Page 26 of Don’t Be A Stranger

The sound of River’s laugh fills the small space of the car. “You do know that karaoke is supposed to be fun, right? There’s no winner.”

“That’s what losers say.”

Instead of arguing or putting up a fight, River laughs and continues the drive to the karaoke spot on the other side of town, while we dramatically practice our vocals.

As River and I are busy arguing up at the front counter about who should be paying since neither of us had to buy dinner, we hear a familiar voice call out to River. We both turn to see Moose poking his head from around a corner down the dimly lit hallway, but it’s not too difficult to make out his moppy brown hair.

“What the hell are you two doing here?” Moose asks as he steps closer with what seems to be two lemonades in his hands. “I thought you were going out to dinner.”

River and I have to both tilt our heads up because the hockey jock is freakishly tall. Jesus, I can only imagine his height while wearing skates.

“We did but I didn’t want the night to end.” River nudges my shoulder.

He can’t just go around saying things like that without the possibility of me pulling him in to make out right here in front of everyone—his roommate included.

“What are you doing here?” River asks. “Didn’t think this was your thing.”

Moose doesn’t even pretend to try and act offended. He just accepts it as the truth. “Bethany was invited by some of the girls in her sorority. Now, I’m not a singer myself but you gotta do what you gotta do for the love of your life.”

Ah, yes. Bethany and Moose.

Always known for moving quicker than they probably should, but they seem happy, so I can’t really say anything. I was actually surprised when I first met Bethany a few months ago when she started working at the country club. She told me that she had been dating her boyfriend for only a few months. When I found out that her boyfriend was one of River’s roommates, it kind of all started to make sense. They both love people deeply and it doesn’t really take a rocket scientist to see that.

“Did you guys already pay for a box?” Moose asks.

“No, we were just going to.” River points to the counter and the lady who is kind of just standing there, awkwardly trying to pretend that she’s organizing business cards.

Moose hands River his drinks before he pulls out his wallet and asks the lady to add us into his room. On the way to Moose’s karaoke box, he and River argue about River paying him back, to which Moose tells River he’ll accept the both of us making him that butter chicken we learned how to make yesterday as a form of payment.

I don’t tell him but Moose is going to be highly disappointed. He doesn’t know it yet but he just lost out on thirty-five bucks and a good homemade meal.

We finally make it into the karaoke room. It’s lit up only with fluorescent string lights and the neon sign that reads Sing For Me.

Bethany is slouching back on the white leather couch, talking to four other girls about getting their nails done. I subconsciously look at my own nails and wonder if Bethany would mind if I invited myself. I don’t usually wear nails during the swim season so I probably should take advantage of the summer.

When Bethany finally spots me, she quickly sits up and starts cheering, not caring that her sorority sisters look startled. “Hey! What are you doing here? Guys, this is one of my friends, Summer. Sum, this is Ava, Jeanette, Dosha, and Rae.”

The girls and I wave at each other. If their idea of a good night is singing at a karaoke bar, then I’m sure we’ll get along just fine.

I make a beeline right to Bethany, plopping down on my knees in the spot next to her.

“River and I went out for the night.” I gesture to my dress, answering Bethany’s question.

Bethany grins and I poke her side.

“Not like that.”

She puts her hands up in defense. “I didn’t say anything.”

River squeezes in next to me. Moose sits on the other side of Bethany, handing her one of the glasses of lemonade. She takes a sip and buries herself deeper into his side.

“Alright.” Moose slaps his thigh. “Who’s next?”

Ava pulls Dosha up from the couch and my heart aches a little. Not only because of Dosha’s reserved nature but how her hair is pulled back into a braid, curly bits sticking out. She reminds me of a taller, darker-skinned Lily.

I find myself missing that quiet, gentle voice of Lily’s or the huff I’ve accepted as her newfound laugh. I need to call her tomorrow.

Dosha whispers something in Ava’s ear, causing Ava to giggle.