Bad Rep
Page 31

The blinds were still drawn across the windows and I felt like I was walking into a tomb. I sat down beside her on the couch. “How's it goin' Riley?” I asked too loudly. I couldn't stop grinning at her. Normally our roles were reversed and I was going to enjoy this.
Riley gripped her head. “Ugg! Volume, please!” she whispered hoarsely.
I slung my arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “Feeling a little crappy today?” I asked more softly this time, taking pity on her miserable state.
Riley groaned. “I am never drinking again!” she swore, turning the TV off and laying down.
“Have you eaten anything?” I asked her.
Riley shook her head. “The thought of food makes me want to puke.” I got to my feet and headed into the kitchen.
“Well, you have to eat something, or you'll feel worse,” I called out as I put two pieces of bread into the toaster and got the ibuprofen down from the cabinet.
I took the dry toast, a large glass of water and the bottle of pain meds into the living room. “Drink all of this and take three ibuprofen. Trust me, if there's anything I know how to deal with, it's a hangover.” Riley gingerly took the capsules out of my hand and put them in her mouth. Then she drank the entire glass of water.
“Now eat. Dry toast is the best thing for an upset stomach.” I shoved the plate into her hands and she took it, glaring at me.
“You're enjoying this way too much.” She accused, nibbling on the bread. I smiled at her as I took a seat again.
“Well, considering it's usually me in a fetal position on the couch, I don't envy you. But I must say, it's not like you to over indulge. I've never seen you like this. So what gives?” I ask her.
“Stupid boys,” Riley muttered and my smile became even wider.
“Did you go out with a boy last night, Riley?” I goaded. She gave me the middle finger.
“Yeah, I hung out with Damien and a bunch of his friends after work. I got a little too drunk. Who knew a Green Eyed Monster was so vile coming back up.” Her face had gone pale.
“Well, no wonder you feel like shit. Everclear is some hard shit if you're not used to drinking.” I pointed out.
“Says the girl with the pickled liver,” Riley snarked. I ignored her, knowing she was feeling touchy.
“So, you and Damien, huh?” I asked, watching her to make sure she finished the toast.
Riley shrugged. “We've hung out a few times,” she said.
My eyes widened in surprise. “You have? What happened to not dating guys you work with?” I asked, giving her a smug smile.
Riley shrugged again. “Yeah, well my advice sucks. Forget about the shit I say. I know nothing,” she said sarcastically. I snorted.
“Do you like him?” I asked her, trying really hard not to yell “told you so” in her face.
Riley smiled a little and I knew she did. “He's really cool. Did you know he started an eco-group back in his hometown? He recruited like fifty people and started an annual recycling campaign. He really gets things. And it's nice to talk to someone who's on the same wave length, you know?” She finished her toast and put the plate on the coffee table. I didn't want to tell her that he sounded boring as snot. So instead I grinned for her.
“Wow, Riley. I don't think I've ever heard you talk like this about a guy. I'm happy for you.” I said sincerely. Riley looked at me shyly. A first for her.
“Yeah. I really like him. But who's to say he feels the same way. I mean we kissed last night, but...”
“You kissed?!” I screeched, bouncing up and down on the couch.
Riley laughed and then groaned, pressing her hands to her stomach. “Please stop making the couch move or I'm going to barf in your lap.” I stopped instantly. Upchuck and Maysie were not friends. Riley leaned back and pulled a fleece up over her. “Yeah, we kissed. Most of the night actually. But we were both pretty drunk. So who knows if he really wanted to or if it was the booze talking.”
I wasn't used to hearing such insecurity from my friend. She was one of the most self-possessed, totally sure girls I had ever met. It just goes to show how boys can bring you low without you realizing it. I laid my head on Riley's shoulder. “Of course he wanted to. What guy wouldn't want to kiss you? You're the most awesome person I know,” I told her.
Riley sighed. “Thanks, Mays.” We sat quietly for a moment and then Riley turned the conversation around to me. “So what's up with you and our resident rock god?”
I stiffened at the mention of Jordan. She noticed immediately and nudged my head with her shoulder. “You know Olivia's back in town, right?” I asked. Riley nodded. “Well, all of the Chi Delts have to go to a party tonight...at Jordan's,” I said miserably.
“It's just a party, Mays. It's not like you're going to watch them star in an adult film together. It'll be alright,” Riley assured me, being brutally honest as always. I couldn't help but laugh.
“Yeah, but the whole thing just sucks. I really like him, Riley. I mean, I thought I could make myself stop once I knew he had a girlfriend. But it's almost like my feelings are getting stronger. And all I want to do every time I see Olivia is pull every strand of hair out of her stupid, perfect head.” I sat up and crossed my arms over my chest.
Riley snorted. “Well, if there's one thing I know about you, Maysie, is that the more screwed up the situation, the harder it is for you to resist it. I mean, look at your little, whatever it was, with Eli over the summer. That guy was bad news. And an ass**le. But you still went after him anyway. So now there's Jordan, and he's taken and that is completely irresistible to you.” I bristled at her words.