Lessons of the Heart Read Free Page A

Britt.”
    “Munch,” I reply, zipping up my boots.
    Liam looks over at Penny like she’s a shiny new toy. She loves getting attention, and even more so when it’s from him.
    “Wow Pen, looking hot tonight. You sure you want to go out with her?” he says as he leans against the door.
    She raises an eyebrow to him. “Why? You have a better idea?”
    He clicks his tongue and nods. “Oh yeah. A way better idea. One that will take you on a ride you’ll never forget.”
    “And now we need to leave,” I announce, putting the seduction scene to a halt.
    Liam shakes his head and laughs. “God you are such a pill, Britt. I’m just having some fun.”
    I look over to Penny and don’t miss the wince that crosses her face.
    “Well, we’re off to have some fun of our own. Don’t wait up,” I sing as we pass him.
    He shakes his head and follows us out.
    “Britta, remember! Home by one o’clock, please,” my mom says from the couch.
    My dad puts in his two cents “No taking rides from strangers either. Liam said he’d pick you up.”
    “Yes, yes I know, but thank you for reminding me.” I throw on a light jacket and turn to Penny. “Ready?”
    “As I’ll ever be,” she says. “Goodnight Mr. and Mrs. Fosse.”
    “Have fun, girls. Be safe,” my mom says as I shut the door.
    Liam follows us down the driveway and stops at his car. “I’ve got my phone on me if you need me.”
    “Don’t worry, we won’t need you. Where are you headed off to?”
    “Douchenozzle’s place. We’re going to play some poker and the new Call of Duty game Vince just picked up,” he says, swinging his keys around his index finger.
    “Wow, and you call me a pill? Fun.”
    “Shut up.” He looks over at Penny as she climbs into my car.
    “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine,” I whisper.
    “Just watch her please? And try not to let her go home with anyone.”
    “No promises but I’ll do my best. Thanks, Liam.” I hug him quick and climb into my car.

    As we pull up in front of Travis’s house, I can see the street is lined with dozens of cars. Thumping music wafts out from the open door.
    Immediately I feel on edge. “Wow, this party is huge. What time did it start?” I ask, shutting the car off.
    “An hour ago maybe?” She checks her watch and shrugs her shoulders. “Maybe he started early.”
    “Who knows? It’s Travis and his parents are out of town for the weekend. He probably started the minute he got home from the game. Hell, people probably started partying during the game.”
    “Probably. But it’s our night tonight so let’s go party!” Penny loudly exclaims, throwing her arms in the air.
    As we get inside, I spot our group of friends. After we push through the throng, we get to Cami and Dez, who are chatting animatedly with Drake and Lyle. They pause to wave us over. Penny rushes toward the girls and flings her arms around them in greeting.
    “You made it! Happy birthday, bitches!” Cami yells and hugs me tightly.
    “Thanks, Cam.” I point at their red Solo cups. “You guys already started?”
    “Yep. The punch is in the kitchen and the keg is in the basement.”
    “Dare I ask?” Penny asks before taking a drink from Drake’s glass.
    “Coors Light. It’s actually decent,” he says and then reclaims his cup.
    Penny turns to me and shrugs. “What do you want, beer or punch?”
    “Neither. How about something diet?”
    “Lame!” Dez screams at me. “It’s your birthday. Have a shot or seven, in addition to your drink.”
    I shake my head. “Not big on the shots Dez, you know that.”
    Lyle drapes his arm around my shoulders. “Come on Britt. You just turned eighteen, right?”
    I jab in him the side with my elbow. “Still in high school, still living under my parents’ roof. I don’t want to be grounded until college.”
    “Well tough shit, you’re drinking tonight,” Penny says as she drags me to the kitchen.
    When we get there, she grabs two red plastic cups, fills them with some red