My Brother's Best Friend

chapter 20

Natalia

"How old are you?" Mia gasps. I can tell I caught him off guard, because he chuckles awkwardly. I don't think he wants to answer my question though, because he looks everywhere else but at me.

"Natalia, that's not an appropriate thing to ask someone. You know how women don't like it, men don't either," she says, but I just stare at him, waiting for him to answer. What Mia said is untrue. Men don't care the way women do, at least I don't think so. I think he is ashamed, because there's a big age gap, and he knows it's wrong.

He chuckles and his now too cool, too calm demeanor really pisses me off. "You know you have the kind of eyes that stare into people's souls. The kind that tells you everything. They are just so blue and clear. They are truly unsettling," he says. What does that mean?

"Actually, my best friend, Mike, told me I have the prettiest eyes he's ever seen, but what do my eyes have to do with anything? Quit deflecting and answer the question," I demand.

"Age doesn't matter, Nat. Just drop it. You are embarrassing me. Can we talk about this later?" Mia speaks to me like a mother who is fed up would speak to their naughty child. She even pinches me. She makes me feel like I am a naughty child she can't seem to control. What is up with her always pinching us? I pull away. "Fine," She looks relieved. I don't think trying to make sure she is safe and that he isn't taking advantage of her is embarrassing, but I will just stay in my lane if this is how she feels.

"Let's dance," she pulls me towards a group of girls dancing. She begins dancing all around me in the only way she knows how. She always dominates the dance floor. Mia sure loves to be loud and dance.

"You don't look like you are having fun," she shouts into my ear. The music is pretty loud, so it's hard to communicate.

I give her the look. She knows I don't approve of this. I hope I am making it clear to her. I will with words once we leave too.

"Nat, chill out. Stop making this weird," I shake my head. "Mia, no, he is too old for you," I say. "It's not serious, Nat. I am just having fun. We are only young once. Let's live it up," she grabs both of my hands. "Just promise me you will be safe," she nods. "Now, get that stick out of your a$$ and come here," she pulls me over to her purse. She pulls out a flask. "Mia," I say. She pulls away. "Come on, Nat. Live a little," she takes a sip and pushes it into my hands.

"I am not drinking this Mia," I hand it back to her. "More for me," she shrugs and drinks more. She stands in front of me and s3xy dances, which has men turning their attention towards us. This makes me nervous, but William comes and stands behind her. She turns to him and screams and jumps into his arms. I roll my eyes. I decide to watch Broadway musical videos from her phone, but make sure I keep an eye on her.

"Hey, Nat. We are going to go grab more drinks. Want some punch?" William asks with that p3rvy wink. "A water bottle," I refuse to drink punch of anything that is open or has been anywhere near him. At least a water bottle is safe.

"I need to pee. Go grab the drinks and meet back here," Mia runs off and William leaves in the opposite direction. I try to go behind Mia, but I didn't see what way she went, and now I can't find her. I walk around and take everything in while I wait for them to return.

They both finally return nearly at the same time.

He has a glass of water that I know I won't be drinking.

"We ran out of water bottles," I give him a fake smile, take the glass and set it down next to me. "Where is my drink?" Mia asks him. "Oh, I only brought Natalia a drink. What did you say you wanted?" She is now pouting, and I don't miss the look she gives me. My stomach sinks. "Don't be mad," he kisses the tip of her nose, and he pulls her to the dance floor again.

I sit here, trying to remember where I have seen this man before. It is really bothering me that I don't know. Should I ask for his last name? No, they made asking his age a big deal. I can't imagine how much Mia will freak out if I ask him anything else. I look up and notice William staring at me. Eww. I look away, turn away, leave and come back, but every time I look over at Mia, freaky William is staring at me. I think Mia notices too, because she gives me an awkward smile, she spins him, so now she is facing me most of the time.

"Nat, can you get me another cup?" Mia is nearly slouched over on William. I think him holding her by the waist is the only thing keeping her up right now.

"I'll go grab you a water, Mia," I go to the drinks station and notice all the different drinks. This is so overwhelming. I am just used to water. I have no idea what all of these fancy drinks are. I don't see any water or fruit punch.

An older woman grabs a cup and the ladle next to a huge bowl. "Hi, do you know where I can find the water or juice?" she chuckles like I would assume a rich person would. Her laugh just sounds different. I know she is a part of the higher class. Her hairstyle gives her away too.

"Oh dear, there is no water or any juice here. But the jungle juice is to die for. It has like 5 different types of alcohol. It's the best drink for these types of parties," A man walks over and wraps his arm around her shoulder. "Who is this little cutie?" he asks. "Oh, we just met. She hasn't told me her name yet." I don't like the way the woman's tone changed. "Well, she sure is pretty. I think she would be perfect," he says. I do not like the way they are looking at me and licking their lips. I'm perfect for what?

"What are you talking about?" They both look at me like they are the confused ones, then back at each other. They smile creepily at each other. Then the man steps forward.

"We pick you as our party favor." He rubs his hands together like he is about to collect a prize.