Page 29 of Hits Different

“I’m not sure that an internship is the right step just now”, I say carefully, not daring to look at my mother. “I have other passions that I’m keen to explore”.

“How intriguing”, Senator Greenwood nods approvingly, “Such as?”

“Soccer”. I spot Parker and Millie talking animatedly in the distance. ”Coach says if I keep working, a professional career is a real possibility”. I trail off at my mother’s icy stare.

“Sounds exciting!” Greenwood exclaims. “And smart to keep your options open, especially at such a crucial age”. I nod, as Millie and Parker’s argument drifts across the lawn.

“Brandon”, My mother smiles through clenched teeth. “Perhaps you could check on your guests?” She catches my arm. “And we’ll discuss this little performance tomorrow”.

By the time I’ve excused myself, Parker and Millie have disappeared. I abandon looking for them and slip quietly into the cellar instead. I know nothing about wine, but I know that I can’t show up to the beach empty handed.

I grab the first two bottles I see, and stash them under my jacket.

“Interesting choice”.

My dad stands in the doorway, eyebrow raised. I freeze.

“Just getting the Mayor’s table some refreshments”, I say brightly. “They asked for something to complement the fish”.

“Remarkable, given that we’re serving chicken. I wasn’t aware that my son was such a connoisseur. Know a lot about wine, do you?”

“I mean, thenormal amount, I suppose”. My dad moves past me, scanning the shelves. I stare at the now-vacated doorway. I could make a break for it. I could just run, and never look back.

“These were from the year you were born”, he plucks two bottles of champagne from the shelf. “Far more appropriate than the ones you were about to swipe”. A grin spreads across his face, transforming him from political figure and back into my dad. “Who are you meeting?”

“Some kids from school. Millie. Freddie, probably”.

“Parker?” A familiar note of disapproval.

“I don’t know why you don’t like him”.

“And I don’t know why you do. Listen, Brandon”. He places both hands on my shoulders. “You know there’s nothing you can’t tell me, right?” My throat is suddenly very thick.

He looks like he wants to say something else, but instead he adds, “You’ll get to the beach must faster if you sneak out the staff entrance. Go. Have fun. If your mother finds out, I knew nothing”.

He stands aside to let me pass, but instead, I grab him in a big hug. After a moment, he hugs me back. “I love you, kiddo”.

* * * *

“Truth or dare”.

My heart sinks. I hate this fucking game. Parker is nowhere to be found. He and Millie had a blazing row before I arrived. He’s off somewhere licking his wounds whilst she pouts into her cell phone. Tonight of all nights.

An hour passes. Then another. With midnight approaching, I find myself sitting in a circle with a couple of hockey-bros and Millie’s gang of instigators. Not for the first time in my life, I’ve got that hopeless, misplaced feeling.

The one where I’m surrounded by people but feel completely alone.

“C’mon, Carter”, Leo Houston nudges me. “Truth or dare”.

I’ve texted Parker twice. He’s read both and responded to neither. I bite down the disappointment that strains in my stomach. Maybe it’s for the best.

“Dare”. I mean, come on. What did I think was gonna happen? That he would suddenly see me—reallysee me—and my world would change? Nah. Those things aren’t for me. I know they’re not.

“Make out with Millie for ten seconds”, Lainey Ellis giggles.

Millie shoots her an irritated look. “Idiot”, she mutters. “He’s Parker’s best friend”.

“That’s why it’s called adare”, Lainey pouts, “It wouldn’t be much of a dare if I asked you to make out with Parker, would it? You do it all the time. You spent most of senior year going at it against my locker. Gross, by the way”.

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