Page 89 of The Last Dance

Ben and Henry’s senior year of college they both attempted to grow mustaches for graduation. They looked completely ridiculous.

*

‘Oh… Mr Decker, I thought Henry was coming over,’ I say with a giggle as he lets himself into my apartment.

He rolls his eyes. ‘All right, let’s get it all out so we can move on with things.’ He laughs, standing in the middle of my living room, his arms out as if ready to take anything I throw at him.

I’ve been making fun of him since he started growing it. Henry should not have a mustache. A five o’clock shadow, scruff, hell, even a full-out beard would be better than just a mustache.

‘OK.’ I giggle from my spot on the couch as he walks my direction, stopping on the other side of the coffee table. ‘Is that a mustache or have your eyebrows migrated?’ I laugh hysterically as he watches with a ridiculous grin. ‘I think I’m gonna name it your mouthbrow. What do you think?’

He nods, still laughing. ‘Sure. Ya done?’

I tap my chin with my fingers. ‘Not yet. Um… maybe you and Ben could call them your Bro-staches?’ He shakes his head, trying to hold back laughing and rewarding me for actually being funny for once. ‘Lip shadows?’ Shakes his head. ‘Nose neighbor? Flavor saver?’ He drops his head as he nearly snorts a laugh. ‘I got it! I got it. Bristle baton.’

He blows out a breath, walking over and dropping down onto my couch next to me, a bellowing laugh echoing through the room. ‘OK, I’ll admit, some of those were funny. I know it’s ridiculous but it’s metaphorical.’

‘Oh, I see. Pulling the whole abstract thing out on me. What exactly is it a metaphor for?’ I make a face, the sentence not sounding exactly right.

‘Back in the day a mustache was a sign of being a man. We’re graduating college. We’re now grown men.’

‘Well… you might be, but I don’t think Ben will ever be a grown man.’

Henry laughs. ‘I’ll give ya that one.’

‘OK. I promise not to make fun of your 'stache now that I know it’s part of your journey into manhood. No more jokes about the Manometer.’

‘I’ll believe it when I see it, ya big bully.’ He laughs, shoving me over on the couch as I giggle.

*

Claire pushes Ben away from her when he wraps his arms around her as she comes out of the bathroom. ‘It didn’t remind me of my grandpa until right this second. You’ll have to lose it when we get home, hon.’

‘Last night you liked it…’

‘Ben!’ Claire squeals with a laugh.

‘Ew.’ I cringe. ‘Wait…’ I turn to Ben. ‘Is Noah coming to this?’ I suddenly realize that Ben is probably responsible for whatever he’s wearing too. I’m sure he wouldn’t miss this, it’s too ridiculous. I might actually be mortified by my own date.

‘You know what?’ Ben says, suddenly full of attitude. ‘I’m not gonna tell you.’

‘I’m only worried if you helped him pick an outfit.’

‘Noah!’ Ben yells. ‘He just got here actually, so you can see for yourself.’

I didn’t actually think Noah and I were going to celebrate my birthday until next week when he’s off nights. I’m glad he’s coming tonight, but if he walks in with his hair all Flock of Seagulls I will die.

‘Ladies…’ He pops in, running his hand down the edges of his white jacket.

‘Oh. My. God,’ I say with a grin. ‘Wow.’ I laugh as he walks over, giving me a peck on the lips. White jacket, white slacks, shiny white shoes, a bright blue dress shirt opened one too many buttons and a gold chain around his neck. ‘Don Johnson and Tom Selleck, this is gonna be one hell of a night.’ I laugh.

‘Happy birthday, babe.’

‘I’m glad you came, but if you go to work like this you’re probably gonna get your ass kicked.’

‘Yeah, not a good look when trying to make an arrest, that’s for sure.’ He turns, checking himself out in the mirror.

‘You do look pretty cute.Waybetter than Tom over there.’

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