Page 48 of Tracing Holland

We’re quiet for a moment after they leave, silently processing what just happened, then exchange a look before exploding into laughter.

“Are you serious?You moved their bus?”I cry, laughing so hard tears sting my eyes.

They are too, and we pretty much collapse on the table from our shrieking.

“Oh my god, did you see their faces?Parker was ready to throw up!”Eli snorts, slapping his hand on the surface.

I shake my head, wiping my eyes.“I can’t believe you!They are going to beat the shit out of you!”I still can’t breathe as I lean back in my chair.“Where’s their bus now?”

Sweeny can barely speak as he starts up all over again.“I waited until I was sure one of them noticed then put it back!It’s fucking in its spot!”

My eyes widen in disbelief, my stomach in agony from the laughter.“And you just sent them running all over the parking lot looking for it!”

He nods through his own tears, fighting for air.

“You know what this means, don’t you?”I warn, still chuckling after we finally gain control of ourselves.

They nod, but don’t seem to care.“Yeah, we know.It’s on.”

I shake my head in amusement.“Oh, it’s on.”

I findJesse messing around on his acoustic in their dressing room and hold up my hands in a gesture of peace.

“Just stopping by to see how you’re doing?”I explain, and he shakes his head with a grin.

“That was fucking genius.Totally messed up, but genius.”

I laugh and drop to a chair nearby.“You know they wouldn’t have done it if they didn’t consider you friends, right?”

He nods, still smiling.“I know.They really had us.I think Parker might need therapy.”

“He looked about ready to shit his pants.”

“I think he might have a little.”

I study him and lean forward with a mischievous look.“So what are you doing to get them back?”

He stares at me and seems confused.“Wait, what?”

“Seriously?”I scoff.“You’re just going to let them prank you like that and not retaliate?”

I can tell it hadn’t occurred to them and have to hold in my snicker.I’m here to be helpful.“Ok, look, this is how it works.They started it, so yeah, you have every right to get them back.Just keep it funny and safe.”

I see his mind already working.“That’s going to be hard to beat,” he observes.

“Yeah, but trust me, it’ll be worth it when you do.”I start to rise, feeling a small sense of pride that he’s taking it so well.

“Hey, Luke, wait.Before you go, can I ask you something?”He quiets, and the mood suddenly shifts.“Um, it’s a little personal.”

I return to my seat.“Sure, what is it?”

He seems nervous, which is never a good sign.“Well, I’m not exactly sure how to ask you this.It’s about those photos of you from Charlotte.”

I stiffen.“What about them?”I respond, somehow managing to sound casual even though my insides are exploding.

“Well, it’s just that, I’m from Philly.You know that, and we’ve played pretty much all the local spots in the tri-state area.”

I nod, my stomach churning.Oh no.“Yeah?”

---