Whimper Read Free Page B

about having a “normal” night, Brianna had styled her hair into big blonde waves and layered on eyeliner and shadow. Her slinky tank and short shorts didn’t meet my approval, but I wasn’t going to say a word about it. She needed to have fun, and that was hard enough when you were being escorted by your brother, let alone playing nursemaid to him.
    She made me change twice before I met her approval. I hadn’t even packed that many clothes. I didn’t even remember owning the soft black shirt she made me wear. I think she may have planted it. I filled the pockets of my charcoal gray cargo shorts with inhalers and my wallet while Brianna slapped some goop into my hair and spiked it up every which way.
    “You look too much like a science nerd otherwise. Or maybe it’s that I know you’re a science nerd,” Brianna teased. Normally, I would have protested and worn whatever I felt like throwing on, but I wanted to look good tonight. Brianna was the expert when it came to fashion and party wear. I spent most of my days in a t-shirt and lab coat.
    We walked together towards the collection of bars, restaurants, and shops that bordered the university campus proper. The air was sultry, practically vibrating with the bass pouring out of the open bar doors. Bri and I stopped at a little taco shop and had some dinner while I watched the crowds mill around the square. The street on this block was closed to traffic from 6pm to 6am daily, allowing for students to gather in the roadway as they moved from bar to bar.
    “I’m so excited!” Brianna squealed. “I haven’t been to a club in forever. Which one do you want to start at? I kind of want to go to the one playing techno music. It looks like they have a dance floor. What do you think?”
    I cleared my throat. Dancing was the last thing I had planned. “I think I’ll have to pass on that much exertion today, but if you want to go I can stand watch. I was thinking more along the lines of the one that looks like an Irish pub. Firebrand?” I said it casually, playing with my napkin to avoid making eye contact with my sister.
    “Oooooh, this is about that girl I caught you staring at this morning, isn’t it? Oh my God, Elliott! It’s about damn time!” She grabbed our empty trays and swooped towards the trash can. “Come on! Let’s see if we can find her.”
    We dodged college kids until we made it to the door of Firebrand, where we had to show our IDs to the bouncer. Brianna had turned 21 a few months ago, so that wasn’t an issue, although my ID was obviously a fake. The DMV doesn’t hand out licenses to dead guys. I tried not to squirm as the bouncer scrutinized my card and held in my sigh of relief when he waved us through. The bar was packed. I couldn’t see any tables open and people stood in clumps between the full ones.
    “Wow!” Brianna yelled into my ear over the noise of the crowd and of the small band playing in the corner. “This place is awesome. I love all the knick knacks and pictures on the wall. You can really feel the history.”
    I looked around, trying to find a safe spot for us to stand until we could find a seat. Then, over the crush of college kids, I saw her again. Her dark hair framed her face with wispy tendrils, the chestnut mass of it held up in silver clips. A tight green t-shirt emblazoned with the word “Firebrand” stretched across her chest as she weaved around tables, gathering empty glasses. I was riveted. My sister followed my gaze and didn’t bother hiding her mocking laughter.
    “Dude, you’ve got it bad, don’t you? I’ve never seen you even check out a girl, let alone stare at her like she’s edible.” The humor drained from her face. “Oh shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean...” She trailed off, staring at her cuticles.
    As if I’d forgotten the risks. I let it go, not wanting to discuss the issue any further here.
     
     

 
     
     
     

    “You’re in a good mood tonight, Zoe,” Seth, my favorite bartender,