If I wasn’t here, of course. Mark may like me, but he doesn’t respect me. Not more than the Society, at least. And his buddies aren’t going to even consider me when they’re ushering two beautiful girls into a non-descript van. The only thing on their minds will be pussy and dollar signs. I beeline towards Mark, barreling through a guy that looks like he roasts in a tanning bed like it’s the Fountain of Youth. Doesn’t make sense, but clearly the kid doesn’t possess any if he’s pointedly standing in my way and refuses to move after he sees me coming. Exactly why he ends up on his ass, curses following me as I continue on my path. Just as I approach, Addie and Daya are ushered into the house, leaving Mark and his friends behind. The houses have an occupation limit to prevent the cramped space from becoming too congested. Especially with people running like their life depends on it. “Mark!” I greet loudly, a smile stretched across my face. I can feel my scars tightening from how hard I’m forcing it, but the old man 1s too self-absorbed to notice. Mark looks startled as he turns to me, but just like Addie, a strained smile stretches across his face. “Zack! You made it! I just saw Addie go in with her pretty friend. She said you went off to find a bathroom.” Smart little mouse. She left it open to the possibility that I’m around somewhere and could show up any minute. Fucking love that girl. I flash my teeth again. “Yeah, I just found a quiet spot real quick,” I say, pointing over my shoulder lazily. “Ah, being a man is God’s gift,” he laughs, slapping my arm. “You’ve met my colleagues here.” I exchange quick pleasantries, but I shift, wearing my impatience on my sleeve. The employee opened the door and is waiting for me to enter. “Mind if I cut ahead? I want to catch up.” Mark swoops his hand forward, gesturing for me to go ahead, his lips tightened into a thin line. Someone shouts behind me, noticing that I cut in line. Mark’s placations are cut off by the slam of the door. Walking into this house feels like stepping into another dimension that demons inhabit. My skin prickles as I look around the pink monstrosity. “What in the actual hell?” I mutter under my breath, momentarily distracted by the eyesore this house is. If Addie and I have a daughter, I hope she has some goddamn sense and prefers black.