"Ladies, are you certain that you should be drinking so much of that "punch"? I believe it's spiked, and alcohol can do terrible things to people," Mr. Fitzgerald says, joining us from behind.
Don't I know it. I notice my glass is empty, and I walk over to the punch table to fill it up. I don't know how I manage to walk past him, but I do it, struggling to not be sick.
I walk back, standing next to Helaine and drinking significantly larger amounts of the punch than I should. I try to maintain a sense of cool, pausing from my drinking and looking Mr. Fitzgerald straight in the eyes.
"Well, Fitzy, maybe that's the way we like it!" I snap much harsher than I intended.
Helaine shoots me a quizzical look, but I merely shrug, taking another sip of the tainted punch. She shrugs helplessly, but Mr. Fitzgerald shows no change in his appearance.
"Very well then. I'll see you later, Miss Spinelli," He says, somewhat coldly.
I shiver unnoticeably, and Helaine shoots me a confused look. I wrap an arm around my middle, taking another sip of the drink. Vince and Gretchen are still dancing.
"Spinelli, what's up with you? You and Fitz are usually as thick as thieves," Helaine questions, turning to me.
I wince at the analogy, glancing over at her, smiling weakly.
"Oh, I'm not feeling too well, this punch isn't sitting too well on my stomach… Or my brain…" I lie, though I truly do feel squeamish.
I take a sip of my drink.
"You know, for a teacher, Fitzy's looking pretty hot in that tux. I'd be all over him if he was normal," Helaine remarks.
I sputter, choking on my drink. Oh brother. Helaine cracks up, pointing at me.
"Oh, man, you ought to see the look on your face!" Helaine laughs.
I cough a little more, patting my chest, the martini pendant on my necklace shaking.
"It's not funny!" I cough.
Helaine smiles a little, nodding sadly.
"Okay, Spin, hope you feel better," Helaine apologizes, going off to dance with her date.
I shrug, feeling a little better. I notice Vince and Gretchen breaking apart. Vince is moving to leave the room, and Gretchen's walking over to Mikey. Okay, now it's time for me to go. I move to leave, eyes connecting with T.J.'s as I go out the door.
He nods, poised to go over to Gretchen. I sigh, walking through the door. There's Vince, sitting on a bench on the porch. Oh joy.
Here goes.
- Loren ;
Ooh, next chapter the plan goes in action… What a cliffhanger! Nah, not really. Poor Spinelli.