Page 98 of Forever Golden

I don’t have it in me to hear what he’ll say next, to see the disappointed look on his face, so I head to my room and shut the door. I don’t let myself think about possibly having just hurt his feelings, because I have a task to complete. And when Ricky honks his horn outside, I’m able to refocus.

Quickly slipping into a pair of stretch pants and an oversized hoodie, I head out and climb into the blue muscle car that awaits me.

“Ready for this?” Ricky asks with a grin, and I smile back.

“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

* * *

We had two stops planned and we made both as quickly as possible before heading back to his place. First, we got gas at a gas station on the north side, where we’d most likely be seen by a Pandora follower. Next, we hit a fast-food spot and made sure to show a little too much PDA for two people who constantly insist they’re just friends. I leaned on his shoulder while waiting in line. Then, while I ordered food, his hand rested at the small of my back. With any luck, those pics would be in circulation before night’s end.

Now, we munch on our fries, veg out on his couch, and wait for the updates to start blowing up our phones.

“They put way too much salt on these,” Ricky complains, continuing to stuff his mouth.

Watching him, a laugh slips out. “And yet, you’re still eating them. Interesting.”

“I’d eat anything right now. I’m starving,” he admits. “With Aunt Carla gone, I’ve had to fend for myself, and I’m not gonna lie, it gets a little weird around here at dinner time. Last night, I ate hotdogs and spaghetti noodles.”

Imagining what that would look like on a plate, I frown a bit.

“Well, you could always stop by my house and eat my portion. Mike’s suddenly Chef Boyardee. He cooks most nights, which is strange. Pretty sure they gave him shock therapy in that place.”

Ricky eats yet another handful of fries and shrugs. “Maybe he’s really trying this time. Either way, if it’s an act, he can only keep that up for so long. Time will tell if he’s sincere.”

He’s right, but I choose to finish my food instead of continuing this conversation. If we keep going, I’ll likely lose my appetite.

My phone sounds off and I almost knock over my soda trying to get to it, thinking it’s the posts we’ve been waiting on. It isn’t Pandora, but I’m excited all the same.

West: Just saw you an hour ago and I’m already fucking horny again. How the hell is that even possible?

I smile and sit straight in my seat.

Blue: Such a poet. You should put that in a book.

West: Not even kidding. Staying away from you is driving me out of my mind.

West: Currently lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, hard as a brick.

If I could see my own face, I’m pretty sure it’d be bright red.

Blue: Well, do something about it. You’ve got a hand, don’t you?

West: Yeah, but I’d rather have my girl instead.

West: Fuck it. I’ll sneak over. Not sure how, but I’ll figure it out.

My heart sinks, hearing his plan. He must’ve forgotten the one we already came up with for tonight.

Blue: I’m with Ricky. Remember?

There’s a long bout of silence while waiting for his response, and when he finally does text back, I sense his mood through the words.

West: Right. It slipped my mind. We’ll talk later.

Blue: We can keep texting. We’re just eating and talking, killing time before he takes me back home.

West: It’s cool. I’ve got shit to do anyway.

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