Meredith didn't know what to say. Because at moments like this, it was Lily
who made her see just how lucky she was to have parents like hers. And
deep down, she knew Lily was right. Her father was just helping her out,
trying to show her the right path to achieve her goals in life.
But don't you think you've earned the right to enjoy a few months off after
all these years of hitting the books? a voice whispered at the back of her
mind.
Shrugging off the idea, Meredith glanced at Lily, who was back in front of
the mirror again, styling her hair. She seemed to be deciding between
wearing it in a high ponytail or leaving it down. Either way, she would still
look hot.
"Anyway, this is the last party we'll be attending together for the next
couple of months. Let's make the most out of it. I didn't call in every favor I
had to get us on the VIP list for this party just to be all doom and gloom
tonight," Lily said, breaking the awkward silence.
A mischievous smile appeared on Lily's face as she turned to face her.
Meredith was more than aware of where the conversation was headed, and
she was dreading it.
"Who knows? Tonight might be the night you finally lose your V-card,
Mer," Lily squealed in excitement.
"Hey! Don't say that," Meredith protested quietly, bowing her head as she
felt her cheeks grow hot. Yep, she was already twenty-three but still a
virgin. And she was proud of it.
"Oh, come on," Lily groaned, stomping her foot like a kid about to throw a
temper tantrum.
"I'm not a prude, and you know that, Lily! I'm just... saving it for someone
special," she said defensively, staring at the floor.
Meredith may have been born and raised in the city, but she'd always
believed giving up her virginity was something to be taken seriously. She
wanted it to be with someone who would make her feel breathless –
someone extraordinary.Just like in the movies, she wanted it to be magical.
Lily snorted. "I know. I've seen all those romance books you read." She
shook her head, but then her expression softened.
"You've got some catching up to do, but your first time is going to be
special. And tonight? Tonight is definitely special."
Feeling amused at the 180-degree turn of their conversation, Meredith
raised her head and smiled at her best friend. Lily was right. Tonight was
going to be special. It was the first party they'd be attending after graduating
from college, and they were ready to make the most of it.
"Whatever," she murmured, trying to downplay the excitement that had
started to engulf her. Deep down, she couldn't deny she was hoping things
would turn out to be magical.
But she had a feeling this night was going to end up bad.
Meredith
took a deep breath before exiting the limo, following Lily's lead. They'd arrived at a luxurious mansion in the middle of the city. She was used to the party scene, but for some reason she
was feeling more anxious than excited. She'd had ample time to think
during the ride over, and she couldn't stop imagining any number of worstcase scenarios.
Relax. It's not like anything bad's going to happen, she quietly reassured
herself, then did a series of breathing exercises to calm her nerves.
"Relax," Lily muttered as if reading her mind, then slipped a silver silk
mask adorned with crystals into place. She gave Meredith a light nudge,
urging her to put on her mask, too.
"Do we really have to?" she asked, suddenly feeling unsure and reluctant.
Masks weren't exactly the first accessories she'd have picked out. But part
of her found the idea appealing. Concealing their identities meant they
could dance and drink with abandon, hiding behind the guise of anonymity.
"Yep. I told you, some very famous people are here. No one's allowed in
without a mask, and that's pretty much the only rule for tonight.
She rolled her eyes, but Meredith obliged and followed suit. The mask
covered more than half of her face. She startled slightly when she saw a
masked usher approaching them, but then she realized the mask rule applied
to the staff as well. They're really taking this whole anonymity angle
seriously, she thought.
"Good evening, ladies. Your names, please?" said the usher after taking a
small, polite bow. He stood expectantly, holding a clipboard to his chest.
"Lily. Lily Waldorf," her best friend said taking the lead, gripping her wrist
to emphasize they were together. "And Meredith Fields."
After a few moments of scanning the names on his clipboard, the man
nodded and smiled at them. Despite his mask, Meredith could tell he was
attractive, making her feel less anxious and decidedly more excited about
what the night had in store for them.
It's going to be an interesting night, she thought with a smile on her lips.
"This way please," the man spoke in a louder voice as they stepped into the
mansion.
Booming music reverberated throughout the halls, and the air smelled like
booze. Looking around, Meredith saw people getting into cozy booths lined
up like tiny turtles. As she stole a glance at a couple on her right, she caught
a glimpse of both a tiny couch and bed within the plush enclosure.
The center of the large ballroom was packed with sweaty bodies gyrating to
the heavy thumping bass of the music. She blushed when she realized most
of the women were wearing much less than her and Lily. Some were even
wearing what appeared to be nothing more than strategically placed strips
of leather and latex, and she tried desperately not to stare.
Be happy you're in a dress.