that was then*
chapter 09
"Don't be nervous!"
Dora listened anxiously to one of her best friends from California, trying to manage holding the phone and fixing her hair at the same time. "I know, Kaity, but I can't help it! I mean, I know this sounds sluttish to say since I just got out of a relationship, but I really like this guy--"
"Even more than you like Danny?" Kaity interjected.
Dora sighed. "I wouldn't say that...but what does it matter anyway? Danny is moving on, right? It's been almost a month."
"He's still a little shaky when it comes to girls, but I think he'll be over it soon. Have you talked to him since you left?"
"A couple 'a times. Maybe three or four."
"Well, what I think you should do is go out with this guy tonight, and after you get home call Danny and talk to him about it. He'll know what to say."
"Yeah, I think I'll do that."
Just then, a voice sounded from downstairs. "Dora, your friend is here!" Brian called.
"Shit," she mumbled to herself. "Listen, I'll call you soon. I have to go."
"OK, take care sweetie."
"You too, Kait. Bye."
Dora clicked off the phone, and tossed it onto her bed.
"Dora!" Brian called for a second time.
"I'm coming!" she yelled back. With that, she raced down the stairs. She met her father at the door, and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Bye, Dad."
"Have fun, honey."
She opened the door to find Josh waiting for her in the walkway.
"Ready?" he asked with a smile.
"Yep." She returned his gesture and walked with him to the Mustang that awaited them.
"Dora, that's Bryce," Josh said, opening the back door for her.
"Hey," she greeted him as she stepped into the car. The thumping bass of the stereo system made the floor shake.
"Hello, Miss Christensen," Bryce said, peering at her reflection in the rearview mirror. "Ready to go have some fun?" he asked with a laugh.
Just as Josh closed the passenger door behind him, Bryce sped off down the block.
"Are we picking up Amber?" Josh asked.
"No. She got a ride with Tiffany-"
Josh subconsciously cringed.
"-but we are picking up Tim." Bryce pulled alongside the curb outside of a huge Victorian.
"Why are we picking him up? The guy has like 12 cars!" Josh questioned.
"His parents are out of town, and they hid the keys on him. Guess they don't trust him any more than his girlfriend does."
"Hola mis amigos!" Tim shouted as he jogged down the length of his front yard. He was very tall, about 6'1", but stocky at the same time. His yellow and blue striped rugby shirt and the gold cross around his neck both bounced as he ran.
"Hey, bitch," Bryce said cheerfully as he reached out of the car, and punched Tim's arm. The forceful shot seemed to have no effect.
Tim opened the back door, and climbed in. "Joshua," he said while playfully shoving his friend's shoulder. He looked next to him at Dora, and winked. "Hey, baby."
Dora smiled out of sheer pity. "Hey, sexy," she played back.
"Tim, that's Dora," Josh stated, stopping their banter.
"Pleasure to meet you Dora."
"Pleasure's all mine."
They shook hands.
After their short meeting, Bryce stepped on the gas. The next stop would be the party.