Page 90 of Best Frenemies

I hand her my credit card, she swipes it, and hands me the receipt. “Have a good one, Mack.”

“You too, Sally.”

I grab my bag, shuffle through the Marty’s Deli crowd, and the bell jingles as I walk out the door. This spot is only half a block from Calhoun, which gives me just enough time to get back and into my classroom so I can enjoy my lunch.

But just as I’m heading in the doors of school, my phone vibrates several times in my back pocket. I pull it out to find two new messages from Lizzy and Thatch.

Ladies first, always, I click on my sister’s text.

Lizzy: Your niece won’t stop talking about how much fun she had with you and Katy. She’s requesting another night with you two soon. PS: How is Ms. Katy?

Even though I know Graciedidhave an awesome night with Katy and me last weekend, I’m not a moron. This message’s sole purpose is to aid my sister’s urge to pry into my business.

Her nosy ass can definitely wait on a response, I think to myself as I open Thatch’s message next.

Thatch: How’s Ms. Dayton? You still hot for teacher?

Why does it feel like everyone is texting me about Katy? It’s not that I mind it, but it’s just strange.

As I step into the teachers’ lounge to grab some napkins, I decide to respond to Thatch’s message. Though, I pointedly choose to ignore his questions about Katy.

Me: How are Kline, Wes, and Cap? All three still alive, I hope?

Thatch: Ha. Nice deflection, Mackie. And Kline and Wes are fine. Cap is a fucker. Still alive, but a fucker.

Me: I know our last investor meeting almost turned to bloodshed over your future career as a children’s book author, but I’m hoping maybe we can give it another go and quite possibly get some official investors on board with the foundation…

Thatch: All right. I’ll take the bait. I guess I have time to play Santa Claus right now and bring you a bag full of good news.

Me: Are you saying what I think you’re saying?

Thatch: It’s looking like your little music foundation is going to have four investors, bud.

Me: You better not be fucking with me right now.

Thatch: Would I fuck with you?

Me: Yes, you would, actually. And you do all the time.

Thatch: No lube or penetration needed. I can say with certainty that all four of us are in. I’ll get a meeting scheduled to finalize the details soon.

Me: HOLY FUCKING SHIT. I CAN’T BELIEVE IT.

Thatch: Congrats, McMack. Looks like your dreams are coming true.

I’m pretty much pacing the teachers’ lounge by the end of our conversation, and by the time I shove my phone into my pocket, I’ve completely forgotten about my lunch.

“You got the shits or something, Mack?”

I look across the room to find Alma sitting at one of the tables, staring at me.

“It always happens to me after I eat cottage cheese.” She gives me more info than I certainly need. “I got some Imodium in my bag, if you need it.

“Thanks, but my stomach is good, Alma,” I say through a laugh and run a hand through my hair. “I just got some news that’s almost too good to be true.”

She shrugs and takes a bite from her sandwich, unbothered.

I grab my bagged lunch and dart out of the lounge. There’s only one place I want to go, and my feet don’t have any problem taking me there.

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