Page 82 of The Friend Scheme
It kind of surprises me. I’ve always thought Cassidy was way too cool for me.
“Really?” I say.
“Yeah!”
What if she’s trying out the Friend Scheme?
But there’s no way. She’s Cassidy Strickland; I’ve known her since she was five.
There’s no way this is a Friend Scheme thing.
She wants to be friends with me. For real.
“Why?” I ask.
“I feel like you’re really coming into your own lately. I don’t know. It’s like everyone has been underestimating you. Luke gets so much attention, and don’t get me wrong, he’s a cool guy, and he’ssofun to hook up with. But you have potential I don’t think many people see.”
I laugh. “Potential for what?”
“To change things! God, haven’t you noticed how old-fashioned this world is? Look at the women in this crowd and tell me you think they look happy. They don’t. And it’s because men like your dad and Luke have been running things for so long. But if a Miller like you was in charge… things could get better.”
“Believe me, I’m not going to be in charge.”
“If you want to be, you could. You’re a Miller, man! This whole world is yours. And if you want a friend who can show you how to take it, I’m here. Together, we could change this world, so people like us are happy here. We could use your last name to do some good. For us, anyway.”
It’s kind of a cool idea.
“I’ll think about it,” I say.
“You better,” she says.
She lifts off the wall and walks away.
Huh.
Maybe being friends with Cassidy would be a good thing.
Maybe if I wasn’t so lonely, I’d be better able to resist the temptation that is Jason.
Because I know that’s what I should do. I should resist.
The band stops playing, and Vince steps up onto the stage to go up to the microphone. He’s wearing a white suit jacket, so he sort of matches the waiters. I’m sure he hates that.
“Can I have your attention, please?” he says.
I push up off the wall and walk closer.
The curtains at the back of the room open, and oh my God.
It’s Dad.
He’s in a wheelchair and is being pushed by Sara. He’s dressed in a white shirt and slacks. I’m not sure he should be here. He looks really pale, and he still hasn’t shaved. He looks so ill. Sara pushes the wheelchair up to the microphone, and Vince hands Dad the mic.
“I wanted to thank you all for coming,” says Dad. “I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves.”
Vince claps Dad on the shoulder. “We have, buddy.”
“I’m glad, but there’s another reason I’m here,” says Dad. “I want you all to know that I have heard about the Friend Scheme, and I am currently working my hardest to root out any Donovan moles within our ranks.”
