Page 30 of The Bro Pact
I hum my acknowledgement because what the fuck else am I supposed to say to something like that.Sounds fun?Yeah, no.
“Know of any good campsites around Moab? We’re on an RV trip,” I tell Sam, attempting more small talk until we can finish these shitty warm beers. I saw a silver Airstream out back, and I’m assuming that’s where they live.
Kyle kicks my shin under the bartop, bulging his eyes at me.
“You’re welcome to stay here, but it’ll cost ya. I’m sort of the unofficial caretaker of Ames,” Sam says with half a grin.
“We’re just passing through, but thanks for the offer,” I say quickly, guzzling the rest of the disgusting beer while Kyle does the same. I set it on the counter and stand up. “Well, Sam. Thanks for the beer and the visit, but I think we’re going to explore a little more if that’s alright with you? Then we’ll be on our way.”
Sam nods, and we hurry from the saloon, ready to put that bizarre experience behind us.
We continue walking along the dusty dirt roads, taking in the strange sculptures dotting the desert, including a giant snake weaving through a bus.
“This place is pretty cool,” I say in awe, snapping a Polaroid of it, then pulling out my phone to get some digital shots and videos as well.
I’m not watching where I’m going, looking at my screen instead as I walk between the deserted buildings, getting excellent footage of the desolation.
I step on some wooden slats on the ground and they give way. My foot starts to fall into the hole, taking my body with it.
“Ren!” Kyle suddenly shouts, lunging forward and wrapping his arms around me before I fall into the abyss. He pulls us both back and falls to his ass in the dirt. I land on top of him, both of us panting heavily.
I’m lucky he was right behind me and his reflexes are so quick. “Thank you,” I gasp, my head falling back to rest against his shoulder while I catch my breath.
My heart is beating a million miles a minute.
“Fuck, Ren.You scared the shit out of me,” he whispers into my ear.
His words sink in as we continue to sit in the dirt with my back to his front and his arms wrapped around me.
After what feels like forever, I finally climb off, offering him a hand. Kyle takes it, and I pull him to his feet. “Let’s get the fuck outta here,” I insist. “This place is creepyanddangerous.”
“I agree,” Kyle says, dusting his ass off.
We hurry back to our ride, avoiding walking directly in front of the saloon and possibly being spotted by Sam.
The RV is really starting to feel like our cozy little home on wheels. Especially when I add the creepy ghost town photos and our timeline grows.
“We should see if we can camp somewhere around here.” I pull out my phone, opening the app that finds nearby campsites using your location. “I hope something pops?—”
“Again with trying to get us murdered!” Kyle shouts, throwing his hands up in exasperation before snatching my phone out of my hands. “I’m going to have to veto that plan, sorry. Let’s get on the road to Moab and find a campsite there. I’m not staying here or anywhere remotely close to here. No fucking way.”
I chuckle at his clear dislike for the ghost town.
“No worries, Ky.” I reverse the RV and get back on the road.
We’ll drive straight there, use the app to choose a campsite, and then maybe we can go out.
“Hey, wanna find a real bar and get fucked up tonight?” I ask once we’re settled on the highway. “I need a do-over after that nasty-ass beer.”
“Sounds good to me,” Kyle says, leaning his seat back and folding his arms across his chest. “Wake me when we’re almost there.” He closes his eyes, trusting me to get us there safely.
I smile to myself, cruising down the dusty old highway to some of my favorite songs while my best friend sleeps in the passenger seat.
Life is good.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
KYLE
