Page 30 of Just Say When

“Penguins,” Brax said.

“Now, even I know that doesn’t make a lick of sense. How you gonna ride a penguin?” Zack asked.

“Penguins live in the Antarctica. Polar bears live at the North Pole,” Brax explained. “So either you need totrain penguins in Antarctica, or you need to train polar bears in the North Pole. You can’t mix and match.”

I stared at him.

He stared back.

“I hate you,” I said with feeling.

He looked the tiniest bit regretful. “I know, hellion.”

“Whatever.” I grabbed my bag and made for the door. “I’m going to get Zack coconut oil and Aquaphor. The next time I see you two clowns, you better have come to your senses.” I paused half out the door and leveled Brax with my best disappointed look. I’d seen it often enough on Mom to know how. “Zack is on pain killers, so I’m willing to give him a pass. But there’s no excuse for you.”

“Think it over,” was all he said.

I shook my head. The fuck I would.

13

Brax

Zack:

I’m bored. Come hang out with me.

Brax:

Hey, Adam. Painted Cat tonight?

Adam:

Hell yeah.

James says she’s in, too. She’s calling her friends.

Zack:

Um, hello??

Brax:

8 pm?

Adam:

Sounds good. We’ll eat dinner with Ben first and then he can watch a movie with Grandpa.

Zack:

Wtf, you’re hanging out without me?

Brax:

Thank god Zack is still busted up. He ruins everything.

Zack:

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