𝒀𝒐𝒖❜𝒓𝒆 𝒍𝒐𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒆| 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒍𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒆𝒔

𝟐.𝟑

Lottie found herself growing increasingly disenchanted with the night's events. However, amidst the dissatisfaction, a profound sense of appreciation swelled within her heart for Jane's unwavering support. For years, Lottie had been the sole confidante for Cynthia, their unbreakable bond being a solace in times of need. It had always been just Cynthia and her, a duo that navigated life's trials and tribulations together. Lottie cherished this intimate connection, relishing in the exclusivity of their friendship. But in this moment, witnessing Jane offering her warmth and support to Cynthia, a profound sense of gratitude and happiness washed over her.

As Jane spoke, offering kind words of solace, Lottie's focus zeroed in on Cynthia's every breath. She squeezed Cynthia's hand three times in a comforting rhythm, an unspoken reassurance that she was there, ready to provide support in any way she could. Lottie's attention drifted away from the conversation at hand as she fixated on the rise and fall of Cynthia's chest, attuned to her friend's unspoken needs and emotions. Jane's words became a mere backdrop to the silent symphony of their bond.

However, a single phrase abruptly captured the trio's attention, pulling them back into the present moment.

Nancy, with an air of confidence, declared, "Are you kidding? I kissed every boy at this party!" The trio walked over to where Olivia and Nancy were standing, their curiosity piqued. "Back in junior high, we used to have these parties all the time," Nancy continued, reminiscing. "Edit, Ellen, and I went to dozens of them, and there would always be so many guys there."

Nancy paused for a moment, reflecting on the memories. "Kissing was no big deal; it was all just for fun," she said. "But you know what the best part was? Creating a brutal rating system with your friends afterward." A mischievous grin spread across Nancy's face as she finished her sentence. Lottie couldn't help but giggle at the idea, but her laughter faded as a cringe-inducing memory of kissing Buddy Aldridge flooded her mind. It was far from a pleasant experience.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Jane asked Nancy directly, "So, you kissed Buddy?"

Nancy nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders. "Oh, about 15 times or so. I'd give it a solid B minus," she replied, assessing her encounters with Buddy. However, Lottie couldn't help but disagree with Nancy's rating. In her opinion, Buddy was more of a C minus at best. Lottie realized her facial expression might have betrayed her disagreement, as she noticed Cynthia looking at her with a questioning gaze. Quickly redirecting her attention, she focused back on Nancy, hoping to avoid any further scrutiny.