Page 23 of The Friend Scheme
Because of pollution, I can’t see many. But it’s as good as it ever is here. I remember, once, Dad, Luke, and I went on a camping trip to Yosemite, because Dad loves it there. The stars there were next level.
Anyway.
I really don’t want to think about Dad right now.
I feel like I’m in the middle of another magical night, doing something I never thought I’d do.
And it’s all because of Jason.
We swim for a while and then walk back up the beach, toward the car, with towels wrapped around our waists. We collect our shoes, and then Jason goes up to the public shower and turns it on. He gestures to me, but I shake my head, so he steps under the spray.
He closes his eyes and dips his head under. His hair gets pressed flat, and water runs down his chest. For someone who games so much, he’s clearly found a way to stay in great shape.
Because damn.
I catch myself staring, and I look away. I know this is just a friends thing, but I can’t help myself.
He’s the first person I’ve ever talked to who seems to like all the same stuff that I do. Our interests line up really well. Mostly we talked about games, because it’s clearly the thing he likes most in the world. He plays big franchises likeWorld of Warcraft,Pokémon, andMinecraft, but also likes indie games likeFactorio,Don’t Starve, andStardew Valley.
Currently he’s playing the newGod of Wargame and loving every second of it.
Once he’s done, I shower, and then we both get dressed. I still feel a little salty, though. It’s, like, clinging to me.
“Better?’ he asks.
“Yeah, much.”
“Cool. Want me to drive you home? I need to head out soon, I’ve got homework.”
“Yeah, me too. And, um, is that okay?”
“Yeah, sure is. I don’t make offers to do things I don’t actually want to do. I feel like that doesn’t do anyone any favors, you know?”
“Totally. I’m the same.”
I’m so not, though. I constantly bend over backward to try to keep people happy.
We climb into his car. He starts playing the Killers through the speakers.
Just when I think this night couldn’t get any more perfect.
Too soon, we reach my place. To be honest, I’m not ready to stop hanging out with him. He turns off the engine, which makes the car feel really still. We’re lit by streetlights, and the neon-blue dash of his car.
“Nice place,” he says, looking out at my house. I guess it does look pretty cool. It’s all one level, and I know it’s big. It’s white, with terra-cotta roofing, and is surrounded by greenery. The driveway is empty, so I guess Dad and Luke are still out. That’s good.
It means nobody is going to ask me where I’ve been.
“Thanks. Whereabouts do you live, by the way?”
“Gladeview.”
“Oh, nice.”
That’s right on the edge of our territory. We control it, but only just.
I don’t want to think about that, though.
“Yeah.”
