Before I, the real girlfriend, could even ask, Ethan was already anxiously explaining himself.
He looked guiltily into my eyes.
"Emma, it was a mistake."
Sophie had been drinking and was wobbly on her feet from Ethan's kiss. She clung to him, looking at me provokingly.
Another friend quickly tried to cover for Ethan.
"It's all Bear's fault for suggesting such a dumb game. He should drink three shots as punishment to apologize to Emma."
Bear came over with a drink, apologizing profusely, but I ignored him and didn't respond.
The atmosphere plummeted again.
Everyone thought I was bottling up my anger, ready to explode, and they shrank back a step.
"Sophie can barely stand, why don't you two go to one of the private rooms and continue there?"
I said in a mocking tone, using the most disdainful words to strike at their deepest insecurities.
Ethan's face darkened.
"I said it was a mistake, don't be so sarcastic."
"Sophie and I broke up years ago, we're just ordinary friends now. I've always treated her as a friend, and she has a boyfriend too. Don't go looking for trouble for her."
"Ethan, don't scare Emma. It was our fault to begin with."
Sophie finally pulled herself upright, looking sweetly at me.