Page 7 of Seeds of Friendship
“Details.” He heads toward checkout. “We should probably buy solo cups.”
“And actual food.”
“Shit, right. Food.”
We grab three frozen pizzas and a case of water, which Troy insists is “responsible party hosting.” The total makes me wince, but Troy splits it without hesitation.
The cute girl with glasses passes by us on her way to checkout. She gives me this small, hopeful smile that makes something twist in my chest. I deliberately look away.
“Cold,” Troy mutters.
“Yeah, well.” I watch her leave, shoulders slightly hunched like she's protecting herself from something. “Better cold than cruel. Better to disappoint her now than three months from now when she realizes I'm never going to prioritize her over everything else.”
“You know,” Troy says as we load up our cart, “maybe not every girl wants to be your everything. It’s kinda big headed, bro.”
“In my experience, something always turns into everything. And everything is what I don't have to give.”
We pay and head out. I catch one last glimpse of that girl loading her car, careful and methodical about it. The kind of girl who probably has her whole life planned out, including the boyfriend who'll fit perfectly into it.
Good thing I know better than to apply for that position.
Back at the house,Ethan's actually standing, attempting to help Alfie set up the WiFi router.
“The password can't be 'password',” Alfie's saying.
“Why not? It's easy to remember.”
“Because literally anyone could guess it.”
“Who's trying to steal our WiFi?”
“Everyone. That's how the world works.”
Troy dumps the Target bags on the counter. “Children, please. The adults have returned with provisions. Also, we're having a party tonight.”
“We're what?” Alfie looks horrified.
“Party. Tonight. Here.” Troy's already unpacking solo cups. “First night celebration.”
“I'm out,” Alfie says immediately.
“I might die,” Ethan admits.
“Come on,” Troy insists. “We met these super hot girls, told them we were having a thing. We can't back out now. They’re bringing friends and everything.”
“Youtold them,” I correct. “But yeah, they were hot.”
Ethan perks up slightly. “How hot?”
“Pretty fucking hot.”
“I'm in.” He pauses. “After I nap. And shower. And possibly throw up again.”
Alfie sighs. “If you all die of alcohol poisoning, I'm not identifying the bodies.”
“That's the spirit!” Troy cheers, then looks around. “We're going to need to get some beer. Anyone have a fake ID?”
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