Free Love Struck by Amber Garza

Beckett, because let's face it, it has to be about him. Star stayed late after rehearsal to work on some songs with him. She was supposed to meet us at the party afterward, but she hasn't shown. I walk over to Lola, red plastic cup in my hand. Before reaching her I take a swig of the bitter beer. A couple of my friends slap me on the back as I pass them. My apartment has never had this many people in it at one time. We're not exactly party animals - Pierce and I. The truth is that we're really not supposed to party. It's one of the many rules Beckett has for us. He calls them guidelines for being in his band, but I see them for what they are - a way for him to control everyone. The irony is not lost on me that my best friend is a control freak and now I'm dating one.  I wonder what that says about me. I'm sure it says something. I've always suspected that a psychiatrist would have a field day with me if one could pin me down. After all the shit with my dad and then being raised by a single mom, I'm pretty sure I'm screwed up.
    Lola looks up at me when I approach.
    "What's going on?" I ask.
    She sighs heavily, holding her phone in one hand, a red cup filled with fizzy beer in the other. "Beckett strikes again. Star's really upset this time."
    "So she's not coming?" In a way I'm kind of relieved. If Beckett finds out about our party he'll get totally pissed off.
    "Oh, no, she's coming. I talked her into it." She leans into me. "I can be pretty persuasive when I want to be."
    "I think I've been on the receiving end of that before," I respond, stealing a kiss on her cheek.
    "Hey, man," Pierce interrupts us. He takes a large swig of his beer. "This is great, huh?"
    I glance around the room, taking in couples making out, guys chugging beer in the kitchen, a few people dancing to the music playing softly from my ipod. "Let's just hope the downstairs neighbors don't get upset."
    "Nah." Pierce waves away my words. "They're gone for the night. I already checked."
    "Cool." I drape an arm over Lola and pull her to my side.
    "Cheers!" He raises his cup into the air like he's cheering an invisible person. Then he throws his head back and downs the rest of his drink.
    Lola peers up at me, a confused expression on her face.
    "Yeah, maybe you should slow down, man," I say to Pierce.
    "Slow down? Nah, that's for sissies." When he races back toward the keg, I shake my head at Lola.
    She glances to the door and then lets out a squeal. "Oh, goodie! Star's here!" My gaze follows hers and lands on a dejected Star who is hesitantly stepping inside. Lola starts walking toward her friend "Star! You made it!" I hear her say.
    I hang back, leaning against the wall and finishing off my beer. Lola and Star chat for a few minutes and then Lola takes her into the kitchen to get a drink. A minute later they return, both with some pink concoction in their red cups.
    "Hey, Star," I greet her, while putting my arm around Lola. "Glad you could make it."
    "Thanks for inviting me," she answers politely, still looking a little uncomfortable.
    "Oh, I love this song." Lola pushes off of me and starts swaying her hips.
    "I thought I warned you about that," I growl, wrapping my arm s around her waist and drawing her to me.
    She throws back her head and lets out a giggle. I love seeing her free and happy like this.
    "I'm going to go get another drink," Star mumbles. I barely glance back at her as she heads off.  Leaning down, I press my lips to Lola's.  She tastes like beer and a little like strawberries. I kiss her hungrily, savoring the feel of her lips against mine.
    A few minutes later Lola looks up at me, a question in her eyes. "Where is Star?"
    I crane my neck and find Star sitting on the couch with Pierce's friend Jonah. Star is smiling, her hands resting on Jonah’s arm. "Looks like she made a friend."
    Lola's mouth curves upward. "Good. Maybe he'll help get her mind off of Beckett."
    The next half an hour flies by in a flurry of drinking, dancing and making