Nothing. But Brett says,…

“I don’t want any vodka. Thanks,” you tell them.

All the while you‘re speaking, you are looking through the group, trying to make sure none of the guests that came to meet you are feeling ignored. It is due to this intentional attention you notice Brett begin to approach you.

“Come on, John !!” she says. “’When in Rome,..!’ You’re not in Rome, but you’re also not exactly in Sober City! If you’re gonna be living around us, you gotta drink the same thing we do WHEN we all do!… Especially if we’re all drinking the same thing simultaneously!!”

“Uh…. Uh-Um…,” you start, unsure how you might be able to get them all to stop the pressure. “Thanks again,” you add simply, “but again,… No.”

Suddenly, you hear a voice from someone you are currently unable to see.

“C’mon, girls!” says a voice that seems to come from somewhere within the group.

You soon notice them parting like the Red Sea, and notice the separation is being done by Madison Ivy.

“He’s underage!!” she screams insistently, before coming closer to you and grabbing one of your hands in each of hers.

“Thank you!!” you whisper to her when she is finally standing right next to you.

She says nothing, simply nodding. She then motions with one hand for you to head in a direction that moves you further away from the insistent group she was previously a part of.

You nod again, turn in that direction, and take a few steps. A quick look over your shoulder shows Madison heading back, as if rejoining the throng… But only briefly, before she catches up with you.