Before I could object any more, Emily began tugging on my hands in an attempt to drag me away from the kitchen. I let her lead me away, and I saw Erica follow after us with a whiskey tumbler clutched in each hand.

"Manda!" Emily called out a second later. "Nick's trying to clean during the party!"

Amanda came running in from the backyard, a look of worry on her face from the volume at which Emily called her. But her face softened into a peasant smile before shifting into a playful stern expression.

"No way mister," she said, crossing her arms. "This is your party after all."

"I guess...