Page 32 of My (Not So) Perfect Plan

“It’s a shame.” She yawns delicately with her manicured nails covering her mouth. “We really could have been something.”

She turns her back to me indicating that this chat is over, and I slump with relief. I make my way inside and am about to head over to the drinks table when my phone vibrates and dings, letting me know I have a text. I sit down on a reclining part of the sectional sofa and prop up my leg. It’ll be a miracle if my leg doesn’t get hit by someone tripping and falling on it tonight. I pull out my phone.

CLAIRE: Hey. I just thought of this, but if you’re on a painkiller, make sure you don’t drink anything alcoholic.

I smile to myself.

EVAN: So youdocare!

CLAIRE: Of course I care. What made you think I didn’t?

Um, how about turning me down time and again? I could say that, but I don’t want to ruin the one high light of my night.

EVAN: Nothing. I’m glad.

EVAN: Wish you were here with me.

CLAIRE: Why?

So I can put my around you, flirt with you, maybe kiss you if you’ll let me,I think to myself.

EVAN: It’s more fun when you’re here.

EVAN: Plus, you always take care of me better than I do.

Claire sends me a scared face.

CLAIRE: That makes me think you didn’t bring ice for your leg.

EVAN: I’m using iced beer cans.

CLAIRE: I guess that’s a good use of beer, LOL

EVAN: What are you doing?

CLAIRE: Taking a break from chores. How’s the party?

EVAN: It’s good. You are missing out.

CLAIRE: Liar.

EVAN: Which part?

CLAIRE: All of it.

EVAN:??? How do you know?

CLAIRE: You’re texting me aren’t you?

She has a point, I realize.

CLAIRE: Gotta go. Tamara’s here

EVAN: Have fun.

CLAIRE: You too.??

I feel jealous of Claire’s friends that can just come over and chill with her, because I would love to do that right now. I put my phone away and survey the crowd. Acquaintances and people I once called friends gyrate to the music. The house is crowded with teenagers. Even the stairs have teenagers collecting on them and suddenly it feels like it’s weighing me down and I can’t breathe. What do I really have in common with these people? With most of them, it was football, a love of partying, and for many of the girls, sexual interest. It all fell so flat, and when push came to shove, it was easy to see who really cared and who would rather sit back and laugh.

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