Page 94 of The Friend Scheme
“It’s bad, dude. His mom especially, she’s sort of a nightmare. He gets perfect grades and is so polite and nice and stuff to everyone, but she acts like he’s still not enough. I know it hurts him.”
Bri swats her leg.
“What?” says Naomi.
“I bet Jase doesn’t want you spilling all his family drama to a new friend.”
“Oh, right. Forget I said anything, Matt.”
“Done. It’s not a total surprise, though. He’s talked about it a little, but I didn’t know it wasthatbad.”
“Yeah, it really is. So I think having a new friend is good for him. It might make him chill out a little, finally. He’s definitely changed since you started hanging out. How’d you meet, by the way?”
Luckily, I have a lie prepared.
“He’s friends with a mutual friend of mine, and we just clicked. We both like the same games.” It’s another lie I have prepared. “But wait. What do you mean about him changing?”
“He seems happier, I guess? And a lot less high-strung. He’s always been our anxious little stress ball, and now he’s way less stress-y about everything. I think that’s because of you. Something has definitely changed in him. It’s got to be you.”
“Wow, um… That’s awesome.”
The thought of making Jason happy makes me freaking giddy.
One team runs out onto the field, getting into their positions. I scan the field and spot Jason. He’s pitching. I find myself smiling. Look at that guy! He’s so cute. I must say, he looks great in his uniform. It’s blue and white, and the pants are really tight. It’d be pretty fun to make out with him while he’s wearing it. I wonder if he’d be down for that.
The crowd goes silent, and the game begins.
Jason pitches…
It’s a strike!
Jason pitches again and gets another strike.
Then another. He pumps his fist.
The batter walks away, his shoulders hunched.
I won’t lie, baseball isn’t my favorite thing to watch. And it goes on forever. But I don’t mind watching Jason play.
I have to keep reminding myself: We’re just friends. I have the situation under control.
“Hey,” I say to Naomi, who is beside me.
“Yeah?”
“Does Jason have Instagram?”
I already have my phone out. I’m so ready for this.
“Wait, you don’t follow him?”
I shake my head.
“Weird. I mean, of course he does.”
“Can you show me?”
She pulls out her phone, and loads Instagram. I do the same.
