I was getting the ‘deer in the headlights’ looks as they wrapped their brains around that, so I waited until they seemed ready to hear more.
“I suggest that you pick a buddy and keep track of each other. Work out a signal between you so that if you want out of a conversation, the other will come bail you out.”
From their looks, I could tell that this was common, and they already knew it.
“I will guarantee you that someone will approach you about hooking up. If you do, realize that it’s just sex, and they have probably done this numerous times. Always wear or make them wear a condom. I don’t want to have to fly to Japan and explain to your parents or significant other how you picked up an STI,” I said.
The girls all covered their mouths and turned away as if they were embarrassed, except for Hana. She was from the States and wasn’t as easily flustered.
“Finally, if you lose someone or need help, come find either Manaia or me.”
Misaki, my new big sister, stood up.
“Have fun, but listen to David’s advice.”
Our den mother had spoken. They all nodded respectfully to her.
◊◊◊
The party was in the San Fernando Valley. Manaia pointed out that we were going ‘south of the Boulevard,’ referring to Ventura Boulevard. That meant that we were headed to a much more expensive part of town. We pulled up to what looked like an average two-story home on a street lined with similar ones. I should have known that it wasn’t really ordinary when they had a valet to park the bus because the neighbors didn’t want people parking up and down the street.
We were sent around back and discovered this wasn’t a typical suburban house. The backyard was long and narrow, with a grass patio area that overlooked a pool as the lot stepped down the hill. Behind the pool was another large grass area in front of a second building that served as party central. They had a band and bar inside the back building.
Ben spotted me and helped introduce my castmates to his friends and the hostess. Our hostess was a real piece of work. The scary part was that I sort of liked her.
“Package check!” she announced as she groped Jiro and Kenta.
She turned and started to come for Ben and me.
“Just let her or she’ll be after you all night,” Ben suggested.
“These are a couple of keepers,” the hostess announced and left to harass someone else.
I smiled at Jiro and Kenta; they both looked like they didn’t quite know what to do after that.
“Lighten up. You’ve been at your first American party for five minutes, and already a girl has grabbed your Johnson. How much better does it get?” I asked.
“No one groped us,” Kana complained.
Ben and I looked at each other and made grabbing motions towards their breasts. The girls decided we were immature and left us to get drinks.
“I warned you. My friends aren’t right sometimes,” Ben said.
“Well, I have to agree that ranks right up there, but I suppose she could have done something worse.”
“Don’t give her any ideas. She’s actually hilarious once you get used to her. When I first met her, I was worried she had something wrong with her mentally. If she and Isabel hadn’t been best friends, I would have tried to avoid her and her craziness. I’m glad now that we met because she makes life interesting.”
Someone tackled me from behind, and I went sprawling. I was ready to get up and kick some ass when I realized Ridge was on top of me.
“You knucklehead. You’re lucky I didn’t kick your butt,” I said as he helped me up.
Bill was behind him, and I shoved Ridge out of the way so I could give Bill a bro hug.
“Dude, what happened to your hair?” Bill asked.
“Movie part.”
“Package check!”
Their expressions were priceless.
“Two more keepers. You did good tonight, Ben,” Isabel’s best friend said, and then took off.
“I’m not sure if I am scarred for life or aroused,” Ridge said.
“Where’s the wife?” I asked him.
“She has to turn in a paper on Monday and has been a total slacker. She told me to go out and have some fun,” Ridge said.
Penny had dated Ridge since middle school.
“Where are the hot Asian chicks?” Bill asked.
“A little eager, are we?” I asked.
“He’s been like that ever since you sent him that website. Personally, I like blonds,” Ridge said.
Penny was a brunette, which made it funny. Then he eyed me, which made it unfunny. Ben batted his eyes at Ridge.
“Just joking,” Ridge said as he put his hands up to ward off Ben.
We quickly found out there were several USC fans at the party as they recognized Ridge. He was in the conversation for next year’s Heisman Trophy. The early favorites were the quarterback across town at UCLA, another quarterback from Oklahoma, and my buddy at USC.
Ben was considered old hat. I, on the other hand, attracted a crowd. I teased Ben about it when some of his friends stepped around him to talk to me. Bill was a total pest, so I took him to find my castmates.
