Wrong Numbers(GL)

Chapter 1

Jo looked up before glancing down, mumbling under her breath. "I'm, uh, an artist."

"An artist?" The guy, Topher Sky had called him, spoke and Jo nodded letting out a quiet, barely audible.

"Yeah."

"So, what? You just paint pictures all day? Like some modern day picasso?" One of the women whose names she hadn't gotten continued. She couldn't tell if they were jealous or mad.

"I, uh–" Jo fumbled to respond.

"She takes commissions. Isn't that right?" Sky added, obviously trying to help but it was just putting Jo further on the spot then she wanted to be.

"Uh, yeah. Sometimes." Jo awkwardly mumbled.

"So, do you have an insta?" The other woman asked, leaning in close to Jo.

"I don't really do social media. It stresses me out." Jo said with a half shrug.

"Okay! That's enough about my lame ass sister!" Sky yelled, reaching to shove her hand in Jo's face. "Let's focus on the reason for this party: Me!"

'Yes. Pay attention to Sky. To the person who actually wants to be the center of attention.' The talk continued but no longer was it directed at Jo. She reached up, wrapping the drawstring of her hood around her index finger until it cut off the circulation. She focused on the sensation, distracting herself from the anxiety that had dug itself until the pit of her stomach.

The car came to a jerking stop, causing Jo to look up. "And we're here!" Topher said and she looked out the window noticing the busy bar they'd parked across the street from. People milled about outside, smoking and talking while music flowed from the open door.

'Fuck. Am I really doing this?' Jo watched as the occupants poured out of the car.

"Are you sure you're okay, Jo?" Sky asked, leaning down so that she was blocking out the rest of the world. "You really do look like you're about to throw up."

"Uh, yeah I just need a minute. Can I get that?" Jo tried to give Sky a reassuring smile but was sure it didn't come across that way.

"Okay. If you say so I'll take your word for it." The sound of boisterous laughter sent waves of anxiety through her as she leaned back, closing her eyes.

'In for four. Hold for four. Out for four.' Slowly the panic ebbed and Jo reached for the door, pushing it open stepping out into cool air. Closing the door, Jo trudged across the street and into the bar.

The bar was loud, people moving back and forth in chaotic unpredictable movements. "Jo! We're over here!" She looked up to see Sky waving her down, standing at a high top table. People moved back and forth across the bar and Jo could already feel the panic building up like bile in the pit of her stomach.

Swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat, she pushed her way through the crowd until she came to the table. She placed her hand on the table, Jo tapped her finger against it in an anxious rhythm.

"What would you like to drink?" One of Sky's friends said. "Sky is going to get drinks."

"Uh," Jo looked down at the menu but the words blurred together causing her to be unable to read the words. "Sky you can order for me."

"Are you sure?" Sky said with a tilt of her head, brows furrowed slightly.

"Yeah." Jo said quietly, her words nearly getting drowned out by the noise of the bar.

"Okay." Sky drawled as she started to move away. "But don't get mad when you don't like it." Jo watched as she disappeared into the crowd.

It was only then that Jo realized her mistake as she was left alone with Sky's friends. Forced to face her worst enemy: Small talk.