Page 48 of The Bro Date
“Crickets,” Jake says like a smartass, making Daija giggle. He beams with pride, like he just accomplished a lifelong goal to make her laugh. “No one is dumb enough to throw away twenty dollars in this economy, because there ain’t no way that man is smiling.”
“Yeah. Yeah,” I grumble, and everyone laughs.
We round the corner and stop at a small photo kiosk tucked between two palm trees. There’s an old computer monitor on the counter, cycling through the most recent groups of people. When it lands on our photo, everyone bursts out laughing, and I just snort, shaking my head at how ridiculous the six of us look.
Toby is wide-eyed and full of excited terror, nearly slipping out of his seat. I’m stone-cold serious, reaching over to hold him down by a leg. Tate and Daija are relatively normal looking, with their arms up and big, wide smiles. Then there’s Spencer and Jake, flipping off the camera with their tongues out like a couple of dogs catching flies on the highway.
“Oh my God.It’s too fucking funny, I can’t!” Tate cries, tears leaking from his eyes.
“It’s like a bad album cover,” Spencer chuckles.
“No, it’s fucking perfect,” Jake corrects. “I’ll take one,” he says to the kid behind the counter. “This is getting framed and going on our mantel, boys.”
“Make that two, please,” Tate adds. “Daija and I need a copy for our place.”
“Do we really, babe?” Daija raises her eyebrow.
“You know you wanna see this handsome face in your living room every day,” Jake jokes, holding up his copy and flapping it in the air.
Daija snorts and rolls her eyes, but no one misses her little half-smile. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to the ladies’ room.”
“Coming with you, honey,” Tate calls out, following after her.
Jake turns to us once they’re gone. “I’m growing on her.I know it.”
Spencer and I glance at each other and shake our heads while Toby giggles next to me.
She’s completely out of his league.
“What?” Jake says defensively. “What was that look for? You don’t think she likes me?”
Spencer holds his hands up in surrender. “Bro, I’m not getting involved in that one.”
“Me neither,” Toby adds.
Jake looks at me next. “Shane? Got something to say?”
“Nah, bro. Just don’t do anything stupid,” I warn.
“Why the hell are you gonna jinx me like that?!” Jake throws his arms up in the air, letting them flop back down in exasperation.
Jake doesn’t need a jinx to do anything stupid. It’s pretty much his default. A done deal.
“We’re back!” Tate suddenly shouts, appearing out of nowhere. “Who wants frozen lemonade? Daija and I are gonna get some. It’s by the Ferris wheel.”
“I’m still stuffed,” Toby says, “but we’ll follow you over there.” He looks at me with doe eyes brimming with anticipation. “Can we ride the Ferris wheel?”
When I don’t answer right away, he resorts to begging. “Come on, Shane.Please.It’ll be really fun.”
“Fine,” I grumble, unable to say no to him.
Toby beams from ear to ear, and all six of us head over to the other side of the fairgrounds. Our friends split off and get in line for frozen lemonade, while Toby and I keep going to the Ferriswheel line. We don’t have to wait long, getting a spot in the next round.
“Whoa,” Toby laughs as he steps into the wobbly bucket, holding his arms out to steady himself. I grab his elbow, making sure he doesn’t fall.
I climb in after him, and the ride attendant closes the metal lap bar and locks it. There are no seat belts, and it feels a little sketchy, especially after the roller coaster incident.
We’re one of the last pairs to get on, so the ride immediately starts rotating. The bucket gently rocks as we go around, and it’s sort of relaxing.
