As we made the rounds, people were hesitant around Kaia and her entourage. At first, they assumed I was just a recent addition, and so they acted standoffish. I made a point to turn on the Dawson charm, trying to put them at ease. It was only partially effective because they’d been conditioned to be wary of Kaia’s catty remarks.
We walked into a game room, and over the fireplace hung a portrait of a woman who looked very familiar.
“Is that …?” I asked.
“Yes. That’s my mom, formerly Claudia Müller. Everyone says I look just like her,” Kaia said, fishing for a compliment.
I looked at Kaia more closely. Before I was born, Claudia Müller had been famous for posing in a red one-piece swimsuit. In my dad’s youth, her poster adorned the bedroom walls of most teen males. I’d seen the poster in old photos of my dad and uncle in one of their bedrooms. While Kaia had model looks, she was not on a par with her mother. Claudia was stunning.
“Thanks for introducing me around. I should get back to my friends,” I said to dodge the comparison and to rid myself of Kaia.
“You should hang out with us. People with similar interests should stick together,” Kaia tried. “Don’t you agree?”
Her minions dutifully nodded as they all turned to me.
Several comments came to mind. This girl made me remember the first time I’d met Lexi. What was it with teen girls who thought they had to be mean to be the top of the heap? Lexi had changed, so I figured Kaia could too, at some point. Then again, she probably would turn out like one of those reality-TV ‘real housewives’ my mom liked to watch.
“I’m not going anywhere, but I’m not abandoning my friends, either. I’m sure we’ll have a chance to talk later,” I assured them—
Kaia kept her mouthy opinion to herself as I flashed my most winning smile. Adrienne had taught me how to look my best. I figured that Kaia had big plans for me, and I would have to hide from her later.
I found Brook with her cousins, looking put out, and Cassidy wearing an amused expression. Next to Brook stood another girl who looked like one of my fantasies: the naughty librarian. She had the requisite long dark hair and glasses. My fantasy girl looked at me and smiled.
“So, your dick’s too big,” she blurted and then turned red.
I got a shocked expression on my face and put my hand over my mouth like I was mortified. I glared at Chelsea, who had the good sense to glance away. Cassidy and Brook both barked out laughs as I scampered off. Maybe there were awards bigger than the Oscars. That performance surely would earn me a lifetime-achievement one.
The real reason I left was I realized that I’d been at a party for nearly an hour without a drink. If this kept up, I would need something stronger than the Coke I planned to have. When I came back, Brook’s cousins were missing.
“David, Makayla wants to dance,” Brook said.
I didn’t have to be asked twice. I took Brook’s friend—my fantasy naughty librarian—out and began to shake what God gave me. Makayla was a total free spirit; there didn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for her dance moves. No matter; I was having fun. The music slowed down, so I took her into my arms.
“You’ve gotten Brook’s cousins in a tizzy. It won’t be long before everyone knows of your giant dick. Brook and Cassidy think it’s funny,” Makayla said to let me know she knew the truth.
“That I have a giant dick?” I asked for clarification.
Makayla laughed.
“You’re fun. I can see why Brook dated you.”
I sighed.
“And I can tell neither of you was ready for it to end,” Makayla said.
I nodded my agreement.
◊◊◊
Without the ‘Mean Girl’ around, the partygoers got brave and wanted to meet me and get to know Brook better. I counted my trip as a win when I saw her in an animated conversation with five other girls. She was going to be okay.
I’d had enough of the festivities. It really wasn’t my scene. Everyone was posturing to see who was the richest and most connected. I’d learned that if someone had to play the one-upmanship game, they were a poser. People who had actually achieved something didn’t feel the need to act like most of these kids did.
I had a bad feeling that this would be typical of parties when I got older. Back home, I was used to people just being themselves and not trying to put on airs.
I went in search of a bathroom and made the executive decision to go upstairs when I saw the line. It turned out to be the right call.
When I came out, I got curious and did a little exploring. I found an upstairs library, and a girl there curled up under an afghan, reading her tablet. One look told me she had to be Kaia’s older sister. I sat down in the chair on the other side of the fireplace and stretched my long legs out to get comfortable.
“You’re not supposed to be up here,” she said without looking up.
“I’m hiding from your sister.”
That admission caused her to look up; she recognized me and smiled.
“You’re the actor my sister plans to hook up with.”
