Free Torch Red: Color Me Torn with Bonus Content by Melody Carlson Page A

but I’m getting more and more irritated with Justin for abandoning me like this. And then this guy, who looks as if he could be like thirty-something, decides to perch on the arm of my chair like he has a right to. I mean what is wrong with people?
    “How’s it going?” As if it’s any of his business.
    I kind of shrug in hopes of appearing unfriendly then say, “Okay, I guess.”
    “Okay, you guess?”
he echoes in a sympathetic tone. “That doesn’t sound very good to me. What could possibly be troubling a pretty girl like you?”
    I glance nervously over my shoulder, really wishing that Justin would reappear and get me out of this place. “I seem to have lost my boyfriend somewhere in here.” I think this sounds like a fairly obvious hint, as in,
I have a boyfriend, so bug off.
    But he just laughs. “Well, maybe that’s not such a problem.” Then he holds out his hand. “I’m Mike, I happen to live here. Now what’s your name?”
    I’m at a total loss now, and so I simply tell him my name and hopethat he’ll decide I’m pretty boring and just blow. But this guy is stubborn.
    “Can I refresh your drink?” he offers.
    I notice that I have actually finished off my drink and I don’t know whether to be concerned or proud. But thinking I might be able to lose this loser, I say, “Sure, but I’d really like just a plain Coke this time.”
    “No problem.”
    And for a few moments I am left in peace again. Well, in as much peace as this place can offer. I consider abandoning my spot before Mike returns, but it has a good vantage point for when Justin decides to make an appearance. I watch as couples go up and down the steps. And I begin to notice something else that seems kind of weird. It’s like a lot of the girls are wearing these really odd colors of lip gloss. I mean seriously, in the past five minutes I’ve seen purple, blue, orange, yellow, even green. Like what’s up with that?
    Then Mike returns with my drink in hand. But now I’m slightly suspicious. “Is this
just
a Coke?” I ask.
    He nods. “Just like the lady ordered.”
    Even so, I take a cautious sip. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had spiked it with something stronger. But it actually tastes okay and it’s cold and icy. But as I drink it, Mike remains perched on the arm of my chair like he owns the joint, which I suppose he does. But he’s making small talk about the CD that’s playing right now and how he saw this group in concert like ten years ago (I mean I would’ve been like seven back then!). I try not to encourage him with too many responses, although I do seem to be loosening up a bit. Maybe the alcohol has taken effect. And finally I can’t help but mention the weird fashion statement that seems to be going on in this place.
    “What’s up with all the lip gloss?” I ask him. “I’ve never seen so many strange colors.”
    He laughs now. “Oh, that’s for the rainbow room.”
    “The rainbow room?”
    “Yeah,” he tells me as he stands up and takes my hand. “You want to see it?”
    “Sure,” I tell him, but I notice that I’m feeling a little unsteady on my feet as I stand and I suddenly wonder if it’s possible to get drunk on just two Brown Cows. But it’s like the room is beginning to spin and I feel funny.
    “Are you sure that was just a Coke?” I ask him as I hold up my empty glass. I seem to be working hard to form my words so they don’t sound slurred.
    He nods, but instead of one head, I think I see two. Then he is leading me down the stairs. I don’t actually feel my feet on the steps, but I sense I am going down. Then he opens a door to another room where another sort of party seems to be going on. There are colored lights, but it’s very dim and the music isn’t quite as loud as upstairs. It looks like guys and girls are mingling around, dancing and drinking and making out. But it’s all kind of blurry and out of focus. I try to blink and adjust my vision, but it’s not