Page 31 of Hits Different

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The first Monday of every month, Summit hosts a mixer for staff and clients to mingle freely. When I arrive there’s around two dozen people already there. Archie’s busting a move on a one-man dancefloor, whilst Will keeps one eye on him, the other on his phone. There’s music, drinks, some food. Simon’s a no-show.

I spot Carter, wearing a maroon hoodie, standing under the arch that leads to the courtyard. He’s speaking with a couple of girls I don’t recognise. As I get closer, I hear snatches of their conversation.

“Does your father even realise the hypocrisy in calling for a national healthcare system when he’s in the pocket of big pharma?”

A familiar protectiveness trickles through me. This used to happen all the time. People online. People on the street. Even one of our teachers once re-worked a history lesson to try and provoke Brandon into a comment on free trade agreements.

And he just smiles and takes it. Because that’s what he’s been conditioned to do.

“My dad doesn’t tend to run his policies by me, but I know that he rarely takes contributions from any large corporations. There’s a section on his website that’s very clear on the funding that he receives…”

“No, that’s not true”, Jenna, I think her name is, insists, her cheeks turning pink.

Brandon smiles politely. “I’m pretty sure it is. Let me pull it up so you can take a…”.

“No, he’s definitely taking their money. I read it online. Maybe you could call him and bring it to his attention? Like, right now”.

Time to step in.

“Excuse me, sir”. I tap him on the shoulder. “I’m gonna have to ask you and your friends to keep the noise down. We’re getting complaints”.

He turns, brightening immediately. “How dare you. My friends and I are the picture of decorum”.

“In any case, urgent phone call for you”, I press my phone into his hands, and steer him towards the drinks table. He recognises the ruse immediately, loudly mouthing apologies as he picks up a call with nobody on the other end.

Once he’s safely out of earshot, I turn firmly back to the two girls. “Don’t do that again”, I say quietly. “Brandon is a client, and he deserves his privacy. Back off”.

“But I have a problem with how his father…”

“Then go make an appointment with his father’s office. Understand?”

They both nod, and I head back to the party. I find Brandon holding two beers. He hands one to me. “I owe you one”. He gestures towards my housemates. “How many of the same guy can you see?”

“They’re twins, dumbass. And they’re not identical. If you look close enough”.

“Do you think they know how to play pool?”

“Probably not”.

“Sweet. Let’s play them for money”.

Fifty bucks and a hastily scrawled IOU from Will later, the vibe is far more relaxed. People mill around, sharing drinks and swapping stories. It’s a hell of a lot different from the parties I’m used to, but maybe that’s not a bad thing.

“Time to spill”, Archie says, looping an arm over Brandon’s good shoulder, swaying slightly. “You went to high school with our roommate. We want the dirt”.

“Dirt? On Parker? Boys, he was a model student”.

“Really?” Will looks between the two of us, suspiciously. “You’re kidding”.

“In absolutely no way am I offended by the surprise in your tone”.

“I’ll grant you”, Brandon’s face barely moves, “Our boy may havethe resting faceof someone abandoned by the education system, but don’t let that fool you. Straight A’s. Honour roll. Class Treasurer”.

My eyes begin to narrow.

“…Mathlete. Parker was every…” Brandon’s eyes begin to water, “teacher’s…dream…” Everyone cracks up laughing.

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