Chapter 31. Wonderland.

"It's all fun and games till somebody loses their mind."

I looked around the patio at all the smiling faces, the hum of easy laughter floating through the warm night air. Yeah. This was where I belonged. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't always easy, but whatever came next, wherever life decided to take me I would be okay.

The thought settled in my chest, solid and certain.

But then—

"Alright, are we getting lit tonight or? Because we've been here almost two weeks and I've gotten lit maybe once." Jacob's smile beamed and I could tell he wasn't joking. The group followed with laughter as Dani ran in to get shot glasses and a few bottles. She ran back in the house, screaming, "you don't have to tell me twice!"

A small pit in my stomach formed, the last time I got wasted I admitted how much I wanted to date Erik but still fuck Justin. I don't know if I'm ready for this. Maybe I'll just babysit my drinks, and let everyone else get super drunk. I could feel pressure rise in my chest thinking of what I could possibly say drunk, but the thought simmered as Dani handed everyone a shot glass. 

"Cheers to getting lit!" Dani shouted with her glass in the air. We all followed shortly after with a roar of cheers and laughter. I threw the shot back, the instant burning from the tequila settled hot in my stomach, but the nervous edge in my chest didn't quite fade. Around me, the night pulsed with energy, laughter, the clink of shot glasses, the steady hum of music from the speaker someone had left playing on the patio.

Thankfully before anyone could suggest another round of shots Marshall announced the food was ready. We all lined up, piling our plates with food that looked straight from a Michelin Star restaurant. My grilled lobster was made to perfection and I was excited to dig in. As the night progressed so did the drinks. I on the other hand was still on my first drink, praying no one would notice. 

Laughter rippled through the group, easy and warm. I glanced at Erik who was sitting next me, he was quiet, but relaxed, beer in hand. When our eyes met, he gave me a small smile that warmed me more than the tequila. It was like we were both recollecting the make-out from earlier. My smile grew and I couldn't shake it. 

Justin, already done with his plate, leaned back with a satisfied sigh. "Nothing like a good meal before making questionable decisions."

"You mean like taking another shot?" Dani grinned, already reaching for the tequila.

More shots were passed around, I hesitantly took it, fearing the worst but hoping for the best. And just like that, the night shifted—full stomachs making way for full glasses, laughter turning louder, and the air buzzing with the promise of chaos.

I finally finished my first drink but almost like clockwork Mallory walked up to me with a new one in hand. 

"I see you babysitting! What happened to being more inclined to getting wasted with me!" She giggled under her breath when I gave her a pointed look. 

I leaned closer to her, barely at a whisper. "After the last time…I don't wanna get messy." 

"Let loose, you deserve it! Plus you have me to watch you in case you do get messy. Promise!" She extended her pinky finger and I wrapped mine around hers. I don't know if I'm going to get wasted but maybe I'll have more than two drinks. 

I took a big sip of the drink she gave me and it was loaded. It was vodka with a tiny splash of cranberry. Mallory grinned as I swallowed, "now let's do shots! Dani's making blowjob shots!" She grabbed my hand and dragged me over to where Dani was, shaker in hand and shot glasses in front of her. 

"What's uh um a blowjob shot?" I leaned over to Mallory and whispered in her ear. 

"It's just a shot that you take without using your hands." She smiled as she mimicked the movement and I couldn't help but laugh and blush all at once. 

I lifted my right hand up, waving it slightly. "I think I'll pass."

"Nope! Everyone is taking one! Hannah get over here, Nancy, Allie you too!!" Dani shouted as she added whipped cream to each glass. Seconds later everyone gathered around the table, laughter filled the patio area. I was a little nervous so I took a bigger sip of my non cranberry vodka. 

"Can I at least get an example? I've never taken a shot like this before." I giggled, I felt a bit shy but I knew Dani and Mals wouldn't let me skip on this. 

Hannah walked over, looking a little eager. "Sure! I'll do it first. It's easy, put your hands behind your back, bend over and open your mouth as wide as you can, wrapping the glass. And then throw it back with no hands. Easy!" I watched her intently, almost as intently as she watched Justin while she was doing it. He watched her for a couple seconds before turning to look over to me, a smirk plastered on his face. Heat crawled up my neck, I shook it off and turned back to Hannah, who now had whipped cream streaming down her face. 

"Alright August, think you can handle that?" Hannah asked me as she was wiping the stuff off of her face. I shrugged my shoulders. 

"Can I hold my hair back instead of putting my hands behind my back?" I turned to look at Hannah but before she could answer Dani cut in. 

"Yes you can, besides these perverts will think it's hotter that way." Dani walked over laughing as she set the shot in front of me. I don't entirely know what she meant by that but I laughed anyway, like I wanted to be a part of the joke and not the butt of it.

 I looked around for a second, finding Erik's gaze hovering over me. Watching as I took a step forward, I shifted my focus to the shot glass. I pulled my hair back with my left hand, and held the front of my shirt with my right hand, slightly bending over. I stopped and jolted up, "Mallory, you have to do it with me! Please!" I turned to look at her and she had a small smirk. She walked over in an instant and Dani put a shot glass in front of her now. We got to position and Mallory counted us down. "Okay , 3…2…1…GO!" 

I bent down far enough to grip the glass with my lips, it was harder than Hannah made it look, but then again she had done this before. I held the glass as best as I could as I stood up and tilted my head back enough to let the drink slide down my throat. I waited until I swallowed the shot and then I bent back down to set the glass down on the table, still no hands. 

I laughed as the liquor settled into my stomach, Mallory matched my cackling. Even though I felt like I successfully took the shot I still had whipped cream on my lip somehow. I went to reach for a napkin but Erik extended his hand out with one ready for me. 

I let out a nervous laugh as I wiped up. "That was uh interesting." I said.

He just smiled at me and walked away, something about the way he smiled left me feeling a little uneasy. I turned to my right and noticed Justin was watching the entire time. I felt a knot in my stomach, and I couldn't pinpoint why. 

"You sure you've never done that before Auggie?" Hannah winked as she walked past me. I felt a rush of blood flush my cheeks.

I pressed forward trying not to dwell on how uncomfortable I started feeling. Marshall offered me some relief by asking for help taking the food inside, I jumped at the chance. But unfortunately so did Justin. 

Marshall walked in first with a few trays and then the both of us followed. Once they dropped everything off on the counters I tried to linger back, hoping he would leave sooner than me but the minute he saw me packing stuff in Tupperware, he jumped into help. Marshall left shortly after because Dani was calling for him. We worked quietly at first until he cracked the awkward tension. 

"I don't know how you managed to get whipped cream in your hair, you did so well, though your technique could use some work." His back was turned to me but I could tell he was amused with himself by the way his shoulders moved up and down slightly. 

"My technique was perfect! The whipped cream is just…messy!" I threw a grape at him and he turned around at the perfect time for it to hit his chest. I ran my hand through my hair and he was right, somehow I got whipped cream in it. 

"Dani's right, by the way. Holding your hair back. Whew. Way hotter." He walked over to the fridge and pulled out two beers, opening one before handing it to me. 

"She was right, you are a pervert!" I laughed but it didn't meet my eyes because I still didn't fully grasp what they meant. I took a sip of beer, and with the alcohol running through me I boldly asked. "What does that even mean though? Like what are you guys talking about?" 

Justin studied me, beer in one hand, head tilted like he was trying to decide if I was screwing with him. "You seriously don't know?"

I crossed my arms. "Would I ask if I did?"

His smirk deepened, slow and lazy. "Alright, let's break it down then." He pushed off the counter, taking a casual step closer. "You held your hair back." He mimicked the motion, watching me closely. "Bent over. Wrapped your entire mouth around the rim of the glass. And then threw it back, with no hands." He tilted his head, eyes dragging over my face like he was waiting for me to catch up. "Tell me, Auggie, what does that remind you of? Not to mention the name of the shot itself."

It took me a second. And then…oh.

Oh.

My stomach dropped. My face burned. And the way he was looking at me? Smug as hell.

"Oh my God," I groaned, gripping the counter. "You're disgusting."

He just laughed, unbothered, taking a slow swig of his beer. "I'm not the one sucking off a shot glass like it owed me money."

I grabbed the nearest dish towel and chucked it at him, but he dodged it effortlessly.

"You're the worst."

"Nah," he said, that damn smirk still glued to his face. "But keep holdin' your hair back like that and you might convince me otherwise."

I swore under my breath, but when I reached for my beer I couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. I set my beer down and gripped the edge of the counter lifting myself up. I needed a minute before I went back out there. I sat on the counter bringing the beer up to my lips. Justin watched me cautiously, leaning back carelessly on the counter in front of me. 

"You know I'm a man of science August, and I know you've been loving experimenting with me so if you ever want to test something out…" he let out a loud laugh as he took a sip from his beer, though I could tell there was a part of him that was serious. It's not like it hasn't come up in conversations. I'm just not…ready? If that's even possible to say, given our track record for other…new things we've tried.

He watched me patiently, watched to see if I would say anything but I just stared at him without any true expression, bringing the bottle back up to my lips, holding it there. His own face now mirrored my expression. We stared at each other quietly, not saying anything, not looking away, just taking sips of our beers in the space between. The music was loud in the background, the laughter echoed through the walls, but we just stared.

His eyes said much more than his words ever could and somehow I still don't know what they're saying. My chest started to tighten the minute his gaze dropped to my lips and back up to my eyes. A move so small, so deliberate, and now I knew what he was thinking. Heat crawled up my neck, and I knew I had to break the tension before it broke me. 

I cleared my throat quietly, almost as if I didn't want this to end but knew it had to. "We should…"

"Yeah…we should." 

I jumped off the counter, grabbed my beer and started heading for the back door. And just before I made it all the way I turned to look back at Justin. He still hadn't broken his gaze, watching as I made my way past the door. 

The minute I stepped outside the tropical humid air immediately grounded me and brought me back to reality. A few people were gathered around the dinner table, taking shots, while another group was starting a bonfire off to the side of the pool. I scanned the crowd until I found Erik, standing just outside the fire's glow. Close enough to be part of things, but still a little separate.

Something about that made my chest tighten.

I walked toward him before I could think too hard about it.

"Hey, you," I said, my voice low, meant just for him.

He turned, his small smile warm, easy. He didn't hesitate—just threw his arms around me, pulling me in tight.

And I let him.

No…I leaned into him. Pressed myself closer than I might have otherwise. His arms were steady, sure. It felt safe. It felt good. And I wanted it to. Needed it to.

Because if it felt good, maybe I could ignore the way my stomach twisted when I left the kitchen. Maybe I could push down the heat that still lingered on my skin from Justin's stare. Maybe I could forget, just for a second, that I almost hadn't walked away.

So I closed my eyes, breathed Erik in, and let myself believe it. I didn't let go right away, and I felt his lips press lightly on the top of my head. I pulled back enough to look at him and he leaned in to give me a kiss, and again I didn't hesitate. His lips were warm and the kiss was light, I could taste the beer on his lips which made me laugh a little. But I didn't break the embrace, I felt safe in his arms, there was no question where I stood with him. The guilt was no longer strong but still present. 

I felt his thumb lift my chin, holding my head steady while his kiss stretched. He pulled away first, placing one more kiss on my forehead before I pressed myself into his chest. I could hear the pounding of his heart as I buried myself further into him. 

"Don't break my heart, August." He whispered so quietly, I almost thought I was making it up. I tilted my head up enough to see his face but his eyes wouldn't meet mine. He kept his gaze fixed at the fire that was now in full flames, taking a long sip from the beer that was still in his hand. His other hand was mindlessly caressing my back. I didn't know what to do, didn't know what to say. So I stood there quietly, still holding on like I was about to float away. 

I tried to steady my breathing. I didn't want to give away how truly anxious his words made me feel. It's not that I would ever mean to break his heart—I just felt so… caught up.

The fire crackled, sending sparks curling into the night. I watched them rise, disappearing into the dark, wishing I could do the same.

"August!"

I jerked slightly, the sound cutting clean through the moment. I turned to see Mallory waving me over, oblivious to whatever had just passed between me and Erik.

I swallowed, hesitating for half a second before forcing a small smile as I started to step away. I turned to look at Erik, and he finally met my eyes, offering me a smile that was sadder than I wanted to admit at the moment. 

"Go, I'll be right here waiting for you." His smile faded as I started walking away. Something in the way he said it made my stomach twist. But I couldn't let anyone know what had just happened. I walked over to the table where I forced a smile and faked a laugh. Seconds later almost everyone was at the table, I guess we were having shots. 

"Why didn't you bring Erik with you?" Hannah's eyebrows pinched slightly. 

I paused for a moment, "Mallory just called for me, I didn't know it was a group thing." I took the seat next to Mallory as Hannah called over for Erik. 

Erik walked over seconds later, taking the seat next to mine, his smile warm, like he was telling me he didn't want anyone to know. By now everyone was gathered around the table, and Dani and Marshall started handing out shots. Even though I had said I was going to go easy, I knew I needed this one to ease my nerves.

"Cheers," rang through the patio as we all downed the shot in unison, the liquid burning its way down. Mindless chatter swirled around me, but my attention was still caught on Erik's words.

Don't break my heart, August. 

I extended my hand out to him, and after a beat, he looked at it, then tangled his fingers with mine. I gave his hand a gentle squeeze, and he returned it, the pressure warm and steady. I could sense the tension but I tried to will it away as I took another sip from my beer.

Everyone around kept their conversations going until Jacob cut through the crowd. "Okay so how is it that we have not once played truth or dare?!" 

"We played the first night we were here." Mallory chimed in. 

Jacob's eyebrows raised as he looked around at each of us. "What! You guys are keeping all the fun to yourselves! What's the craziest thing you guys did?" 

Memories of that night flashed around in my mind. The first night I kissed Justin. The first night I got drunk. The first night I let all of my inhibitions down. I swallowed hard trying to ignore it. Until Hunter included himself in the conversation. 

"Well we were pretty tame. Except maybe for August and Justin who basically made out twice. It was my doing but still." The room erupted in laughter, everyone but Erik and I were still laughing. Seconds later he dropped my hand from his. He didn't say anything but that said everything. 

"I mean August definitely enjoyed herself. I can't blame Hunter for wanting to see it twice." Justin cut through the laughter, his words sent a knot to my throat but Erik's stoic reaction was somehow worse. 

And I don't know what came over me whether it was the liquor or me trying to defend myself when I chimed in. "I wouldn't say "enjoying" but I wasn't the one who asked for a third one after the game soooo."

"Listen, a hot girl in a small bikini is still a hot girl in a small bikini, no matter who is at the end of those lips." Justin's words cut me more than I expected they could. 

Hannah immediately turned to Justin with half a scowl. "Justin what the fuck! You didn't tell me you asked for a kiss after the game!" 

And my worst fears started to unravel when Erik finally broke his silence. "Well Hannah at least he told you something cause I didn't even get a warning." He laughed like that didn't cut me just the same. I felt a rush of heat flush my face, the air escaped my lungs but I was frozen in place. I couldn't move or better yet my body wouldn't allow me. I wanted to run. I wanted to hide but I didn't. Instead I searched for Erik's eyes but still refused to meet mine. 

"Woah, woah! I would like to formally apologize for creating such delayed chaos. I meant no harm. I was drunk and they were the only options cause well we see Marshall and Dani kiss all the time." Hunter spoke up causing the entire group to laugh, breaking some tension in the air but the tension sat heavy on me. 

"Note to the group make sure August and Justin don't kiss in truth or dare." Jacob added, causing a bigger uproar of laughter. 

Dani looked over at me and she could read the fear in my eyes. She jumped right in the middle of the laughter. "Alright y'all leave them alone, it was all in good fun no one did anything to intentionally hurt feelings okay? Now let's move on and let's have another shot?" 

She and Marshall stood up running to the kitchen, everyone started small side conversations. Mallory turned to look at me with worry in her face. She grabbed my hand. "Come on, let's go make mixed drinks for everyone" 

I didn't fight her on it. It was exactly what I needed at that moment. I turned to look at Erik before getting up. He finally met my gaze but all he gave me was a tight smile and a polite nod. 

I stood up and started walking with Mallory still holding my hand. Once we made it inside the kitchen and the door shut, Dani's eyes shot over to us and she whisper yelled "what the fuck!"

We walked up to the counter to help Marshall and Dani with the drinks. 

"Hunter is such an idiot! But Auggie I can't believe you never told Erik at least about the kissing!" Mallory gave me a look that read as joking but I know she was being serious. 

"See this is why honesty is the best policy because what happened out there? That was messy. I can't even imagine what he would say if he finds out about yours and Justin's rendezvous." Marshall added as he poured rum into a shaker. 

"Marshall!" I gave him a pointed look and put my finger up to my lips, insisting he keeps it down. I heard the music start playing but I couldn't risk it. Not after this. "I…don't even know what to say. I can't even read him either. Is he pissed? Is he sad? He's not giving me anything except avoidance." 

"I am so glad I'm married." Dani patted me on the back softly and finally I let out a small genuine laugh. 

"And I am so glad I didn't end up kissing Hunter cause that would've been me out there." Mallory added. I laughed but the tension in my chest didn't go away. The four of us worked on the drinks while the others sat around the table making conversation. I could see Erik wasn't really engaging but then I saw him laugh, the laugh he gives when he is actually enjoying himself. I felt a knot in my chest again. 

How did I let it get to this? I asked myself quietly but couldn't come up with an answer. 

And then I turned to look at Justin, who looked like he was in a private intense conversation with Hannah. I couldn't believe he had been honest with her at the very least about the kiss. Which begged the question, was she suspicious about us or if he just outright told her so he could get ahead of the sphere of our tangled mess if it ever went south…

My stomach turned as I poured the shots out, and I couldn't tell if it was from the smell of the liquor. Or if it was from watching them in what looked like an argument. We finished up but Dani held us back because to her I looked like I was about to vomit. And she was right. I ran over to the bathroom with Mallory and Dani running shortly behind. Marshall said he was going to start taking the drinks outside. 

"I feel like I'm gonna be sick." I said as I flicked the lights on and just stood over the toilet. But nothing was happening. Mallory and Dani just watched and I squatted down over the toilet while holding the edge of the tub for balance. 

"Auggie, it's going to be okay. Sure Erik is gonna be a little mad but he's gonna get over it. He really likes you." Mallory walked over to me and patted my back as she held my hair in case my stomach finally gave in to the sick feeling. 

I hesitated for a second but then I decided to let them in on what just happened with Erik right before they called me over. "He whispered 'don't break my heart, August' and I'm pretty sure it's because he saw Justin and I in the kitchen just…staring at each other for a while. And now this!" I shut my eyes tight and shook my head, like I was trying to erase the feeling of him dropping my hand out of my head. But the moment was burned in my brain. "And the fact that Justin even told Hannah about the kiss before…but I didn't tell Erik. Why did he even tell her? Is she suspicious?" 

Mallory and Dani looked at each other for a split second and then back at me. Like they both knew something I didn't. They stayed quiet for a second longer until Dani finally decided to say it. 

"She's not outright suspicious but she said she had caught him texting you during times they were together. Now she didn't see what they said because knowing how you two text each other she would've thrown an actual fit. But his excuse was that you guys were close and he was helping you with Erik." 

I fell down to my butt from my squatting position, letting her words sink in before I spoke. That makes sense as to why he told her but why didn't it ease the feeling in me. 

"Am I an awful person?" I finally let out a sharp exhale and leaned against the wall. Mallory sat down on the ground next to me. And Dani shut the door behind her before sitting on the floor with us. I brought my knees up to my chest and buried my face between them. 

"You're not an awful person August," Dani took a deep breath but continued. "You're a girl who was sheltered all her life and now that she got some freedom, she's exploring it tryna find a place in this world. Is it fair to Erik if you're hooking up with Justin? Probably not. But that's a part of life. That's a part of growing up." 

"Yeah auggie. Hurt is inevitable. It's how you mend it that matters. Obviously don't hurt people on purpose but… she's right." Mallory threw her arm around me and pulled me tightly into her. "This is all new to you. You're allowed to date or fuck whoever you want. But sadly nothing comes without some form of consequence. However, you're not alone. You have us." Now Dani got closer and I could feel her pull me into a hug as well. We sat there for a moment before Marshall lightly knocked on the door. 

"Everything all right in there?" He said it quietly but we heard him clearly. 

"Yeah honey we'll be out in a minute." Dani responded. 

They let go of their embrace on me and I leaned my head back on the wall. "Thank you, you two. I really appreciate it. I think I would be spiraling worse without you guys." I finally let out a real smile. One that didn't feel forced or fake.

 I did appreciate them with every part of my being. Whether I believed them fully or not was another story. Something I'd eventually have to deal with. But for now I could shake it off and move forward. 

"I'm not gonna lie, that was kinda wild of Justin to call you hot in front of Erik. He really knows how to dig graves." Dani chuckled and shook her head. 

"Yup, you know me. Just a piece of ass in a bikini, giving it up to him freely." I laughed but my own admission stung. Almost like I had let myself believe there was more when we both actively said there wasn't. And I know there shouldn't be more. 

Mallory's eyebrows rose slightly. "Nah. You're not just a piece of ass to him. I think he looks for you more than you realize. I watch how he stares at you when you're with Erik even though he should be paying attention to Hannah's. " 

"Yes! Like he'd get his knuckles bloody for you! I swear!" Dani added. I rolled my eyes playfully and finally stood up from the floor. Offering a hand to Mallory and Dani to stand up as well. 

"Yeah, yeah sure. I appreciate the loyalty though." I said as we started walking out of the bathroom. We made our way past the kitchen and then back outside, joining the chaos like I didn't want to quietly wither away. 

The seating arrangement had changed slightly and it made my heart sink. Erik was now in between Hunter and Jacob. Leaving no room for me to question how he truly felt. He was upset, I knew it without a shadow of a doubt. I swallowed my pride as I sat back down, now next to Allie. And I could sense the discomfort the minute I did. Hannah shot me a pointed glance but looked away in the same beat. 

"Okay glasses up. Let's keep the party going." Dani raised her glass and we all followed. Forget holding back, now I just want to forget today. I took the shot without hesitation. The slow burn ached in my chest before it traveled down to my stomach. 

The chaos continued as everyone got lost in conversations about what to do next. I glanced over at Erik, who finally looked at me since I'd gotten back. He was straight faced at first until he gave me a tight lipped smile. My smile was small, almost invisible but I knew I had to try to calm the storm between us. We lingered for a second before someone caught his attention. 

As the night wore on, the tension between us lingered, simmering just beneath the surface. I could feel it every time my eyes met Erik's, or when Justin's gaze briefly caught mine from across the room. It was like a ghost that wouldn't leave the party, no matter how many shots we took.

I knew I could lose myself in the emotion if I let it but thankfully Nancy came to my rescue…or so I thought. 

"I think it's only fair if we play truth or dare since we all haven't gotten the chance!" She spoke up enough to get everyone's attention. Everyone shifted her way and collectively agreed. Everyone except for me. I stayed quiet though, I didn't want to be a killjoy, I just knew I wouldn't be an active participant. Maybe a laugh here or there and I would stick to picking truth. No more dares for me. 

Immediately we jumped in with Dani asking Nancy first. 

"Alright, miss eager beaver. Truth or dare?" Dani turned to Nancy. 

Nancy's smile said it all. "Dare!" She shouted. 

Dani's mischievous smile gave her away. I knew she had something good up her sleeve. "My girl! Okay let's see…let's start small. I dare you to take a body shot off of someone of your choice!" Nancy looked around the room for a second before landing on Hunter. 

"Now the most obvious is Hunter but…let's keep it interesting. Hannah, get your perfect tits over here." Nancy winked at her and Hannah laughed. I was just glad it wasn't me being called out. Nancy took the shot off of Hannah. The group laughed and cheered along, I let out a few laughs trying to ease myself in naturally. 

After the dare Nancy looked at her next victim, landing on Mallory. And again I was grateful it wasn't me. Mallory chose dare, which caused her to take a mystery shot. The mystery was pickle juice, one of Mallory's least favorite things in the world. This time my laugh was genuine. I took a few sips of my drink, and a shot in between the game as it progressed. We got a couple of awkward truths from Hunter and Allie. And then finally, I got picked. 

"Alright, August. You've been flying under the radar but it's time." Jacob smirked as everyone turned to look at me. 

"Truth or dare?" He asked. 

I took a deep breath, and made quick eye contact with Erik but he looked away before I could read his reaction. "Uhm. Truth?"

"I need a little more conviction than that Auggie!" Jacob laughed as he took a drink from his glass. 

"Fine! Dare! Are y'all happy?" I chuckled but deep down I was dreading it. Why did I pick dare? Why did I do this to myself? 

Jacob's eyebrow shot up as I changed my answer, the gleam in his eyes told me I might regret it. "I dare you to wear a random piece of clothing from someone else."

I paused for a second because that wasn't as crazy as I expected. I laughed a little before turning to Mallory. "Okay. Sure Mals wanna switch tops?" to Mallory but Jacob cut in. 

"I'm sorry, let me clarify. The group gets to choose who you switch with and what clothing item it is."

"Oh thank god, I hate that top. Sorry Auggie." Mallory laughed and I squinted my eyes at her. 

"Hmm okay, I say go wait in the bathroom and we'll send whoever we choose in there." Jacob shot me a wink, and the group hummed in agreement.

I sighed, pushing myself off my chair making my way to the bathroom. The second I shut the door behind me, I sat on the edge of the tub, tapping my fingers against my knee.

I already knew it wasn't going to be Dani or Mallory. Jacob's look said it all. This was going to be messy.

I wouldn't be surprised if Justin or Erik walked through that door.

Minutes passed. The suspense was worse than the dare itself. Then, finally a soft knock.