Page 73 of The Goat in the Bedroom
“Because of you,” she said softly. “I couldn't have done any of this without you.”
“That's what friends are for.”
Friends?
The word friends hung between us like a wall. She opened her mouth like she wanted to say something else, then closed it again.
“We should probably get back inside,” she said finally. “It's your party.”
“Yeah.”
But neither of us moved. We sat there in the dark with our goats, shoulders touching, both waiting for something that neither of us seemed able to say.
Finally, Artie stood up. “I'm really glad you're my best friend, Gryff.”
“Me too,” I lied, because being her friend while being in love with her was actually killing me.
After she went inside, I stayed with the goats a while longer. When I finally made my way back to the house, I found Flynn and Tyson in the kitchen, sharing a beer and talking quietly.
“The movie date should do it,” I heard Tyson say.
“You think so?” Flynn asked. “Maybe you should turn it up even more.”
“Trust me, he's about to crack.”
My stomach sank. They were talking about Artie. About how she was finally ready to open up to someone, to be vulnerable with Tyson on their date. Flynn was literally coaching Tyson on how to win her over.
“Hey,” I said, and they both turned to look at me with expressions I couldn't read.
“Hey, birthday boy,” Tyson said, raising his beer. “Great party.”
“Yeah,” I managed. “Great.”
Flynn was studying my face. “You okay?”
“Perfect. I'm gonna go check on Nana and Coach.”
I left them to their conspiracy, my chest tight with the realization that everyone, even my own twin, could see that Tyson was perfect for Artie.
Everyone except the goats.
But what did they know? They were goats.
WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS
ARTEMIS
Istood in front of my closet, holding up different tops and trying to decide which one said “casual movie date but maybe we'll kiss after.” I held them out to Holly who was curled up at the foot of my bed. “Which one do you like better?”
She said, “Meheheh.”
“I agree. They are kind of meh.”
My phone buzzed which made Holly jump about three feet in the air. When she landed she tried to eat it. I barely grabbed it from her in time. Through the goat slobber I couldn't see who it was from. I was going to have to invest in wet wipes. For now my duvet cover would have to suffice.
TYSON
Hey, I'm so sorry but I have to cancel tonight. My sister's cat's groomer's cousin's mom just flew in and she's lost somewhere on Rodeo Drive and I'm apparently her only hope. Rain check?
