Page 23 of Time to Shine

Casey looked at the multicolor lights that he’d outlined the living room window in. “Just, like, tape.” It would probably hold, right? How else did people do it?

He’d also lined the floating shelf under the television with a fake evergreen garland and more lights, and rested a Santa-shaped pillow on the sofa.

“Hey, maybe we should get a tree!”

“You’re not even going to be here for Christmas,” Landon pointed out.

“Yeah, but there could still be a tree.”

Landon didn’t answer. He was looking at his phone while chewing another mouthful of food.

“Since you’re all napped up,” Casey said, “wanna do something?”

Landon stared at him, swallowed, and said, “You don’t rest much, do you?”

Casey smiled. “Not much, no. And we could just watch something. Unless you feel like going out. I’m up for whatever.”

Landon glanced down at the plaid pajama pants and Saskatoon Bandits T-shirt he was still wearing after his post-Costco nap. “I’m gonna stay in.”

“That’s cool. I’m down with that.”

Landon stood and began carrying the empty take-out containers to the sink. He sprayed them off, then neatly stacked them.

“I usually just throw those out,” Casey said.

“Oh. You can reuse them.”

“Reuse them for what?”

“Putting food in. Like, leftovers and stuff.”

“But I get new containers every time I order food, so the leftovers just go in there.”

“I meant if you cook something.” Landon seemed to realize what he’d just said. “Well. I’ll use them.”

“Sure.” Casey still didn’t quite understand, but whatever made Landon happy.

Landon crossed to the living room and leaned on the back of the sofa. “You can go out if you want. You don’t have to, like, entertain me.”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve been hanging out with me all day. And last night. You probably have lots of friends, and I know I’m not super fun.”

“I like hanging out with you,” Casey said, which was absolutely true. Landon wasn’t wrong about not being a ton of fun, but Casey still enjoyed being around him.

Landon’s dark eyebrows shot up. “Why?”

“Jeez, what a question. I don’t know, I just do.”

Landon seemed to consider this, then said, “Okay. But if you want to go out—”

“I don’t. I want to watch dumb shit on TV with you,” Casey said quickly.

Landon’s lips curved up on one side. “Watch any good factory videos lately?”

Casey grinned. “Oh, buddy. Have you ever seen how a marble is made? Buckle up.”

Chapter Eight

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