Page 75 of The Breakup Artists

I laugh at his predictability. “I mean, debauchery isn’t anyone’sthing. It’s just a way to let loose. And however much you protest, we both know you’reenjoyingthis case.” I wag my eyebrows at him, on the off chance he missed my insinuation.

But he gives nothing away in his expression. I could be wrong that he has feelings for Ella, but my gut is telling me otherwise.

And since we’re on the topic of epically bad romantic choices, I decide to test the waters with the Bentley conversation. “Speaking of secret crushes, there’s—”

But I’m cut off by Derek and his Amber-look-alike date.

“Duuuudes.” Derek claps August on the shoulder. “Get ready because Justin’s ragers are a thing oflegend.”

I make a mental note to pick up this conversation later after a (hopefully) successful night of Justin foiling.

Derek opens the large front door, and music that was undetectable from the driveway blasts out. Unlike Amber’s swanky boat party or Ella’s pool party, this one is massive. The living room is brimming with people dancing, and the back deck and never-ending lawn are the same.

I beam. It’s basically every element of chaos we could ask for in order to carry out my plan.

“Kitchen!” Derek declares over the music, and we weave through the crowd to follow.

Derek grabs plastic cups and a bottle of tequila from the shiny marble island counter, pouring heavy-handed shots. He attempts to give one to each of us, but August and I grab beers instead—much easier to drink slowly or not at all.

“To dancing naked on the coffee table later,” Derek declares.

I laugh, although knowing him it’s probably not a joke. “Legendary parties are legendary, right?”

He and the Amber look-alike raise their shots, and we all cheers as Amber, Ella, and Leah walk in.

“The cousins,” Leah exclaims. “Nowit’s a party.”

Sharky, of course, gives August a kiss on the cheek, one that’s so close to his mouth that it actually catches the corner of it. She glances at Derek to make sure he saw. But I glance at Ella, who looks uncomfortable.

Derek grunts. “I feel it’s my duty as a fellow dude to tell you to be careful,” he says to August, obviously taking a dig at Amber. “She’s got claws.”

Amber drags her teeth across her bottom lip and flicks her bob. “Jealousy is a bad look on you, D.”

Derek pulls his date closer. “Do what and who you want, Amber. I’m over it.”

Amber opens her mouth to respond, but Justin cuts her off with his entrance. “Yeah, bro!” Justin says and fist-bumps Derek. “I had a sixth sense I’d find you knee deep in booze.” He slings his arm around Ella, and it’s clear he’s already buzzed.

“Time for a drinking game,” Amber declares.

“You know I’m always down,” Justin says eagerly.

“Quarters?” Leah suggests.

“If we were boring, then sure,” Sharky replies with an evil glimmer in her eyes. “I’m thinking a game with more spice. Truth or Dare.”

August and I exchange a look—an amazing game for kicking up dirt, but also an uncontrollable one.

“Here are the rules—” Amber says and pauses while Justin hands out beers.

Derek’s date lodges an objection in his ear, but he shakes his head and says, “It’s just a game; what’s the big deal?” She takes her drink and exits the room, leaving him behind.

“As I was saying,” Amber continues. “Everyone drinks when a truth or dare is chosen, and everyone drinks when it’s completed. Leah, you’re up first.”

“My choice, huh?” Leah says, looking at each of us. “Justin, truth or dare?”

He grins. “Truth.”

“Drink,” Amber reminds us.