Before I could object any more, Emily began tugging on my hands in an attempt to drag me away from the kitchen. I let her lead me away, and I saw Erica follow after us with a whiskey tumbler clutched in each hand.
"Manda!" Emily called out a second later. "Nick's trying to clean during the party!"
Amanda came running in from the backyard, a look of worry on her face from the volume at which Emily called her. But her face softened into a peasant smile before shifting into a playful stern expression.
"No way mister," she said, crossing her arms. "This is your party after all."
"I guess I'm out-numbered," I sighed in defeat. "Just don't make this a regular thing."
"No promises," Amanda smiled.
Emily quickly darted off to the living room and returned after turning the music up. A well-kn
