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Brandon: Damn straight! You assholes better come. I need feedback on the burger before I add it to the menu.

Bash: So, Poker Night still stands?

Elijah: I expect spicy chicken wings.

Brandon: Everything for my big brother.

Bash: What did you promise him?

Elijah: Just a little something.

Brandon: Con Con, you coming or what? Don’t bail on us again.

Elijah: He’s probably too busy brooding in some dark room.

Bash: Or hacking the Pentagon.

Brandon: Or creeping on Mary. We all know you’ve got it bad for her since college.

Connor: Funny. I’ll be there.

Brandon: Hell froze over. Con Con’s in for poker night.

Connor: Might as well take your money.

Brandon: That’s if you can keep your head in the game, not on Mary.

Elijah: Lay off him. You’ve been chasing Naomi for months with nothing to show for it.

Bash: Do we still get the burgers?

Brandon: At least I’m out there trying. Not like some digital stalker.

The words sting more than I care to admit. But they’re right—I’ve been skirting around my feelings for her, watchingher life unfold from a distance instead of being part of it. It could have prevented the whole Chris fiasco.

Connor: Fuck off.

Brandon: Jealous?

Connor: Of your right hand?

Bash: Speaking of which, how’s that going, Bran? Still striking out?

Brandon: I’m wearing her down, alright?

Brandon: Naomi. Not my hand.

Elijah: Con, are you joining us or what? Sick of hearing Bran’s whining.

Brandon: Fuck you too, Eli. You’re just pissy cause you haven’t gotten laid in weeks.

Maybe tonight, with the guys, I can get my head on straight. Put Mary out of my mind, at least for a little while. A chance to loosen up. And if it keeps the guys from hounding me about Mary, even better.

Connor: Whatever. I’ll be there, but I’m not promising to go easy on you assholes.

Brandon: There he is! Knew we could draw you out.

Elijah: Poker at Bran’s place, 8 PM sharp.

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