Celeste
She ordered shots for both of us. I’d never had alcohol before, and I wasn’t sure I wanted to start now.
“Just one,” she said. “Trust me.”
The bartender placed two small glasses in front of us. The liquid was clear and smelled strong.
“Bottoms up!” Elowen said.
We threw back the shots together. It burned going down my throat, making me cough and reach for water.
“First time?” the bartender asked with a knowing smile.
“That obvious?” I gasped.
“You’ll get used to it,” he said kindly. “The burning stops.”
Elowen and Josh headed to the dance floor, but I stayed at the bar for a few more minutes, letting the alcohol settle in my system. I could feel it starting to relax me.
“Ready to dance?” Lucas asked.
“Not yet, I’ll come join you later.”
After Lucas left, I faced the bar
