Page 153 of The Fake Out Flex

My stomach started making some strange gurgling sounds about ten minutes ago, so I'm happy to go. "Sure."

We say our goodbyes to everyone, and once we get in the car, the gurgling noises amplify.

"I'm so sorry," I say, completely embarrassed. "My body isn't used to handling so much spice."

"I was surprised at how well you kept up."

"Can't take all the credit. I downed about a gallon of yogurt. Levi's suggestion."

Evie smiles. "He's always looked out for you. You're the brother he never had. I'm so glad he knows the truth about us and that he's happy for us."

I'm about to say something when a pain rips through my gut accompanied by the loudest rumble yet. I clutch my stomach with my non-driving hand.

"Are you okay?"

"No. I'm not. I need to go to the bathroom. Stat."

The plan was to hang out at my place for a bit before dropping Evie back at her apartment, but her building is literally just around the corner.

"Let's go to mine," she says.

"I was just thinking the same thing."

I screech to a stop outside her block. We race out of the car. Evie opens the front door for me, and I sprint into her bathroom.

I'll spare you all the gory details—because believe me, they're gory—but the pain is unlike anything I've ever experienced.

From now on, the hottest thing I'm eating is mild salsa. The Freemans can laugh at me all they want. Including Mrs. Freeman. Nothing is worth this kind of agony.

After a few minutes, there's a tentative tap on the bathroom door. "Fraser. Everything okay in there?"

My stomach chooses that very moment to twist painfully, and even though there's a door between us as well as the humming of a ventilation fan to conceal the unpleasant sounds emanating from my body, I don't want Evie near any of this.

"I'm fine!" I call out.

"Can I get you anything?"

"Nope. Thanks."

"Should I call the doctor?"

"Also no."

"Hannah's been raving about a naturopath who's apparently helped her with?—"

"Evie!" I yell out. "I love you, but can I have some privacy please?"

"Oh." A brief pause, then, "Okay. Sure. I'll leave you be."

"Thank you."

After an agonizing few minutes that feels more like a few hours, I'm finally feeling okay-ish.

I begin washing my hands and splash some water on my face when it hits me.

What I said to Evie.

Well, blurted out, actually.

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