spun in circles and swayed our hips back and forth. Beer kept sloshing out of my can, but no one seemed to notice.

They all noticed Millie, though.

The guys kept glancing over at her appreciatively.