Page 13 of Faking Forever 1
33
FAKING FOREVER
“Alright then, if she’s single, how do I get my shot?” he says, boasting.
He continues to laugh like an imbecile.
“Funny.” I say, watching him, unamused, “Hey, Beau?”
“What?” his laugh fades out.
“You like getting your ass beat?” I ask, still staring as I crack my water open to take a sip.
“Uh-oh, did I piss you off?” he smirks, making me succumb to laughter.
It was an ongoing thing for him and others to tease me about Paisley. I never really thought about it much. Most people ship us together—as they call it. Considering the context, I figured it was common between friends of opposite genders.
Part of me knows that he isn’t joking completely, and that part is what’s weird and creepy. Then again, so is the idea ofhimgetting with her. I’d rather roll in a puddle of gasoline and light myself on fire before allowing that to happen. He’s my friend, and I love him, but equally as important, he’s a pig most of the time, but not as much since he’s been sober.
“Don’t be such a bonehead, man. Me and a handful of others have seen how you’vealwayslooked at her. A few years means nothing. You talk about her like she never left Seaside.” he says.
“If you say so, man.” I shake my head.
“Seems like there’s still too much water stuck between your ears from surf camp. It’s okay.” he pats my back, chuckling.
Please shoot me.
“You’re so dumb,” I say, sipping my water.
The laughter proceeds, soon dimming down.
“So, youarecoming to the beach party, right?”
34
HEY LOVER
“Definitely.”
Beau always had these massive beach parties at the beginning of each summer. The first one was only a few summers ago, when we were sixteen. We had a series of drunken games until the night set. Sierra, Beau, and I all shared two joints before Sierra threw up her entire soul and had to go home. I remember Paisley having to drive usandsneak me inside so my parents wouldn’t know how shit-faced I was. That was the first time she drove my jeep. My parents bought it for my sixteenth birthday.
I still will never understand how she got me all the way to my bedroom. It’s a mystery to me to this day. It had to have required some wild strength. Not to mention I got iced out for a week straight, afterwards. Rightfully so. That was also our first disagreement. Nothing ever ate me alive the way that did, and thinking about it now—it wasn’t as deep as it seemed at the time. We were just teens being teens. I miss that part.
That’s why I’m looking forward to this year’s party.
Beau continues to drag his cigarette as I check my phone, reminded of my time limit.
9:21 AM
It was about that time that I knew Pea would be waking up.
“It’s almost ten already—hey, man I should split. I got a thing I’m working on. I gotta finish it.” I say, putting my phone back in my pocket and preparing to leave.
“Athing. Okay,” he gives a half-suppressed laugh.
“I’ll make it up, chill.” I smile, shaking my head.
“Josh-man, don’t even sweat it. We’ll kick it later.” he 35
