Page 70 of Hits Different

I look down. Our sandwiches have been deposited at the table. “Don’t worry about it”. Steak and caramelised onion. My favourite, but right now, the lump in my throat is so thick I’m not sure that I could force anything down.

“Seriously”, he says, taking out his wallet. “I don’t want to owe you”.

God forbid. I’m about to respond, when his phone starts ringing. He frowns at the screen. “I’d better take this”.

“Parker!” I recognise the sound of his stepfather’s voice immediately. “Finally!”

Donnie came into Parker’s life about two years after his father passed away. He’s super nice, if a little bit soft, but he didn’t have any kids or an ex-wife, which made him—in the words of Parker’s mom, ‘the golden ticket’.

The subject of Donnie was the first thing Parker and I ever argued about. Parker had resisted Donnie’s friendly overtures for months. I’d encouraged Parker to give him a chance. Parker said I didn’t know what it was like to lose a parent. I said he didn’t know what it was like to have a parent who wished they had never had a son in the first place.

Things escalated from there, and we didn’t speak for two weeks.

I backed down, because ultimately, it’s impossible to one up someone with a dead dad.

Parker and Donnie begin chatting, and I steal a glance at my phone. My dad’s campaign is about to ramp up, and I’ve got my news alerts all set up to monitor every political buzzword going. I blink in surprise. Governor Handley is stepping down.

Handley was one of my father’s longstanding allies. I scan the news report. He’s failed to disclose some investments and got caught out on a paper trail. Rather than bring embarrassment to his office, he’s decided to walk away at the end of his term. My dad’s team had always drilled it into me; don’t leave a paper trail.

Not that there’s anythingI’veever done that could cause a problem. My grades were once printed in the local newspaper. Once the populus finds out that you’re failing algebra, you learn how to keep things discreet. I’d never be so dumb as to—

Wait. No. Oh, fuck.

My paperwork at Summit. I ticked the box that said…

I mean, it’s hardly like I’m important enough for someone to leak it… wait. Something catches my eye.

Blind Item: Which scandal-ridden Senator’s son is giving his father a run for his money? Rumour has it this soccer loving frat boy is spending some time breaking more than just goalposts, after instigating a bar room brawl on his spring break?

The waitress comes over to check we’re enjoying our food. “Delicious, thanks”, I say, after she prompts me for a second time.

“I recognise that voice!” Donnie says. Parker catches my eye. “Is that Brandon Carter?” Before I can stop him, Parker has spun his phone screen towards me. “Brandon! It is you! Parker never told us that you were at Summit”.

“Hi, Mr. Hurst”, I remember Parker’s stepfather’s surname just in time. “Good to see you again, sir. How’s the world of construction?”

We exchange pleasantries whilst Parker chews his sandwich silently. Donnie finishes telling me about Mrs Di Rossi’s surveillance on their neighbours because she’s sure they’re putting their rubbish in other people’s trashcans, when Parker takes the phone back.

“Mom’s not there, I guess?”

“Not this time”, Donnie says apologetically. Parker’s shoulders deflate. “I told her she should write to you. I thought it might help her express herself without…”

“Me blowing up?”

“Both of you leaning into your…bigger feelings”, Donnie finishes. “We’re planning the family vacation this year, if you have any suggestions?”

“Am I still invited?”

“Parker, this argument with your mom. It’s temporary, I promise you. Now, are we booking two plane tickets? End of August. Last time we spoke you were seeing someone. Will your girlfriend be joining us?”

“I don’t think so”. Parker avoids my gaze. “It’s pretty casual”.

“Casual, eh?” Donnie chuckles. “I don’t know, you kids. Does he tell you anything about his love life, Brandon?”

“A gentleman never tells, sir”. It’s the best I can come up with, once I’ve finished choking on my sandwich. Parker at least has the good grace to whack me on the back.

“You two were always as thick as thieves”. Donnie snaps his fingers. “Now then! That’s an idea. Brandon—why don’t you join us? We’d love to have you”.

“Brandon’s busy”, Parker cuts in quickly. “He’s away with his folks for the end of the summer”. My stomach sinks uncomfortably.

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