Page 92 of Outcast
“I plead the fifth on the grounds that it would only incriminate my masculinity to tell you.”
“Did you crash and burn, or did you bail out?”
He scoffed. “I’m not you!”
“What does that mean?”
He lowered his voice, slowing so our group wouldn’t hear us. “It means this stuff has always come easy to you. Girls. Women.” He shrugged. “I’m the nerdy sidekick. I don’t get the girl.”
“Not with that attitude you don’t.”
“Not with any attitude,” he grumbled.
“Don’t sell yourself short. You’ve got a great job. You’re cute.”
“Cute,” he said, tone sour.
“Yes, and some women like that.”
He rolled his eyes. “Okay, this pep talk is depressing. Let’s just go to the table.”
“I’m just saying that you’re holding yourself back. Have some confidence. Todd is a douche. She’d be way better off with you.”
He nodded once. “Thanks, man. I don’t think she agrees, though.”
We arrived at the table in time to see Todd casually drape his arm around Sasha’s shoulder and lean in to murmur something in her ear that made her eyes light up.
Well, damn.
“Food should be out soon,” I said.
Allison scooted over, and I nudged Marty to slide in first, then I followed. If we kept a little space between us, maybe it would weaken the rumors we were a couple.
Neal arrived only a couple of minutes later, sliding two trays onto the table. “Burgers and shakes for everyone. You all know what sides you ordered.”
“Thanks, Neal.”
“Sure, whatever. Leave me a good tip.” He turned and walked off.
Todd glared. “Punk.”
Allison laughed. “Like you weren’t at that age?”
Or still,I thought silently.
Marty eyed the fried okra. “Is that mine?”
I grabbed it and handed it to him. “Yep. I got the order in right before you showed up.”
“You really are the best friend.”
“Yeah, now you appreciate me,” I said.
“Well, you give crappy advice, but great fried food.” He popped an okra into his mouth. “Mmm. Delish!”
“Ooh, I didn’t even think about ordering okra,” Sasha said. “It looks so good!”
“You want one?” Marty asked.
