Page 132 of The Friend Scheme
“I could say you and I are going camping or something for a weekend. We could say we’ve had it planned for ages. Dad never listens, anyway, so if we’re casual about it, he’d buy it.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.”
For the first time, I allow myself to really entertain the idea that Jason and I might be able to go on the trip.
It makes me giddy.
He nods. “You’d majorly owe me, though.”
“What do you want?”
“Anytime Eddie needs a bath for the next year, you’re doing it.”
Oh no.
Eddie’s cute, but he hates baths with a burning passion. He always tries to run away and always makes a huge mess. It’s an ordeal.
“Okay.”
“And I want your old Xbox.”
“Why do you want that?”
“Nostalgia, I guess.”
It does sting to part with it, but it has been sitting in my closet for a few years.
“Fine, it’s yours.”
He taps his chin. What else could he possibly want from me?
“I also want to be able to use you as an excuse sometime in the future. No questions asked, all right?”
“Sure.”
“Then we have a deal.”
Holy shit.
That means I’m going.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Jason booked the flights for pretty early in the morning, so we’ll have nearly two full days in LA before we need to get back for school. We’ve checked in, and now we’re sitting in the airport lounge, waiting to board.
Luke was right, Dad totally bought the lie. I guess it’s because he trusts Luke so much.
Anyway.
I’m not thinking about my family this weekend.
While we wait for our flight, I’ve been reading and Jason’s been gaming.
A part of me can’t believe this is happening.
That I’m doing this.
