I slipped on my over sized sweater and looked in the mirror. Not flashy but not boring either. I could live with that.

I walked out to show Celeste. I knew she wouldn't approve but this was the best she was gonna get.
"B-"
"No."
"Fine. It's cute enough."
"Thanks. You look sessy though girl. Kinda jealous. Just kinda."

She flipped her hair dramatically.
"Why thank you." I smiled. "What are you gonna do with Lacy?" My smile fell.
"I didn't think about that. I should stay."
"No. Let's just ask someone to sit for you...or just a pet hotel. I'm sure there's one." I slowly nodded.
"Just for tonight."

2 ½ hours later

We'd found a legitimate hotel for Lacy. At least according to Celeste. Now we were sitting in the parking lot waiting for my brother.
"What if I liked Cameron?" I side glanced at her.
"Cameron? My little brother?"
"I said if. What would you do?"
"That's weird. He's 19 and I'm pretty sure he has a girlfriend."

"Ashley, really? I'm serious. Just hear me out. What would you do if I dated him? Like if he didn't have a girlfriend or anything. What if."

"...I guess I couldn't do anything about it. I'm not one to interfere but I honestly wouldn't approve. He's my baby brother. If it was Austin that'd be different. Why are you asking? You like him?"

"No no. I was just wondering." I looked at her confused. I would have questioned her further but a tap on the window distracted me. Austin. She rolled down the window.

"Follow that car." He headed off towards a Camaro and we started following. There was so many turns I thought we were lost until we pulled up to a bar. She parked and we both got out.

"Hmm. Not bad."

"I'd rather be with Lacy."

"Mr. Hot stuff is here. Would you like to retract that statement?" I looked to see my brother and...Colby?

"Where's E and Kofi?" I asked as he got closer.

"Other plans. Where's Lacy? Didn't get to properly meet her."

"Celeste made me take her to a doggy hotel." A small bark sounded as I finished talking. I looked around until it landed on Colby's Yorkie.

"Could've brought her." He stated as he walked inside. Celeste trailed.

"You alright?"

"I know you don't know me but....can I...? I'll pay you." He laughed.

"I hope not to buy him. But you can hold him." I blushed.

"I just miss Lacy already." I gently took him from Colby. "She's my everything. Not as lonely when I have her." I lightly petted him.

"Trust me. Kevin came about after Zahara. Tough time but he helped me through it." It was silent after that. Not really awkward but nice.

"We should probably head inside though. Might drink the shelves empty." I nodded and followed him inside. Celeste and Austin were already in a booth with four shot glasses. All empty. I slid in the booth and he sat next to me. One of the employees sat four more down.

"Excuse me. Do you have...Coke or something?"

"Sure. One second, honey."

"Not much of a drinker?" I shook my head.

"Not really a good image." I nodded towards my brother and friend. "So, are you his best friend or is this just a acquaintance kinda thing?"

"I'd like to think I'm the best friend."

"Good good." Kevin sat in front of me on the table. "Is this the usual? Going out before an event?"

"Uh, no. Not really. I think it's cause you're here."

"Maybe." The lady came back with my glass. I thanked her and poured the shot in the soda. "I hope you're prepared to care for him. He gets-"

"-really cranky after getting drunk? Oh I know. I got this." I smiled and turned away. "You look nice by the way."

"Thanks. So do you."

"I know." He smirked.

2am

After I'd had enough we all (me and Colby) decided to leave. It was so heart breaking. I tried sneaking off with Kevin but sadly got caught. Now I'm in my hotel room all alone sitting in the center of my bed in my pajamas. I'll never listen to Celeste again. I got up and grabbed my key card. I'll bang on her door until she lets me in. I made sure my door was secured and did just that. Surprisingly she opened the door. Still drunk. I pushed past her and got in her bed. She fell to the floor before she made it back. Oh well. We both eventually fell asleep.