Free Beautiful Lies by Sharlay Page A

her.
    “No thanks necessary. Now, I came round to see if you wanted to come out tonight and something tells me that you need a good night out more than ever right now.”
    “I don’t know. I don’t think I can.”
    “Paige, you need this. Just give yourself one night, ok? Forget about Taylor and Rick, and just have fun. When’s the last time that you actually did that?”
    I think about it for a moment. The idea of forgetting everything sounds so good right now, even if it will all come flooding back in the morning.
    “Ok.”
    “Yes! We’re going to have a great night. It’s about time you let your hair down. I’ll pick you up in a cab around eight.”
    “Ok.”
    “Paige, it’ll be fun, I promise. I know that your heart hurts now but tonight it’ll all be...forgotten.” She looks off into space and I know that she is talking more about herself than me but I don’t say a word. “Right, I’ve got to go and help my sister with a few things, so I will see you later.”
    “Ok, how is she by the way?”
    “Who, Emma? She’s fine. She’s the annoying little sister that she’s always been,” she chuckles. “She should be out tonight so you might see her. You should tell Liv to come along as well; it’ll be the ultimate girls night.” She beams.
    The funeral. I forgot.
    “She’s at her friend’s funeral today so I’m not sure that she’ll be up to it.”
    “Oh, that’s a shame, maybe next time then?”
    “Yeah.”
    “Ok, see you later. And Paige?”
    “Yes?”
    “For the love of mankind, go and brush your teeth.”
    We both burst out laughing before she saunters out of the house with a huge smile on her face. It feels good to laugh. I’m left standing in the living room with a smile on my face, too. Tonight probably is exactly what I need. I can’t remember the last time that I just had fun.
    I go back into my room, pick up my phone and write Liv a text.
     
    Thinking of you xxx
     
    I’m not expecting a reply, but I know that she’ll look at it. Then I head to the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead. I start by brushing my teeth.
     
    * * *
     
    Jen doesn’t get to mine at eight, in fact she doesn’t arrive until half nine. We get to the club at ten and the party is in full swing. Jen looks at me excitedly and pulls me straight to the bar. She leans in to the bartender and says something.
    “Ok, tonight is about having fun and forgetting all the crap in our lives, right?”
    “Right,” I agree reluctantly. “Does it actually work?”
    “What?”
    “This,” I say waving my hand around the club. “Do you ever really forget your problems?”
    She stares at me sadly, as if I’ve brought up a memory that she was trying to suppress. “No, but it takes the edge off,” she answers dejectedly. She looks relieved when the bartender returns with our drinks. I stare down with wide eyes as I see four shot glasses and two large glasses. I look at Jen disapprovingly.
    “Oh, come on, Paige. You said that you want to forget, right?”
    “Yeah,” I admit.
    “Then forget,” she says as she pushes two shot glasses in my direction and smiles. She picks up one of hers and gestures that I do the same. I pick up the small glass and hold it up to her. She counts to three and we both swallow the clear liquid. Vodka. I feel the burn in my throat instantly and my entire body feels warm. “Come on, we’re not done yet!” She giggles. I pick up the second glass and throw it back even faster. I grab my big glass and drink about half of the liquid to dim down the taste of the shot. “Slow down, Paige!” She giggles.
    “What is it?” I ask feeling my head start to spin.
    “Gin and Tonic on the rocks, baby! Let’s dance,” she says dragging me to the very middle of the dance floor. I try to steady my hand before I spill my drink. I don’t know whether it’s just me or if the music has actually gotten louder. She grabs my spare hand and starts dancing with me. I laugh at her and pull a face as