Senior Year Box Set

“It’s hanging on the wall,” I complained.

“That must be airbrushed,” Ava said.

“David has been known to do this thing called ‘naked dance party,’” Mom suggested.

“You do realize that means everyone has to be naked,” I said.

Ava gave me a lopsided grin. Since when was it okay for your girlfriend’s mom to perv on you?

“I’ll do it if you talk Dad and Ian into it,” I said.

“This should be good,” Mom said as she dragged Ava downstairs.

“Surely they aren’t serious,” Brook said.

“I hope not, but Sandy Range has seen my parents naked. She thought my dad was kind of hot.”

Brook just shuddered.

“We’d better go downstairs,” I suggested.

We came into the kitchen to find Cassidy with her mouth hanging open, and Ian and Dad were blushing.

“Go make some popcorn. This is much better than watching TV. Your moms are evil,” Cassidy said.

“Anyone else want some?” I asked.

That got everyone to laugh and broke the tension. The moms looked pleased they had stirred things up. I began to worry I might have made the wrong choice in a girlfriend. Zoe’s mom might have been worse, though. She had a great sense of humor.

◊◊◊

Chapter 2 – That Girl Was Never Here Friday August 26

I came back from my run to find the custom SUV parked in the driveway. Fritz had borrowed it to update some of its security features. I let Duke in the back door and ran upstairs to take my shower. When I entered my apartment, I found Halle, Zoe, and Cassidy talking to Brook. I wondered if we were switching off whom we gave rides to school to.

“I thought I was picking you up.”

“You failed miserably on your first day. This is probably better,” Brook said.

“Easier for me. Thanks,” I said, then hurried to the bathroom before she could make a comment.

When I came out, I found Halle in my bedroom. I dropped the towel that was around my waist.

“Do we have time?” I asked.

She gave me a big sigh.

“How long did it take you to forget you have a girlfriend?” she asked.

I just waggled my eyebrows at her.

“I need a favor,” Halle said.

“Anything.”

“I need you to take care of Bandit. I got the movie and will be on location for some of it.”

“Which one?” I asked.

“The one at the studio you and my mom warned me about. I didn’t get the other movie, so we signed to do this one.”

“When do you leave?”

“Next Wednesday.”

“Why are you going to school today? I would expect you’d just be focused on packing.”

“I want to say goodbye to everyone.”

“We need to have a party,” I suggested.

“I suppose you think I should organize it. Shouldn’t my best friend do that?”

I blinked because I never imagined that she would consider me her best friend. My other issue was where we would have the party. I knew my parents wouldn’t go for it. Then I had an idea. I grabbed my phone and made a call.

“Hey. I need to use Our House for a party tonight.”

“We already have reservations and a band,” Caryn said.

“Offer them a free meal if they’ll switch to Saturday or next week. Let them know it’s been booked for a teen party. That should help them decide.”

“Why are you throwing a party?” Caryn asked.

“Halle landed a role in a movie and will be leaving Wednesday.”

“Do you plan to eat the cost on this?” she asked.

“Why don’t we make it ten bucks a head and set up an appetizer buffet and free soft drinks? If people want anything else, they can pay for it,” I suggested.

I figured that was more than fair for some food, drinks, and a live band. We also wouldn’t trash someone’s house.

“I’ll contact Lily and have her use social media to get the word out,” Caryn said. “Let’s start the party itself at nine. We could offer people a chance to come in and eat and plan to close at eight-thirty. That would make it so we don’t have to give away free meals.”

“That’s why you’re the brains behind this. Thanks,” I said and hung up.

Brook came in and found me naked and half aroused. I challenge anyone to be around Halle James and not at least show some interest.

“What are you two doing?” Brook asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

“She’s making me do things,” I said in a whiny voice.

“Pleeease,” Halle said as she started laughing. “You know David. He just likes to strut his stuff.”

Cassidy came bounding into the room, followed by Zoe.

“I say we skip school and see if we can wear him out,” Cassidy offered.

My half-aroused state changed to fully aroused.

“Get dressed,” Brook ordered.

“What about Cassidy’s idea?”

The look Brook gave me had me scurrying to do as she ordered. I admit I bent at the waist to pick up my towel so they got a good look at my butt.

◊◊◊

Over breakfast, Halle told them about her leaving and the party I’d arranged. She also announced I’d agreed to take Bandit for her until the movie was done filming.

“I didn’t think Bandit and Precious got along,” Mom said.

“They’ll work it out,” I said.

At least I hoped so.

Paul took us to school. I smiled when he gave them the full treatment.

“Hold tight, ladies. Let me get the door,” he said as he jumped out.