“That is perfect,” Audrey exclaimed as Joey stepped out from behind the closet and modeled a denim cut-off skirt and a bright purple blouse with flair sleeves.
Joey frowned. “This outfit is not me at all.” She wondered when she’d been hit over the head, which would have explained why Joey picked this outfit in the store. It had to be explained by either Audrey driving her crazy in a mall or medication.
The event in question was a club closing. Ordinarily, it wouldn’t have even been a blip but Scott was helping the owner throw one last memorable bash. So they were practically obligated to attend.
It was serving the purpose of an official date tonight.
“You’d think I suggested what I’m wearing!”
“Yeah, I was wondering about that. What are you doing?”
“A girl won’t stay single for long in my outfit.” That and she wanted to show Lisa how to snag the guy.
“You’ll barely stay in that outfit, period.”
“That’s not a bad idea either.” Audrey winked.
Joey continued to look in the mirror, thinking of the reasons this wouldn‘t work. “I don’t know. I’m not used to hip, urban wear. The fact that saying those words sounds awkward is all the more reason this isn’t a good idea. I’ve known Pacey for so long - and, more importantly, long enough as a love interest - that he’ll see through the disguise.”
It wasn’t as if Audrey knew Pacey and Joey back in their happier times so she conceded, “We’ll get a guy’s opinion.” She exited the room, Joey soon to follow. Brendan was sitting at the counter, eating a roast beef and Swiss cheese sandwich. “Or a reasonable facsimile,” she said under her breath. Louder, Audrey called out, “We need your help. Is this outfit okay?”
Brendan placed the sandwich in the plate and spun around on the stool to face them. Taking one look at Audrey’s halter top with a plunging neckline, too-short skirt and high heels, he turned back, muttering, “Just slutty enough.”
Audrey placed her hands on her hips, sneering, “Not me, you delusional little boy. Joey. It’s her first date with Pacey. Tell her this looks amazing on her.”
“It’s all right,” not even bothering to look Joey’s way.
Joey glared at Audrey for being so insensitive then went into apologetic mode. “I know it’s wrong on so many levels to ask you but Keith will say I should dress like that,” pointing to Audrey, “and you know that’s not me at all. It took so much effort to reach this compromise. It’s nerve-wracking enough to deal with Pacey without Audrey’s input…”
Brendan wanted her to stop talking, especially about being on a real date. He reluctantly rotated back, knowing immediately this was a mistake. Audrey’s work was quite effective; then again, he doubted it would matter what Joey wore because it was Joey. He wanted nothing more than to shove Audrey out of the room and ravage Joey. Too bad it was no longer an acceptable answer. Instead, he gave the safe reply, “Everything will be fine, Jo.” That was what Joey wanted to hear right now.
Joey smiled shyly. “Thank you. I guess I’m a little nervous.”
“No kidding,” Audrey said. “Wait, I forgot the most important part! Hold on one second.” She rushed back into her bedroom and came out with several shawls. “This will finish off the look.”
Joey stood there as Audrey treated her as a mannequin, figuring out the right color and the right way to drape it. “Blue or pink? So many colors, only one works right.” She dropped a rejected piece over Brendan’s shoulder.
“Thank you,” he remarked dryly, not amused at all by playing the role of coat rack.
Audrey flippantly replied, “You’re welcome. Anyway,” focusing back on Joey, “this dazzling pink one works perfectly with this outfit.” She draped it in place and admired her work.
“Glitter?” Joey raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “I can tolerate sheer, short, even shiny but I draw the line at sparkly.” She took it off, swiped the light blue one from Audrey’s neck and flung it around hers. “Done.”
Joey sat down on the stool next to Brendan, glad she could finally take a break. She looked over at him, not sure if it was a guy thing to wait for the last second or he had no intention of celebrating. He hadn’t really answered earlier. “Have you decided whether to join us?”
Audrey added, “I could use a guinea pig when it comes to Lisa.”
“What?” Brendan turned quickly Audrey’s way then shook his head as he returned to position, not wanting to know what she was planning. “No, thanks.”
None of them even remembered that Keith was home until he piped up, “Yeah, because that would cut into the all-important manicure session at the salon. Can’t, like, go a week without one.” He shook his head, amused by them, as he went to get his jacket off the rack.
Brendan quickly handed Joey the scarf as Audrey exclaimed, “Where do you think you’re heading?” She then noticed the baseball cap, grungy jeans and a red and black flannel shirt that appeared patched together, a result of wear and tear. “Please tell me that you’re simply misguided enough to think the lumberjack look suits you.”
“I have this job tonight. This car that’s been getting suped up for tomorrow’s qualifying trials had some last-minute engine trouble so Carl called in back-up crew. Double overtime.”
Audrey shook her head, perplexed by the concept of labor. “I lost you after ‘I have this job tonight.’ That means you’re not attending?”
“No, I’ll be there. A little late, but I’m not bailing. I even talked to Jen.”
Of course, that wasn’t the part Audrey was concerned about. She’d have to give Lisa tips without the prized catch being there the whole time. “I guess they’ll be able to handle the life of the party being delayed.”
“I thought you prided yourself on being that. Anyway, I’ll see you later.” He slipped into his jacket and left the apartment.
Audrey said, “I’ll give him credit for that because I really do get the party started right.”
“How considerate! He actually called her,” Joey mused, noting how different Keith had been in the week since the mysterious trip to Capeside. She turned to Brendan. “How serious is this?”
Brendan was at a loss for words. Joey’s stare was on him, her mouth too close. He momentarily forgot the point of the question. “It could be…anything is possible.”
Joey glanced over at Audrey. “It’s because the ex is in the room, right?”
Audrey protested, “I don’t need to be protected. I dumped his sorry ass. You’ll see tonight when the single people take control of the guys’ minds in that club.” Joey didn’t have a chance to question that before Audrey changed subjects. “I still have your hair and makeup to do.”
Joey mouthed the words ‘Help me’ to Brendan before retreating to Audrey’s room.
Not even a minute later, the phone rang. Joey was already in position for Audrey to start so Audrey called out, “Can you get that? It’s probably Pacey.”
Praying it was anyone other than Pacey, Brendan headed over to the couch to pick up. “Hello?”
“Hello, dah-ling.”
Brendan grimaced, settling on the couch. When he was praying, he should have been more specific. As usual, his mom’s timing was impeccable. “How’s everything?”
“Oh, wonderful,” Caroline drawled out. “I was just planning the party for your father’s fiftieth. I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget anyone on the invite list.”
“Isn’t it going to be just his business associates?” As in, why the hell does this warrant a phone call?
“Oh, no! Everyone. College buddies, Janette coming out then instead of for Christmas. Then there’s you and that girl Joey,” those last three words laced with sarcasm.
“We’re no longer together.” It was then that he remembered that all his mom knew was that Joey wasn’t really his girlfriend at the last family dinner. “I mean, we were together, but now we’re not.”
“Naturally. That is too bad.” Though he was certain she was thrilled with that news. “Well, Marcus Allister’s daughter is quite a lovely lady and, amazing enough, single.”
“Who’s Marcus Allister?”
“Only an important restaurant critic who is interested in buying the old Lambert house…” She droned on about the family’s qualities, practically a memorized script at this point. Of course the daughter was lovely, though nearly not as much as the check and acclaim his father would receive upon selling that property. “…and she would be exactly what you need in your life. That girl Joey wasn’t worth your time. You have been dating common girls for too long and it has yet to work out. What could you possibly gain from such a relationship?”
“It’s not possible for you to understand something that doesn’t involve luxurious merchandise.”
Caroline was incensed by the comment. She reminded him, “I think you have forgotten where you come from.”
“How can I? You won’t let me. You don’t seem to understand that I never fit in there.”
“That’s nonsense,” Caroline protested.
“Right. So you didn’t pay off my prom date and nor were most of my dates in high school connected to either Dad’s clients or your party planning. You’ve known all along that I was an outcast yet you continually insisted that…” At the lack of objection, Brendan slumped down on the couch, grumbling, “Forget it. You don’t care,” then hung up on her.
Joey finally got away from Audrey’s control and burst out of the bedroom. Upon seeing Brendan off the phone, she stated, “Remind me to never, ever agree for Audrey’s makeover help.”
“Not a bad idea,” Brendan agreed
“So, who was on the phone?”
“A lousy sales pitch.”
“Those telemarketers always call at the wrong times.” Joey sat on the arm of the couch and absently began running a hand through Brendan’s hair. She asked softly, “Are you sure you don’t want to join us?”
Brendan leaned toward her, enjoying her touch. “You want me to be there?” He wanted more than anything to forget about the conversation he had with his mom. So, even though he generally despised parties and especially ones with Joey fawning over new boyfriends, it was the only other option available.
“Do you have anything better to do?” Joey countered, deftly avoiding the seriousness of the question. On some level, she was aware this wasn’t the safest idea. But she also felt weird about leaving Brendan out of a gathering of friends. Maybe he could find out for her why on earth Audrey needed a test dummy. Last resort. “Oh come on. Pul-leeeeease?”
Brendan looked up at her, offering a brief smile. “You don’t have to beg. I’ll be there.”
Joey beamed at his reply, not sure why she was so thrilled about this. “Excellent.”
* * * * *
Pacey and Jack entered the club. Pacey said, “Wasn’t this place supposed to be closing because of a lack of customers?”
Jack looked around for familiar faces. “I thought so. I can’t find anyone we know.”
It didn’t take long for Pacey’s ability to locate Joey to take effect. He spotted her on the opposite side of the club, laughing heartily. Pacey couldn’t recall seeing Joey in above-the-knee skirts very often - shorts, yeah, back when she didn’t even know she had an effect on guys - but was appreciative of the change.
Pacey’s good mood dissipated when he saw her punch Brendan’s arm. It was a classic Potter move, one his own right arm had experienced many times. It felt like he was spying on a moment of theirs, even though those two shouldn’t even be having moments anymore.
It was probably not on the same level as Dawson, so there was no need to be annoyed. Yet, he was aware that Joey and Brendan had a sexual relationship, they were still roommates, and he wouldn’t be surprised if Brendan would be back in the picture should there be a screw-up. So it was unavoidable to be a bit suspicious over their bonding. Which Pacey had to stop feeling immediately, or else there would be trouble. At least until something happened that actually warranted suspicion.
Jack had been talking but noticed Pacey’s attention had shifted. He zeroed in on the same area as he said needlessly, “They’re at the far end.” He yanked on Pacey‘s arm and led him to that section.
Jen was the first to spot them. “There you are! We’ve been waiting forever for you.” She wrapped her arms around Jack, it clear that she had been spending her time knocking back drinks.
When Joey saw Pacey behind Jack, she smiled warmly. It had felt too long since the morning she returned to his apartment. It wasn’t that she hadn’t seen Pacey since; it just wasn’t at times when she could privately enjoy his company. Joey had already found a spot where they would be away from most of the chaos. “You took long enough,” she chided.
Jack broke away from Jen long enough to chime in, “You wouldn’t think of Pacey as the type who worries about what he’s wearing, but he can.”
“Aw, you were concerned about impressing me?” Joey teased.
Pacey shot Jack a dirty look, then replied, “Not so much you as your hot blonde roommate.”
Joey tilted her head sideways. “So that’s why Audrey deserted us as soon as we entered.” She took the scarf from around her neck, holding one end in each hand. She then proceeded to use it to pull Pacey close to her. “You’ll have to accept the runner-up.”
Pacey grinned, then eliminated the remaining distance between them with a kiss. “Am I your runner-up?”
“Of course. Then again, Johnny Depp is always first choice.” She placed both ends of the scarf in one hand. “Come on.” She dragged Pacey behind her as they sought refuge in the far corner.
Jen mused, “They have so much time to make up. Though this looks like senior year all over again.”
Jack muttered under his breath, “Something tells me I shouldn’t go home after this. Who knows what I’ll walk in on with those two.” It was then that Jack remembered Brendan was still standing there and immediately felt uncomfortable continuing the reunion griping. Change of subject, stat. “Has Scott shown up yet?”
Jen had forgotten about him. They hadn’t spoken since the day he opted not to file charges. Jack had been the one who invited her so it was easy to overlook the planner. “Haven’t seen him.”
Jack caught the flicker of resentment in Jen’s eyes. “Did he talk to you about a settlement?”
“I wouldn’t say we talked. I’d say he stated what we’re doing.”
Jack dejectedly replied, “So it’s true. His sister told me about the extra money coming in.” He stretched his neck, searching. “He has to be here somewhere. Why go through all the trouble and not show up for the party?” He called out over his shoulder, “Something is definitely wrong. I’ll catch up with you later.”
Jen muttered to herself, “Why am I not surprised Scott didn’t tell Jack about that?” She was about to head back to the bar when she remembered Brendan was there. She turned around and suggested, “Care to join me for a few drinks?” It was basically the only option, as she didn’t want to follow Jack around, buying time until Keith showed up.
Brendan shrugged, “Sure, why not.”
Both sat down at the bar, shots on the counter. Jen stared at the drinks for a long time, at war over whether to down one. “I think I’m looking for an excuse for this to fail.”
“You and Keith?”
“Yeah. Nothing has even happened yet and already I’m convinced tonight will be a disaster.”
“Somehow, I don’t think getting drunk before he even arrives is a wise move.”
“Unfortunately, I realize that about three drinks too late.” She pushed her shot next to Brendan’s.
“How do you want this evening to go?”
“Not like this. There’s too much drama going on.”
“Other than a lot of noise, I don’t follow.”
“There will be fallout when Jack tracks Scott down. One of them, probably Jack, will turn to me. When Keith does show up, I suspect Audrey will try to trip us up.”
“I heard something about Audrey wanting me as a tryout case but I didn’t understand what she meant.”
Jen shook her head. “Audrey’s plotting something. That doesn’t sound good at all.” She spotted Pacey and Joey in the corner, kissing. “Then there’s the inevitable regarding you, the prince, and the Ice Queen. The truce will fall apart because at least one participant will realize it’s as stupid as the outsiders already know.”
Need to get Jen back on topic, regarding her fear of the night ending badly. “What if you only had to deal with Keith? He can provide enough drama on his own but one person at a time is easier.”
“It would be easier,” Jen considered, tapping her fingers against the counter. “But how would that be possible?”
“He’s returning to the apartment to change. Cut him off. Or, you know, do whatever you’d want to do to him.”
Jen perked up as she began to grasp where Brendan was heading with this. “I like this plan.” She spun in her stool, hunting. “But what about Jack?”
“Jen, what do you want?”
She smiled as she thought about the non-club possibility. She immediately jumped off the stool. “I’ll see you later.” She stopped suddenly, to apologize. “I’m sorry to cut off this…”
He pointed to the door. “Go.” She gave him a quick hug then rushed off.
Brendan chuckled as he watched Jen push her way through the crowd to the exit. That joy was temporary as he spotted Pacey and Joey in the corner. Joey was laughing as Pacey spun her, failing at executing a graceful dance move.
“What the hell am I doing here?” he muttered to himself, then turned back to the counter and gulped down one of the shots.
* * * * *
Joey let Pacey pull her body back to him. She didn’t care if they were having trouble dancing along to this music. As long as some part of Pacey was touching some part of her, it could be deemed good dancing.
Pacey kidded, “Wasn’t there a time when we were dance partners? What the hell happened to those people?”
"All of that music was around before we were born." Joey was thankful for a slower-tempo song as she could now have Pacey hold her in his strong arms. She rested her head against his shoulder as they swayed to the music. "I can't tell you how much I've missed you," she said as she pressed light kisses on his neck. "Ever since I returned to your apartment, I've been remembering all of the amazing things you did for me. To me. I mean, I've allowed myself to enjoy recalling how wonderful a person you are. Before, I'd remember and try to bury those feelings because nothing could be done about it."
Pacey brushed his lips over her forehead. "I never really forgot about you. Even as other women came and went, you still lingered in my thoughts. At first, it was torturous but gradually I got used to it. I never really thought we'd end up in the same place again. At least, not without an outside party arranging the surprise. Maybe Dawson was right about fate after all."
Joey had to laugh. "He can't be right because, in his stories, he and I were the fated ones. No, what you and I have is, um, a fluke."
Pacey repeated, "A fluke?"
"Oh yes, one of life's happy accidents." Joey smiled broadly as she raised her head to face him. "It's how the pine trees have snow on their branches, the water bounces off the rocks, the clouds appear as cotton candy..."
"You have to stop watching painting programs," Pacey interrupted, then captured her bottom lip in his mouth and sucked on it. "Then again, I love how your eyes widen when you talk about art."
Joey smiled against his mouth. She deepened the kiss, closing her eyes as she took in the moment. "You have to stop saying such wonderful things. Then again, I love you, so I can forgive that."
He threaded his fingers through her hair as he whispered jokingly, "Yeah, well, I think I'm in love with you so that works out pretty well."
Joey's eyes shot open and gave Pacey a strange look. She'd heard those words before, too recently for comfort. The night she was dancing with Brendan, Joey had imagined Pacey's voice saying those words. Then, the moment was right, but it was the wrong guy.
She was about to consider how Brendan meant it when he said it when Pacey commented, "What? Is something wrong?"
Joey shook her head. This time, it was the right words, the right guy, and the right time. “For the first time, no. Nothing’s wrong.”
* * * * *
Keith dragged his tired body out of the car. It was much later than he’d anticipated and he wanted nothing more than to plop into bed. Yet he knew he had to get to that party or else risk Jen’s wrath. Although it was a first date, it was definitely important to start this relationship off right. She needed to be impressed, a difficult enough task under normal circumstances, so he was returning to the apartment to get ready.
He unlocked the door and headed up the elevator. When it reached the fourth floor, Keith slid the door and was stunned to see Jen asleep at the door. Her legs were stretched out in front of her. He nudged her leg, calling out, “You’re obstructing the emergency entrance.”
Jen smiled, her eyes still shut. “That’s the idea.”
Keith took her hand and lifted up. Jen tried not to giggle as she refused to cooperate, losing grip with the glove on his hand. On the second attempt, he managed to drag her inside the apartment.
When he shut the door, Jen finally opened her eyes, innocently saying, “Good morning.”
“It’s past midnight.”
“Really?” She turned around, looking for the clock. 12:21. If she hadn’t decided to surprise him, she would have been ditched. Jen rose to her feet, then forcibly shoved Keith against the wall. “You said you’d meet me at the party by 10. It’s more than two hours later and you’re here, not there.”
“You’re right. I apologize for that. Work interfered.” Keith looked away from Jen as he took off his gloves and jacket. Even to him, it sounded stupid to place a volunteered task ahead of a date. “I was heading over there. Just needed to stop here first.”
“Is this the way you operate? Have the woman chase you?”
He was exhausted and this wasn’t helping. “Jen, not now. It’s a horrible slip. That’s all. Don’t make this into an even worse problem.” Keith rested his hand on one of the empty coat hooks, staring down at the carpet.
She wanted to be angry, but she wasn’t. “I just had to release that pent-up energy,” she said softly. “Ignore the raving loon.”
Keith shook his head. “You’re not foolish. At least not about this. If you came here to blast me, it would be warranted.”
Jen walked over to him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and stood on her tiptoes to whisper in his ear, “I didn’t. Actually, I wanted to surprise you. If you haven’t noticed yet, nobody else is home.”
He twisted around to face her, puzzled by the calm tone. “You’re not here to yell?”
It was then that she noticed the oil staining the sleeve, the slumped shoulders and general tired appearance from a long night at the garage. Jen felt guilty for even thinking there was an ulterior motive. “Sorry to disappoint.”
Keith offered a weary smirk, then gave Jen a looking over. “So if I say that you look amazing, it doesn’t sound like I’m sucking up?” What normally would have sounded somewhat like a leer was instead drowsy, yet sweet. It felt nice to Jen to hear the compliment.
“That would be right. It should also be clear that I wouldn’t say the same to you. Not because of being angry, but because that shirt should be burned.”
“Fair enough. That’s why it’s a work shirt and not worn for festivities. Just give me ten minutes and I’ll be ready.”
Jen accepted that and settled on the couch as Keith headed to his bedroom. She hadn’t even realized she’d drifted to sleep until she felt a tapping on her leg. He whispered, “Are you comfortable there?”
She tried to say yes but it sounded more like a grunt. It took her a few seconds to regain her bearings. When her vision finally got in focus, she saw Keith leaning back next to her, about ready to fall asleep himself. She kidded, “When I decided to come here, I assumed it would be so much more exciting.”
“You were the one who fell fast asleep,” he pointed out, sitting up to face her.
“I am well aware of that,” Jen shrugged. “It’s just…I’m terrible at the whole dating thing. It’s weird because I’m at ease around guys. But, let me put it this way. Why would I get drunk before you even had the opportunity to irritate me tonight?”
“I’ve aggravated you before. Why is now different? You can’t seriously tell me you’ve never dated before.”
“Yeah, I’ve dated but most of those relationships were sexual first. Everything feels different this time. It’s not that I haven’t thought about us having sex but…” Jen let out a shriek when she couldn’t finish that sentence, then threw her hands over her face. “This is driving me nuts.”
“There’s more than that going on.” Keith grabbed hold of one of her wrists and lowered her hand. “If it was only about sex, we would have already been in that bed, or car or bathroom, or wherever. Neither of us would care.”
Jen added, “Of course, there would have been fallout from that encounter because it’s never simply sex.”
“Naturally.”
“I sound like a crazy woman.”
“Naturally.” Keith quickly raised his hands up in surrender, not sure how she’d take the joke.
Jen yanked on his arm, forcing him close to her, as she struggled to keep a straight face. “So this is a relationship? I freak out and you don’t flee?”
Keith sunk back on the couch, draping an arm around her. “I think so. Then again, I can’t say my experience is much better than yours. I know being a protector is considered a good thing, which is what I think tonight was.”
Jen turned toward him and asked hopefully, “Can I now gloat about ruining Audrey’s plan to fix her friend up with you?”
“I knew she was up to something tonight!” Keith exclaimed then kissed Jen on the cheek. “Yeah, it’s okay.”
“If I said that I don’t want to move from this spot?” She settled in his embrace.
“I’d say you have no reason to leave.”
* * * * *
Lisa complained, “This has been, without a doubt, the biggest waste of time.” Audrey had been giving her tips for hours, not even letting her walk around the club to see anyone. “I don’t like acting standoffish when a guy approaches, given that any other day they wouldn’t even give a glance.”
Audrey was surprised by the complaint. “That is silly. You are absolutely fabulous.”
“No, Patsy and Edina are Absolutely Fabulous. I am a techie disguised by a makeover.” She pushed the hair Audrey had brushed forward out of her face. “If a guy falls for this act, he’s clearly an idiot I wouldn’t want to be with.”
Audrey chose not to reply, checking around the club. Where the hell was Keith? It was nearly one in the morning, it now apparent he would be a no-show. She had made a point of not specifically mentioning him to Lisa, that way there was no anxiety. Audrey actually liked hanging around Lisa as she was, but there was a difference between being a friend and picking up a guy.
Jack snuck up on Audrey, whispering in her ear, “Having fun?”
Audrey turned to face him. “Jack! Just the person I wanted to see. Can you spare a few minutes?”
Behind her, Lisa shook her head, willing Jack to say no. Jack raised an eyebrow, then replied, “Sorry.” Lisa mouthed the words ‘thank you’ as Jack continued, “Actually, I was wondering if either of you have seen Scott tonight.”
“I saw him early this evening in our building,” Lisa offered. “But I guess you mean here at the club…”
Jack cut her off, anxiously needing to know, “No, wait. Why was he at my place?”
Lisa was puzzled by Jack’s frantic tone. “Um, I don’t know. I was leaving my apartment when I saw Scott standing in front of yours scribbling a note. I know because I offered to write it for him, since he was having trouble balancing the paper on the wall. Instead, he asked if I’d hold the paper while he wrote. Then he slipped it under the door and walked me out to my car.”
“Do you have any idea what he wanted?”
“No. Sorry.”
Jack looked around the club, spotting who he was searching for in the corner. “Well, since Pacey and Joey are still here, I’m heading home to find out what he wrote and, in general, what the fuck is going on with him lately.”
Lisa watched him rush out of the club. Audrey commented, “Maybe we should head to your place and hear them fight.”
“That’s so wrong, even if that would be an improvement on this night.”
Audrey rolled her eyes, then muttered to herself, “I have to find somebody.” She led Lisa around the club hoping anyone she knew wasn’t currently occupied. Finally, she saw Brendan at the bar counter, downing the drink in his hand, his attention focused on Pacey and Joey. Audrey wasn’t sure what she seriously expected him to do at the party, though it certainly wasn’t sending oblivious daggers Pacey’s way.
“I have an idea,” Audrey declared. “It’s time for a test run.”
She led Lisa to the bar. As soon as Lisa saw the destination, she was pissed off. This was clearly not a test run. It was the real thing.
“Very funny,” Lisa said sarcastically.
“Okay, I know what you’re thinking. But it’s always good to get information from the buddy.”
The buddy? Lisa wanted to protest that Audrey was mixed-up. Unfortunately, she had already reached his spot.
“Hey Bren,” Audrey exclaimed. “Ain’t this the funnest party?”
Brendan refused to turn her way. “First of all, that is not a word.”
“It’s only for special occasions.”
“Second of all, you’ve been nice enough to leave me alone. Keep doing that.”
“Whatever.” Audrey sat down on the stool next to him. “I want you to meet someone.”
“Don’t fix me up.”
“Brendan, this is my friend Lisa…”
Lisa interrupted, “I think we know each other.”
Brendan perked up upon hearing the familiar voice. He spun around, then was stunned by the made-over version of her. “Lisa? Is that you under there?”
Lisa smiled shyly, thankful he noticed the change. “It was Audrey’s idea.”
He nodded, giving her a once-over. “Yeah, it kinda looks like her clothes. Except you look better than her.”
Audrey whacked him in the back of the head. “Just thought you needed the reminder that,” shouting loud, “I’m still here!” She glanced from the drink to his view of Pacey and Joey. “You’re drunk.”
Brendan saw Audrey had figured him out. “How else would I be able to watch those two?” He laughed. “They are so sickening and mushy and happy. You wouldn’t even know that Pacey caused her two years of heartache or that she was dating me only a week ago. She doesn’t care about that because he’s her fucking prince and I’m just the convenience store guy.” He shook his head. “No, wait, I was just the guy conveniently around.
Lisa whispered to Audrey, “He is one drink away from making a scene.”
Audrey agreed with that observation, then asked him, “Want me to take you home?”
Brendan shrugged as he jumped off the stool, getting a grip on the counter so he wouldn't fall. “What’s the difference? She doesn’t even know that anyone else is here.”
