Blindside

Bottoms Up

Cleo

Before we knew it, the end of the week had arrived. Since Tuesday, tonights party talk had continued to build, and of course I got hassled into going. So now, here I am shifting through my closet while Izzy is touching up her hair.

"This is SO useless! I have nothing to wear!" I whined.

"Pfft, shut up Cleo. You can be way to damn dramatic sometimes, you know that?" She retorted, making her way over to the closet.

"You have an endless wardrobe with so many options. Now move, let me work my magic and go finish your hair" she finished dismissively. 

With a huff, I made my way back to my vanity and took my hair down. I loved my hair, it was a perfect chocolate brown with natural highlights that managed to stick around all year. Grabbing my favourite hair cream, I started applying a generous amount through my curls before starting up the hair dryer. By the time I flipped my head back up and let the blood rush back to my body, Izzy was walking back out of my closet with a satisfied grin on her face.

"Alright, this is it. Tonight we're going simple; unitard with jeans, cute little black belt, and low rise strappy sandals" she said as she laid everything out on my bed.

Walking over, I could see that she did actually pick this outfit well. I was thankful for her for knowing me well enough to know my comfort level.

"Okay, simple but form fitting, not too flashy but I'll feel good. I love it, and thank you!" I say and lean in for a quick hug.

"Yeah yeah, now go change so I can see my final product" She said, shooing me away. I dash into my walk-in closet and quickly change.

Stepping out, I give a quick twirl.

"Damn girl, I did GOOD!" Izzy exclaimed, clapping with huge smile on her face. Just then my mom knocks on the door then enters my room.

"Oh look at you two! I'm loving those outfits!" My mom said. "Looks like you're ready just in time, your cousin just pulled up the drive, so grab whatever else you need and get going" She added, then backed out of the room just as fast and she came in.

Grabbing our shoes and clutches, we made our way to the front door.

"Bye mom! We're out!" I yelled over my shoulder as we made our way out of the house.

"Be back by 2! Call if something comes up!" My mom yelled from the kitchen.

"Will do! Love you, bye!" I called back, shutting the door, and making my way to Corbin's Jeep.

"Well dang, good work on the looks ladies" Corbin said as we climbed up into the blacked out Grand Cherokee.

"Oh put a sock in it Corbin, get us to the party!" Izzy said bluntly, sending an eye roll in Corbins direction.

"Why yes your highness, forgive my insolence, for I am just a mere peasant" Corbin replied, voice dripping with annoyance and sarcasm as he put the Jeep into reverse, heading off to the party.

Damn, she is so hot and cold with him sometimes

To be completely honest, Izzy thinks I don't know, but it couldn't be any more obvious. Call it good intuition, but those two definitely bang. Sure, not something I exactly want to know or acknowledge about my cousin, but facts are facts. I know Izzy well enough to know when she is acting out to cover up how she feels. Right now? I can feel the temperature change with the two of them in the car. Corbins lingering looks on Izzy also didn't go unnoticed. 

~~~~

"Holy mack, what in the actual f**k?" I said, turning to Corbin for answers.

"What?" He replied, shrugging his shoulder with a blank look on his face.

"What?? What do you mean what? How in the f**k did any of you fail to mention that they lived HERE??" I answered, turning to Izzy with the same look.

"I guess we've just known them for so long that we're just unfazed by it all. Not only that, but they don't exactly boast about it either" Izzy replied.

Turning my attention back to house, I had to give my head a shake. I mean, my own parents we're pretty well off if I'm being honest, with my mom being a paediatrician and my dad an Ancient History Professor, and our own home wasn't exactly small either. The Donovan house though? Massive.

"What exactly do their parents do for work?" I asked as we climb out of the Jeep.

"Seriously Cleo? Try to put two and two together" Izzy said, laughing at me.

"What does that even mean?" I retorted.

"Cleo.. hun.. Donovan... Donovan Developments?" Corbin supplied.

HOLY f*****g s**t! 

"Oh damn. Well that explains a lot" I replied.

"Well, if your curiosity is now satisfied, can we go in now?" Izzy asked.

"Oh s**t, yeah, let's go" I answered.

Giving myself a one last check over, I followed Izzy and Corbin up to the front door. Making our way inside, this party was in full swing. Music was playing over what had to be one of the clearest sound systems and there were people everywhere, all in different stages of party mode.

"SPITFIRE! YOU MAAADDEEEEE IT!" I heard from behind me. Turning around, I find Oliver barreling towards us. Scooping me up in a big hug, I could clearly smell beer on his breath.

Well, someone is clearly drunk, or at least getting there.

Laughing at his excitement, I answer "Yes, yes, I'm here. Now put me down you big bear and help a girl find a drink"

Setting me down on my feet, Oliver gave me a serious look. "Aye aye captain!" He replied, giving me a salute, "please follow me!" he called over his shoulder as he made a track toward what I assumed would be the kitchen. Entering the room we found more people mingling, of which I recognized many more faces. Heading over to the massive kitchen island, we found Griffin.

"Hey there sweet cheeks! What can I make ya?" he asked.

"Surprise me!" 

"Ou, are we sure about that?"

"Um, yes?"

"Alright, one 'surprise' coming right up!" Griffin replied with a mischievous look on his face.

"Don't say he didn't warn you! He can make a mean drink and one that you'll come back asking for more at that" Oliver said, leaning down so I could hear him over the music.

"Well that just means I can stick to one alcohol all night, maybe skip the hangover" I replied.

"HA! Nice one spit fire, just keep tabs on how many you have" Oliver answer, laughing at me.

"Voila! One 'surprise' for my sweet cheeks" Griffin announced, skidding my drink over.

Picking up the solo cup, I decided to bypass the sniff test and just go with it. Taking a sip, I was shocked at how yummy it tasted.

"Holy mack, this is good!" I told Griffin.

"Yes! Glad I nailed it" He replied triumphantly. Picking up his own cup, Griffin raised it in our direction "Cheers to us! Now bottoms up!"

Clicking our cups, minus the clink, we each took a big swig of our drinks.

Damn this drink is going to be dangerous