Read Seeing Black for Free Online Page A

the mirror.
    “Well, you’ll just have to control your jealousy
when all the women are drooling after this.” He pointed at his
chest. Even though he was joking, Jill was suddenly a little uneasy
about it. All the women would be drooling, including her.
This wasn’t such a good idea.
    “Maybe you should wear a shirt, after all.”
    “Oh relax, Red. You know I was just teasing you. The
only woman who matters is standing right here next to me.”
    “Well, you better keep that gun of yours in check.”
Jill said while tucking a plastic rifle in his pants forcefully. He
laughed and gave her a kiss on the cheek.
    “God, I love that you did this for me, but with you
dressed like that, I really just want everyone to go home, and I
want you alone again. Babe—”
    “Stop, Xander. We have a house full of guests for
you. I’m supposed to be hosting. Come on. Hurry up.”
    When they finally stepped out of the room, a barely
dressed Nordic god greeted them by the bar with a cone-breasted pop
star. Jill squealed and jumped up and hugged Oliver. “I knew that
costume would be perfect.”
    “Okay, okay, calm down, Red.” Alexander interrupted.
Heather was talking to Oliver, who didn’t seem to notice all the
other women lingering around his mostly naked self. “Who the fuck
are you supposed to be?” Alexander asked Oliver.
    “He-Man.” He shook his head. “Don’t ask.”
    There were about fifty costume-clad people in their
small apartment. The music pounded in the background—eighties style
rock music. Luckily, Heather had invited their neighbors;
otherwise, the party would have ended as quickly as it began. Also
luckily, the apartment complex mainly housed other college
students, so this was not a community unaccustomed to loud parties.
The counter top was laden with red cups, hard liquor, and chips. By
the refrigerator, a cold keg of beer sat in a metal bucket full of
ice. The girls had decorated the room with balloons and a Happy
Birthday banner that went across the living room and fell
slightly towards the dancing guests. A group swayed to the music in
the living room, another group congregated around the landing right
outside their front door, smoking, and another group hovered over
the drinks in the kitchen.
    “Who wants to have some fun—eighties-style!” Heather
called out.
    Alexander cheered. “Hell, I wasn’t around, but I
know exactly the kind of things people did the eighties!” He said
with a big smile.
    “No way, Alexander! This is not going to put you
back in rehab. I’m sure Heather didn’t mean drugs.”
    “Neither did I!” Alexander deadpanned. “I was
talking about drinks. God, babe, you really need to relax.” He
pulled away from Jill.
    “I meant Seven Minutes in Heaven and Truth
or Dare and Spin the Bottle . I meant music from the
big-hair bands, things like that.” Heather looked at the three of
them. “Google it. I’m not explaining Seven Minutes in Heaven or Spin the Bottle to you three adults. It’s ridiculous.”
Heather scoffed and continued mixing drinks and going costume by
costume, trying to explain to Oliver what it was that everyone was
wearing.
    “I’ll say it again, the eighties were confusing. I’m
glad we missed them.” Oliver laughed. “Although, I must say,
Heather, tofu does the body good. You look hot.”
    Alexander pulled Jill aside. “Sorry, I didn’t mean
to get angry. I’ve never done drugs again, not since Helen’s
funeral. I hope that’s not something you’re concerned about.”
    “No. Well, I wasn’t until just now. I mean I admit I
think about it every once in a while. Seeing you in a hospital
after an overdose isn’t something I want to relive.”
    “It’s been five years. I’m sober. I have been since
that day.”
    “Sorry. I don’t know why I overreacted. I love you.”
She gave him a chaste kiss on this lips. “Forgive me?”
    “In that outfit? Most definitely. You’re forgiven
for everything.”
    The party went off without a