Once we got back inside, Eli practically shoved me into the bathroom to change into the black cami. I came outside with my arms crossed. My goosebumps rose as I adjusted to the cool air.

Eli was putting out liquor when he finally looked over. Squinting, he sauntered over to me. As usual, he was liberal with his gaze, to the point where I was physically uncomfortable.

Silently, he walked into his room. My eyes followed him out of curiosity, but I couldn't help but let my mind wander a bit. How conceited am I to believe that his stare was full of lust?

The floorboards creaked as Eli returned to the living room with a pair of gray sweatpants. A subtle smile tugged at his lips as he pushed it into my hands.

"They shrunk." His answer to my unasked question was brief, and I didn't bother pressing him. I had already become captivated by its soft and thick material. "See if they fit."

Yes, they did.

I couldn't deny what my eyes were seeing. A simple outfit made all the difference. I peeked my head out to see Eli putting out some cups. Clearing my throat, I put my hands into the pockets and beamed at him.

"Oh, thank god. So much better." His exaggerated relief irked me, but I couldn't stop staring at myself. I guess he did something.

Then, the front door was assaulted with knocks. I glanced down at my phone to check the time, surprised that it was almost 11.

Three guys showed up, each bringing their variety of liquor or beer. "I know told y'all to be here at 9." Eli scolded them.

There was a shift in my energy. My therapist noted that when I'm intimidated I become mute. As I looked on, I willed myself to blend into the background. His friends each had their personalities that meshed so well with the other.

One was the clown of the group, constantly cracking jokes that even managed to make me chuckle a bit. I recognized Alex from the party, but I wasn't sure he remembered me. He seemed to be the level-headed member of the group, already claiming to be the designated driver since he had work in the morning.

The last friend was quiet. Leaning against the door as they spoke, I could tell he was an introspective type. His dark eyes caught mine and I fought the urge to look away. My tight smile creased my features as I nodded.

He offering me a small smile in return.

"You see what had happened was—"

"Aye, who's your friend?" He interrupted. My heart sank as their eyes found me. My body was flattened against the wall as I instinctively tried to blend into the environment.

"Oh, that's Verona, from the store." Eli waved me over. As much as I hated eye contact with strangers, it would be rude to avoid their gaze. They seemed to all be giving each other a certain look.

Is there something wrong with me?

My feet dragged across the floor as I shuffled over to meet them. I smiled and stuck my hand out to shake. "Nice to meet you guys." My heart was racing a mile a minute.

A familiar face, Alex was the first to return the gesture. "You about to interview me for a job at Forever 21?" He remarked, earning a playful shove from one of his friends. "I'm sorry, you just mad formal." He snickered as he stepped aside.

"Nah, ignore that hater, queen. Your parents raised you right unlike that hell-bound heathen." The next guy eagerly shook my hand. His skin tone matched mine, but his smile was brighter than I could ever imagine. Somehow his statement seemed more like a joke than Alex's previous attempt. "My name is Marcus, my rude friend is Alex."

"I already met her," Alex added as his friend continued to berate him.

Finally, the last man pushed himself off the wall and closed the distance between us. He squeezed my hand once, but it felt like it could've lasted an eternity. "Michael." His demeanor calmed me as his eyes traveled up and down my body.

"Nice to meet you guys."

Ahh. I said that already.

As soon as he released me, I crossed my arms again and went into the kitchen to hide. My hand was tingling from Michael's touch. Stooping down, I undid my shoelaces so I could have something to do besides talking to them longer.

Was I wrong for shaking their hands? I'm too formal? I'm no queen. Were they poking fun at me? I clenched my fist in anger. Had I made my first mistake within the first minute and a half of meeting them?

"Where's your dog collar?" Michael asked bitterly. "I thought Anaïs was keeping you on a tight leash,"

I paused my filler task to eavesdrop.

"Shut the hell up." Eli snapped.

"She left yo ass again?" Marcus's voice was easily identifiable.

"Imagine? I broke up with her." Eli muttered, causing them all to go quiet.

"Y'all know this nigga is lyin' right?" The three burst into laughter at Eli's expense.

I smiled as I sat on the ground. Oftentimes, I found myself struggling to fit into a group. My inferiority complex prevented me from being present with them and I counted myself out before they had the chance to reject me.

Eli and his friends had a natural connection that I craved. It was a connection I envied.

I pulled out my phone and opened every social media app that I could to make it seem like I was busy. Every time I built up the nerve to make an appearance, another person rang the doorbell. Even Elaine, the barista from the library cafe showed up. I ducked under the kitchen counter when I spotted her familiar face.

An urge to do something with my hands took over me. I couldn't go out there. I'd embarrass myself and Eli. My eyes scanned the small kitchen until I saw a glorious mess of unwashed dishes.

I grabbed the kitchen counter for dear life and pulled myself off the ground. I've never been so happy to see a giant pile of dirty dishes. I beamed as I took the moist sponge into my hands.

I turned the faucet on slightly, to avoid any unnecessary noise or attention my way. I began to get lost in my thoughts as I squeezed the dishwashing soap onto the sponge.

"Let me ask you a question?" Eli's voice made me jump. My head whipped around to see him leaning on the counter across from me. His arms were crossed and he was biting back a smile. "Where's your maid outfit?"

Perplexed, I turned off the faucet and faced him. Drying my hands with a nearby rag I asked, "Why would I have a maid's outfit?"

"Alright cool, 'cause I know I ain't hire the help." I chuckled lightly but he was being serious. "Get the hell out of the kitchen, Viola." He grasped my arm and led me out into the living room.

"Oh my god, it's you." Elaine gasped. "Y'all this is the coffee addict I was talking about."

I winced as my hand slapped my face too quickly. My knee-jerk reaction to cover my blushing seemed to catch Eli's attention. He grasped my shoulders and guided me to stand in front of him. "She's a recovering coffee addict." Eli corrected. "I've got Verona on a strict diet."

"Hi." I croaked. My face was on fire. I wanted to evaporate.

Elaine walked over and stuck out her hand to shake. "I'm glad you're getting the help you need." She feigned a solemn voice before chuckling. "I'm Elaine, just call me Elle."

I shook her hand and replied, "Verona. It's nice to meet you."

She rolled her eyes and gave me a small smile, "Relax girl, you ain't gotta be so formal." It wasn't on purpose. I became robotic during introductions and she would be no different. I faked a chuckle and rolled my shoulders pretending to loosen up.

She laughed and turned away as one of the guys called her over. I turned to Eli for the grounding I needed but he was moving the alcohol to the table in the middle of the room.

"We playing Uno or what?" Alex called, making everyone start chattering even louder. I leaned against the wall, ready to be an onlooker to what would be a heated game.