Page 106 of The Friend Scheme
It makes me wonder if I’d like being a part of this world a little more if I were at least somewhat respected.
I’m not, though, and I don’t think I ever will be.
I’ll always be Little Matty. The black sheep. The only person who listens to me is Jason.
I…
I pause, because Dad appears on the steps that lead up to the top level of the bar. He winces, then presses his lips together. He’s wearing a suit now, so the gauze on his stomach is no longer obvious. The bartender turns the music down, and the bar falls silent.
“Family meeting,” says Dad, his voice filling the room. “Millers only, upstairs, five minutes.”
He turns and slowly walks back up, having to use the handrail for support.
There’s a lull, and then chatter breaks up among the bar patrons. The music turns back on. Most of the people from allied families look seriously pissed. I get that. Nobody likes being left out. They’re probably wondering why they even showed up.
I finish my drink, then stand up. Luke is at the bar, talking to a girl with strawberry-blond hair. I’ve seen her around a few times, but I don’t know her name. I probably should, because I’m expected to know everyone here.
I guess Dad would be fine with his talking to her because he trusts Luke more than he trusts me.
As I walk over, she crosses her arms.
“I’m sorry,” Luke says to her. “I know it sucks.”
“You have no idea,” she says. “And hey, Matt.”
I wave. “Hey.”
“This is Dad’s idea, not mine,” says Luke. “If it were up to me, you’d be in there, too, I promise. He’s just been paranoid lately, because of the scheme.”
She turns away.
Luke touches her arm. “I’ll make it up to you, okay?”
She finally turns back. “You better.”
He grins, which makes me think he’s going to enjoy making it up to her.
The girl turns around and waves down the bartender.
Whatisher name? I think it’s S-something. Stacey?
Luke and I cross the bar. Once we’re out of earshot, he huffs.
“That seems to be going well,” I say.
He nods.
“Nice work,” I whisper. “She’s really cute.”
He chuckles. “You’re the only guy I know who’d call her cute.”
“But she is cute.”
“Yeah, but… she’s hot, too. There’s a big difference. Most guys know it.”
I mean, I feel like one of these days Luke is going to stumble face-first right into the truth.
“It’s sweet,” he says. “Sometimes I wonder if there’s a romantic bone in my body. The only bone I have is in my—”
