“Class got canceled ’cause the professor had the flu, so got my weekend started early.” He pulls a flask out of his back pocket and takes a long drag from it. “Figured I’d stop by here while you two were around and then go somewhere that actually has decent dance music.”

“You can’t dance to jazz? I’m disappointed in you, Jasper, and unimpressed.”

He responds to my joking tone with his own mock offense. “I can dance perfectly to any tune. I highly doubt any of these stuffy shirts are capable of keeping up with me.”

“Oh, really? I’ll have you know, I have seen every dance move imaginable and could certainly apply them to whatever music is available.” I’m doing my best to keep a straight face as I put Jasper in his place.

“You might be asked to prove that tonight, Miss Foster.” He presents his flask to me, likely as a peace offering, but I firmly shake my head. “Oh, yeah, sorry. Didn’t mean to tempt you. Gotta keep that golden kidney pristine for my boy Ben.”

“She’s your donor?” The exclamation comes from Annabelle, who is no longer clutching Ben but following close behind him as he steps up to join my and Jasper’s conversation.

Ben glares at his roommate, and I wonder if he doesn’t like people knowing about his kidney stuff. But it sounded like his ex was already aware of the situation, so his scowl confuses me.

“Yes. Holly, this is Annabelle. Annabelle, this is Holly. I thought you wouldn’t mind if I invited my new friend to your party.” Ben hands me one of the water bottles, which I accept with gratitude because I really want something to do with my hands other than have them shoved in my pockets.

“No, of course not.” Her eyes run up and down my appearance.

I’m not sure what she’s looking for or even if she finds it. However, what I am sure of is that Jasper loves mischief.

“Why are you still wearing your coat, Holly? Let me help you out.” With adept fingers, Ben’s roommate unfurls the bow and undoes the buttons that keep my coat as a protective shield from the world.

Not knowing exactly what type of party this would be, I let Terra help me search through my limited wardrobe for an outfit. We settled on something that would work in dimmer lighting and where there was more of a dance vibe. And maybe, in a few hours, this party will get to that point, but right now, it’s more like a low-key get-together.

My dress will not fit in at this party.

Not that it keeps Jasper from revealing it.

With work later, I decided on black, sleeveless, and easy to move around in. The top is tight to my waist where sections of fabric have been removed on each side so as to show slices of my rib cage. Then, there’s the skirt, which flows loosely to about mid-thigh. I’m not about to dance up on a stripper pole, but it’s definitely more risqué than my normal shorts and T-shirt work uniform.