Chapter 34: A Whole Mess
"She’s... drunk?"
"Damn... this girl’s lit the F up."
It didn’t take long for panic to ripple through the group as Pauline’s face grew redder by the second. The normally bashful and soft-spoken girl was now slurring, swaying, and smiling like she didn’t have a care in the world.
"I’m fine, guys. Really," Pauline said, pointing around the table with a grin that only widened. If it weren’t for Bella letting her rest against her shoulder, she probably would’ve smacked her head on the table already.
"And you," she suddenly pointed at Riley, eyes completely narrowed and filled with suspicion, "Don’t think I’m not catching on to whatever your deal is, Riley Ross. I’m not reading your mind again ’cause I don’t wanna puke, but I’m on to you."
"Jesus..." Hannah muttered, sliding over to trap Pauline in the middle of the booth between her and Bella. "Can someone just get her water before she actually starts reading our minds?"
"I got it," Katherine stood and made her way to the counter. The cashier groaned the moment he saw her gesture toward the booth and point at Pauline—clearly, this wasn’t the first time this had happened.
He quickly disappeared into the kitchen, and a flurry of panicked shouting followed. A few seconds later, he returned with a full pitcher of water and a towel. Katherine took them with a smirk and strolled back to the group.
"Start with water," she sighed, pouring a glass and handing it to Pauline, who accepted it with both hands. Though wobbly, she managed to drink most of it without spilling.
"This is so messed up," Hannah winced, her tone rising as she looked toward the counter, "Why the fuck would there be alcohol in her dessert? Did they... spike it or something? That’s the word, right? Spike?"
"No, they didn’t. It just... happens sometimes," Katherine said, barely suppressing a grin. "Now you know why this was my favorite hangout spot when I was a freshie like you guys."