Page 21 of Burn It Down

Dylan admitted he doesn’t have any friends and he’s not great at making them.

Why not introduce him to mine? If I come right out and ask, I already know he’ll say no, using work as an excuse, so I go a different route.

Jacob 7:17pm

I’m still going to bring the Corvette by, but I’m definitely going to need that drop-off service.

Dylan 7:17pm

Yeah sure, no problem.

Jacob 7:18pm

Do you like surprises?

Dylan 7:18pm

???

Depends on what it is.

Jacob 7:18pm

Do you get seasick?

Dylan 7:19pm

Um, no?

Jacob 7:19pm

Great. Pack a towel.

Oh God…and a bathing suit.

Fuck. Maybe I didn’t think this through so well. I just asked my mechanic on a date.I just asked my mechanic…on a DATE!What am I thinking? But it’s out there now and I can’t take it back. Nor do I really want to.

I’m totally spiraling out of control when my phone dings in my hand.

Dylan 7:20pm

A towel? Aren’t I just dropping you off? I can’t be gone long. I have a lot of work to get done.

It’s not ano.

Looking up, I spot Cora at the bar, still on the phone, a small smile playing on her lips. She must be winning their argument.

Not wanting to leave Dylan waiting, I fire off a series of texts, deciding it’s now or never.

Jacob 7:20pm

You gotta find balance.

You said you don’t have many friends. Here’s your chance to make some.

Hang out with me and a couple of my buddies for the day. Work will still be there on Sunday.

I go one step further, trying to goad him into saying yes.

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