This is Me Read online

  "It's more a warehouse than an actual club and let's just say they are ID lenient," Molly assured her. "Plus we can pre-party at my house."

  "Cool. I wish I'd gotten a place off campus."

  "You basically have your own place. Your roommate is hardly there. She still rolling herself in bubble wrap before bed?"

  "Ha ha, no. Luckily I finally convinced her she was safe from any nocturnal attacks to her little boobies. She's nice but she's a little unbalanced."

  "Ya think?" Molly raised a dark eyebrow.

  "What are you going as?"

  "I found this really cute Cleopatra outfit, it's hot."

  "You will make a perfect Cleo. Are you bringing a date?" Charlie asked as she pulled out her notebook.

  "Hell no. I'm keeping my options open. But if you wanted to invite Shane, I wouldn't be opposed to that." She grinned. Molly had guys sniffing around every time she'd see her on campus. But it was no wonder, the girl was gorgeous with her long dark curls and olive skin. Not to mention she had an amazing figure on her 5'6" frame.

  "What? Since when?"

  "Since I saw him the other day walking in the quad lookin' fine!" Charlie's lip crinkled. She wasn't sure how she felt about that. She loved Molly, but she was a little territorial when it came to her boys.

  "Charlie, stop. I know how you feel about your male entourage. But shit or get off the pot. Don't bogart the eye candy."

  "Shit or get off the pot? Very classy Vargas," Charlie teased.

  "Hey, you want class, you're barking up the wrong tree, chica."

  "I think that's why we get along so well...Okay, I'll talk to Shane. He thinks you're hot, so I'm sure I won't have to twist his arm."

  "Wow that was a ringing endorsement, but I'll take it. I'm not gonna marry the guy. I just wanna play with his ding dong."

  "Molly! For fuck's sake," she hissed. Molly just shrugged her shoulders with a wink as the professor started class.

  "So, you guys want to go?"

  "Sure, sounds fun," Shane said. It came out garbled since his mouth was full of food.

  "Count me in," Donovan agreed. "Do you want us to ask any of the other guys?"

  "Sure, the more the merrier." Charlie was folding down the corners of her napkin, keeping her eyes on the table. She'd left out the fact that Molly asked for Shane specifically. She wasn't trying to be a cock block or anything, she just thought if they were going to hook up, it should happen naturally. She'd also left out the fact that she really wanted them to invite Michael. She'd meant to ask him in class but chickened out.

  Why? She wasn't sure. And speak of the devil...

  "What's up guys?" He pulled out an empty seat with one hand while balancing a tray of food in the other. He had his favorite hat on and a fitted long-sleeved tee. He looked really good. Charlie sighed to herself and crumpled the napkin she'd been working in her fist.

  "Hey, Barton. We were just discussing the epic Halloween bash we're going to," Donovan said.

  "Oh really?" He had a weird tone.

  "You wanna come?" Charlie asked, feeling bad that she hadn't asked him earlier.

  "Let me check with my brother. I was supposed to go to one with him, but it was just a house party. What's so epic about this one?"

  "My friend Molly..."

  "Oh, she's hot," Michael said. Donovan and Shane agreed and they talked about it for a few minutes. Charlie controlled the urge to punch them all in the face. Well one face in particular. Add jealousy to her list of hated emotions.

  "Okay, guys. Try not the wet yourselves." She tried to sound casual, but she wasn't sure if she pulled it off. "There's a private party in an abandoned warehouse outside of town. It's $20 a person. On the downside you have to dress up to be admitted. But on the positive side, no ID required."

  "She cool with you bringing all of us?" Shane asked.

  "Yes. She wanted me to invite you guys." That was true, but she felt like a bitch leaving the other part out. She could live with that.

  The Halloween party was upon them. They all met in front of Charlie's dorm and then they were going to Molly's. Michael had decided to go and he also offered to drive them all in his truck. Charlie laughed when she came out to the circular drive in front of her dorm. The guys looked so cute. Shane was dressed as a pirate, complete with eye patch, striped pants and billowy shirt. It was open so you could see his defined chest. The curly black wig he was wearing reminded her of Captain Hook. Donovan was dressed as Frankenstein's monster, which worked because he was a big guy. His face was painted green and he had little bolts on either side of his head.

  "Nice bolts." Charlie giggled. He reached up and pulled them off, revealing a thin, wire-like headband. Michael was still in the car. She couldn't see his outfit, but she could see the cowboy hat he was wearing.

  "Whoa, Charlie, you look hot as hell," Shane complimented.

  "What? This old thing?" She smiled enjoying the approving looks on their faces. Despite earlier protests regarding wearing a costume she'd taken it seriously in the end, and with Molly's help she'd found the perfect get up.

  "Come on, boys, Molly's waiting..."

  Chapter 19

  ~Michael~

  Normally he would've gotten out of the car like a gentleman. But when Charlie walked out of her dorm the woody that seized him prevented movement. He'd never wanted to rip the clothes of someone like he did in that moment. But then there was that other part of him that wanted to throw a sheet over her and cut out some arm holes so no other guy could see what he was now admiring.

  The dress she wore was short, like barely covered her thighs short. And he didn't know whether to be glad or disappointed that her long legs were covered in pale tights. The bottom of the skirt looked shredded and the top was fitted with tiny straps that sparkled under the streetlight. If he had to pick a color he would say it looked mint green, but he wasn't a girl, so he'd just call it green. Large see-through wings spread behind her in the same color. Her cheeks were glittered and her lips soft pink. He was very into fairies at the moment. He looked down at his lame throw together cowboy costume and wished he'd taken more time. He could have been Puck to her fairy. Nah, Puck was a little punk. Oberon, now that was more like it. He reached down to make sure he still had balls because the Shakespeare reference came out of no where.

  Yep, balls still there and dick still hard as a rock.

  "Hey, Michael! Thanks for driving," Charlie said with a smile. She sat in the back, to his disappointment. It intensified when he saw Shane slide in next to her. They were always flirting and Shane was always touching her, it was starting to really grate on his nerves. Case in point, he saw Shane squeeze her thigh for a second when he glanced in the rearview mirror.

  Michael's knuckles went white he was gripping the steering wheel so hard and he was very surprised when his voice came out so even. "No problem. I have the biggest car and I don't trust Donovan to drive any of us around. So where to?"

  He wanted to tell Charlie how beautiful she looked. He spared one more glance at her and he couldn't help but picture himself between her legs, slowly removing her tights one leg at a time followed by her panties. His finger would linger between... "Hey! Earth to Michael! We need to go to Molly's. She lives off of 3rd and Winter," Donovan said.

  Michael shook himself out of his wet daydream and put the car in drive. Girls would be shocked how quickly guys could whip up a fantasy. He wondered if they did the same thing? No way in hell girls were as horny as guys. It would be nothing but mass humpings. Nothing would get accomplished.

  Molly lived in a duplex with her roommate. It was old, but the lawn was mowed and the flowerbeds were well tended. They walked up the cement walk way, up to the dark red door and waited.The music inside was really loud so they had to ring several times.

  "She has a thing for Jane's Addiction." Charlie grinned. That must have been the name of the group blasting from inside. Finally they heard the volume adjusted and the door flew open.

  "Hey guys! You made
it. Come in, we're about ready."

  They filed in behind Molly and Michael couldn't help but notice how tight her Egyptian costume was. She looked really hot, but that was just a male observation. He'd have to be blind not to admire the view. But the appraisal was brief when Charlie squeezed his arm. "Thanks again for driving," she said quietly into his ear. She smelled so fucking good. She never wore perfume, but her soap was scented. Light, almost floral. It kind of smelled like the long purple flowers his mom grew in their back yard. What were those called? Lavender, that was it...Yep, balls still there, but hanging on by a thread.

  He shouldn't have to keep checking, but this girl had him thinking things he never had before. Could you be pussy whipped without ever sampling the pussy? He'd worry about that later.

  Molly's roommate, Tara, a petite brunette, came out in a cow costume, complete with spots and udders. "Oh my god, Tara. That is so cute. Where did you find that?" Charlie asked, pulling one of her little cow ears.

  "I got it at the costume store on Main. Same place Molly got her Slut-opatra outfit." Charlie laughed. Michael loved her laugh.

  "Whatever, Tara. You're never gonna get laid wearing that stupid get-up. I've told her that a million times."

  "You get laid your way and I'll get laid mine. You put it all out there. Mine is a more subtle approach." Molly gave her a doubtful glare.

  "Observe." Tara walked over to Donovan. Cow versus Frankenstein.

  "Excuse me, would you pull my udder?" He looked nervous, but his green hand obliged tweaking her left udder. Molly then let out a very throaty, "Mooooo." It sounded like a moan and the guys' eyes popped out of their heads. Tara winked and walked over to Molly.

  "Yeah, that was real subtle," Molly said shaking her head.

  "Hey, by the time the guy gets my udder line he'll have talked to me for some time despite being covered in spots and fluff. That way I know he's interested in me, not my body." Michael wanted to mention that guys are always interested in a cute girl's body, no matter what it's covered in. The girls seemed to approve of this logic, so he kept his mouth shut.

  "Well. I got to touch your udder so does that mean I get to move onto the next phase? Donovan asked.

  "You don't count. You're my friend, plus I don't date younger men. Guys are too immature even at my age."

  "Tara, you're twenty. Like a year's gonna make a difference." Molly rolled her eyes.

  "I guess you're right. I could make an exception if he's cute enough. Or knows how to work my udders." She wiggled her eyebrows.

  "Well, can we cut the girl talk so we can get going? I've got some babes to stick my sword into," Shane teased, moving his sword back and forth is its scabbard. The girls groaned.

  "Please don't use pirate pick up lines tonight, Shane!" Charlie whined.

  "What? I've got tons. Check em out... 'Will ye help me bury my trrrrreasure?' Or how about, 'I've got a peg leg...in my pants!'" More groans. "What? Those are awesome. I'm sure to get some with lines like that." He was joking, but he managed to keep a straight face.

  "You don't need lines to get laid, Shane. You're very good looking. I'm sure girls will be swabbing your deck before we've had our first drink," Charlie teased. They all laughed.

  "Now that was a good one," Shane said.

  The jealous feeling hit Michael fast and hard. He wasn't sure why he felt so possessive. Charlie wasn't his girlfriend and Shane was his fraternity brother and good friend, but goddamn it he couldn't help it. He decided he needed to stop obsessing over Charlie and get his own deck swabbed. She just wanted to be friends. He would have to accept that. He took a deep breath and went into the kitchen to grab a glass of water.

  "Hey, cowboy. You ready to go?" Tara drawled as she came into the kitchen...Hmm. She was really cute and funny. The cow costume showed that she wasn't afraid to laugh at herself. Besides he'd seen the body underneath a few times on campus. He knew that she had short shapely legs and a small tight ass. Her boobs weren't big, but that wasn't a deal breaker. He wasn't a boob man anyway. He was all about the legs...long, tan legs barely covered by shorts. Long legs wrapped around his waist...

  For fuck sake, get a grip!

  I might need a 12 step program.

  He thought about her moany moo from earlier and there was a little stirring in his boxers. He nodded his head and said, "Sure, let's get out of here."

  Okay, this he could work with...

  Chapter 20

  ~Charlie~

  "Sorry," Michael said for the third time. The car bounced and shook as he traversed the uneven ground of the packed field/parking lot. The warehouse was, well, a warehouse, and a large one at that. There were people milling about in various costumes and the line to get in the place was at least fifty people deep. The music had a thumpy beat and it was so loud it seemed to shake the ground.

  "Holy shit, look at the line," Charlie grumbled. "It'll take an hour just to get inside." She hopped out of the truck, grabbing the arm Shane offered.

  "Maybe it'll go fast," Michael said.

  "Yeah, especially since I'm on the VIP list." Molly grinned.

  She was one of those people that knew everyone and was invited to everything. Charlie didn't know how Molly did it. With the exception of a few others, this little group was the extent of her social circle. Charlie'd rather have a few great friends than an army of mediocre ones. Some might say she was standoffish, but she preferred to call it amigo selectivity.

  "That's fucking awesome! Molly have I ever told you how kick ass you are?" Donovan asked.

  "I know this. And don't mention it, it's one of the many perks of being my friend." Molly said taking the lead. They went to a side door with a much shorter line. Between them and the metal door was a huge bouncer complete with clipboard and an air of bad-assery. Charlie was not surprised when the bouncer knew Molly by name and even let her kiss his cheek. They each handed him their money and he attached a red band onto their wrists.

  Laser lights...hundreds of bodies bouncing on the almost every inch of the first floor. Above them was a catwalk with some couches. There was also a long bar set up along the back wall. The maestro was a DJ wearing huge head phones. He was up on a platform moving his head along with the beats he was spinning.

  The music was different. Charlie had never heard anything quite like it. Sure she'd been to clubs with her friends, but they would go on Retro night most of the time. And the "regular" clubs played kind of cheesy dance party music.

  "What kind of party is this?" Donovan asked, looking a little uncomfortable.

  "The kind with booze and chicks," Shane said. "You're in luck, with this racket you don't need rhythm. Just bounce around and no one will no the difference."

  "I don't suppose there'll be any two-steppin' in between this weird swaying business?" Donovan asked Molly.

  "No, sweetie. It isn't that kind of party. But don't worry. Just get drunk and have fun. We can go two-stepping another night." Molly grabbed his arm and led him to the bar. They all followed suit. As Charlie waited for her drink she pulled at the thin elastic straps attached to her wings and smoothed down her tulle skirt. Her shoelace was untied, so she bent down as best she could without flashing the goods. Her costume was a leotard but the satin fabric covering her butt was pretty small. She was praising herself on the mint green Converse purchase instead of wearing the dainty slippers that came with the costume. If she was going to do any dancing in that crazy crowd of sweaty bodies, she needed sneaks. Molly handed her a clear mixed drink, she didn't ask. It took every ounce of control not to cough when the jet fuel masquerading as a cocktail slid down her throat.

  "Smooth," Charlie gasped in a deep voice.

  "I know the bartender. He has amazing hands." She winked. "We're going to get our money's worth trust me. You should see the thimble he's using for everyone else's drinks." Molly had to yell and lean in to be heard. Charlie took another sip. Each drink after that became more and more bearable. By the end of her cup...what alcohol?

  Char
lie kept talking to Molly but her eyes were on Michael. He'd been talking to Tara for about twenty minutes, not that she was counting. He was standing a little too close to the little cow. Charlie didn't like that one bit. It bothered her so much she envisioned wrapping those udders around Tara's throat and choking her out. She bristled a bit at the thought. She needed to get a handle on the violent streak brewing beneath the surface. She scared herself sometimes. Maybe she should meditate or take up yoga. Molly was saying something about going to dance and Charlie re-joined the conversation.

  "You okay, Charlie? You seem a little off," Molly pointed out.

  "Nah. I'm okay."

  "You know the best way to get a guy's attention is to pay attention to someone else," Molly said.

  "What are you talking about?" Molly gave her a who do you think you're kidding look. "Is it that obvious? Oh god, please say it's not obvious!"

  "No. Guys don't notice that shit because they're too busy looking at girl's tits. So don't sweat it."

  "I don't see any guys I want to pay attention to." Charlie was being honest. It was hard to hone in on a hottie when they were covered in makeup, fangs, and fake wigs.

  Molly nodded over to Shane and Donovan. "I think there's a guy over there that might want some fairy dust on his pickle." Charlie laughed and pushed her in the shoulder.

  "Molly, you are depraved and I love it...But Donovan's just a friend. Like a big teddy bear, brother type and Shane...well don't you like Shane?"

  "Charlie, I don't "like" anyone. I admire their outer package and that might lead to the other package. Besides Shane is cute, but I've got my eye on a certain bartender over there. I'd forgotten how fucking hot he is."

  "I don't know. Shane's just a friend. I don't want to use him. But, Butch Clueless over there found himself a cow-girl." They laughed at her dumb joke and Charlie decided to keep her options open. She wanted to kiss someone tonight and damn it, she would.

  They were working on their third drink and Charlie noticed they were bouncing a bit. The alcohol had warmed their bodies and when the DJ started spinning a remix of "Halloween" by Ministry, it was time to join the fray. They yelled to Donovan and Shane that they were going to go dance. The guys declined to join and said they'd watch from the catwalk area. They went up to Tara and asked her to join. "I'll be out in a minute," Tara replied and turned her attention back towards Michael, who was still looking at Molly and Charlie. Well mainly Charlie and it made her insides flutter. She grinned at him and his mouth formed a small smile. But as quickly as the smile came he turned his attention back to Tara. Charlie bit the side of her lip and felt bereft for a moment. And that really pissed her off.