Page 130 of The Friend Scheme
Not much. I’ve just been thinking…
Oh yeah? About what?
The family thing. You’re right, I’ve been too intense. I’m really sorry, and I’m going to take a step back. I was out of line.
You’re totally fine, man. I get it. I’m sorry I’m so closed off.
No, don’t be! I know I need to prove to you I’m trustworthy. So I have this idea. How would you feel about getting out of the city for a weekend?
What do you mean?
I think you and I should go on a trip, just for a weekend. Thoughts?
I mean, I would love that.
I can’t, though. Dad would never let me.
What do you mean?
I was hoping you’d be a little more enthusiastic. I’ve already booked tickets. There was this deal I found, and I impulse bought them. My mom booked the hotel room for me, she thinks I’m going with Bri and Naomi.
You what???
Yeah man. You, me, and LA. This weekend. You in?
My mouth is hanging open.
I can’t let myself entertain this idea, though.
That’s really nice, but I’d never be allowed to go. Thanks though. You have no idea how fun that sounds to me.
Then find a way, man! I booked us this hotel:
He sends through a bunch of photos. It’s the Four Seasons.
So really nice.
Just think about it. We could see the actual Mulholland Drive! Plus, you, me, and this room. With total privacy. Think about it.
Is he implying what I think he is?
I read his message again and decide that, yeah, he totally is. I feel like any hotel room would do for that. I don’t know why we’d need to go to LA for that, other than it’s my favorite city. And it’d put a bunch of actual distance between us and our families.
That sounds so nice.
And think about it I do. I imagine Jason kissing me like he did at the baseball stadium, just, in a room.
We wouldn’t need to stop.
We could do whatever we wanted.
Where’d you get the money for this?
I work for my uncle as a mover, remember? I have cash to burn, and seriously, the flights were really cheap.
This is so much.
It’s, like, incredibly nice.
