Page 98 of Debts and Desires
“Thank you, baby,” he said. “I probably would’ve spent the night in a cell without you.”
“Of course,” I said, dismissively. I’d do it all again in a heartbeat. Then he leaned in, his mouth scraping my ear. I doubt anyone noticed it, just thinking he was telling me a secret.
“I plan on givin’ you a thank you present when we gethome.” Had I not been holding the bar, I may have melted off the seat.
“You were a dickhead,”I laughed.
“What do you mean,were? Hestillis,” Tyler cracked.
“Don’t be jealous,” Carter grinned like a Cheshire cat. The two of them had been picking on one another for a few minutes. I smiled at their banter; it was always fun to watch.
After loading up the Blazer, we had gotten on the topic of shit they did in high school that got them into trouble, much like tonight. It didn’t surprise me that Carter was the one who enjoyed playing with figurative fire, and Tyler seemed to be able to put out those flames before they got too big. But not before helping stoke the coals some. He was a good friend.
“Since we’re on the subject,” I interrupted. “Miss Etta mentioned something about the two of you running down the street naked?”
They both exchanged glances before Tyler busted out laughing. Carter’s face went beet red.
“Ty,” he playfully warned. “Don’t.”
“Aw, c’mon man. I think Emmy would appreciate it. Especially after meeting Shoemaker for herself tonight.”
“Yes! Tell me!” I said, leaning forward.
“Okay, so you know how earlier Carter mentioned Shoemaker’s mom giving him a blowy on Senior Night?” Ty questioned.
“Yeah?”
“That wasn’t a lie.”
“Seriously?!” I laughed, my eyes widening. I looked at Carter, who ignored me and stared down his bottle.
“Yup,” Ty said.
“Wait, were you guys… ya know,” I shrugged, “withhis mom?”
“Nope.”
“Oh.”
“His sister,” Ty said proudly.
“Shut up!” I squealed.
“Yup. We were all working on a project together. It ended up with us tag teamin’ her in the basement, Carter up front, me behind. Shoemaker caught us and chased us out.” I busted out laughing.
“What happened after?”
“We were almost at Pete’s when Officer Jameson stopped us halfway down Main. Asked us what the hell we were doing. And you know what this asshole said?” Ty nodded to Carter.
“What?”
“Carter looked him dead in the eye and said, ‘Showing off the biggest dick anyone’s ever seen. Well, until you showed up.’”
“Holy shit!” I wheezed.
“You should’ve seen Jameson’s face! It was hilarious!” Tyler continued, and Carter just shrugged. “Dude, I almost pissed myself laughin’! Which would’ve been even more hilarious since I didn’t have pants on.”
“Oh my God,” I laughed so hard I cried. “How did you not get arrested?”
