Page 66 of Goodbye Note

“Why can’t you stand?”

“My legs don’t work this early in the morning.” With a lot of grunting, Bronx sat up. “Why is the fucking floor wet and sticky? Who was jacking off?”

“It’s beer, not cum.”

“I’m not sure that’s better.” He thought for a second. “Who’s mouth was it in?”

“Does that make a difference?” I asked.

“Course it does.”

“Mine,” Vallen said, laughing again.

“That is better. I trust your mouth more than your dick.” Bronx shoved to his feet. “You better clean this up before John comes out here.” He grabbed the baby wipes and stepped into the bathroom. “Who shaved their pubes in here?”

I stared at Val.

He shrugged. “Can’t get laid with a man bush! Where do you want me to do it?”

“I thought Fox meant your fucking face.”

He lifted his shoulders sheepishly.

“You are disgusting, and I’m also going to vote you off the island if you don’t clean that shit up.” I grabbed a beer, deciding this day would go much better drunk.

* * *

By the time we got to our stop, the heat was even worse. Like Orlando was the poster child for waterboarding by humidity. We sat in the bus’s shade, pounding beers like they’d rehydrate the water we lost.

No one bothered to shower.

“Hey,” Arik said, walking up.

“There you are!” I tried to jump up but stumbled and tripped.

Arik caught me. “Are you drunk?”

“It’s Vallen’s fault!” I could hear my slurred words.

“Guilty!” Val lifted a beer in the air.

“I guess you guys had a good drive here.” There was a hesitation in Arik’s voice.

“I have something for you!” I remembered, trying to detangle myself from Arik to go into the bus to get it.

“Easy there, cowboy. You’re going to break your face.” Arik’s grip tightened, helping me to the bus. He pulled the door behind us when we were safely inside. “What happened?”

“It’s stupid.” I spun around, searching my memory. Where had I put the stars?

“It’s not stupid if Vallen is that upset.”

“Someone recognized us, but he brought up my dad.” I shook my head. “So we just decided to get drunk.”

Arik was quiet for a long time.

“It’s not that big a deal. It happens. You can’t be in the spotlight with famous parents without it happening. I’m more used to it than he is.” I pointed at my face, playing it off.

“Why would you choose a job in the spotlight if it fucks you up so much?”

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