He arches an eyebrow. "Because in middle school you cried for two weeks just because the Christina Aguilera tickets were gone before my father had access to the sale. If he had compared you to her, you would have started jumping back and forth and giggling in that cute way you always do."
I prepare to retort, but he's completely right. “Busted.”
Well, how can I be blamed, though? If I were faced with Christina Aguilera, I think I would kneel before her, and I'm convinced the two of them would do the same.
Vincent has all her CDs, while Sam singsWhat a Girl WantsandCandymanin the shower.
I take a last bite of my lunch before getting up from the bench and taking a seat next to Sam on the lawn. I start gathering lots of daisies, which I place on my skirt so I can weave them together and make a wreath. Vincent follows close behind me, sitting across from me. He helps to pick the flowers while Sam continues to argue with him.
"So how would you get a girl, Walter?"
"It's Vincent," he corrects him, bored, and hands me a pink-rimmed daisy. "I don't conquer girls anyway, Simon," he also mispronounces his name and Sam chuckles, bringing his hand closer to my childhood friend.
"If you want to win me over, I warn you that you're not my type, Vinnie. I prefer blondes."
I burst out laughing as Vincent rolls his eyes, ignoring Sam's invitation to high-five.
"How would you mispronounce my name? I want to participate, too," I interject.
Vincent gives me a grateful look for changing the subject.
I throw a daisy in his face, making him chuckle. Sam also picks up a daisy and imitates my actions, and Vincent starts throwing flowers at us as well.
I throw a fistful of daisies in Sam's face. "So? How would you mispronounce my name?"
He continues to crack up with laughter as the war of who can throw the most daisies goes on. "Unfortunately, it's just our thing. Right, Victor?"
Vincent shrugs as he sips his Cherry Coke. "I'm not interested in having things just ours, Stuart."
He looks bored, but I know that behind his usual tired and helpless expression he’s hiding the fact that he’s enjoying himself.
I start weaving the flowers together to create a garland while my two friends discuss among themselves. I smile to myself as I listen to their talk. I hold back a laugh at the way Vincent runs a hand through his hair, now exhausted from all those questions. I get a message as Sam asks him for the chronological order of the musical instruments he has learned to play. I pull my phone out of my skirt pocket. It’s a message from Steven.
Steve:
"Babe, just baked the last of the cookies and have some cocoa sponge cake left over. I’m filling two layers with apricot jam for you. Join me in the bakery if you’re already finished so we can go to the opening together. I miss you xxx."
I reply to him with a gif of a white teddy bear covering a brown one with kisses before getting up, dropping the garland I braided earlier. I load my bag onto my shoulder and both Sam and Vincent get up.
"I have to go. Steven’s waiting for me in the bakery. I have to run or I'll be late as always."
"Need a ride?" asks Sam.
I shake my head. "I can manage on foot. I'll see you in the morning, okay? Tell Jade I said happy birthday." I rush to give him a hug and then focus on Vincent.
"Steve doesn't know, does he?"
He shakes his head. "I was hoping to surprise him today at the opening. Could you..."
I interrupt him, nodding. "The opening starts at 4:30. We should also be there at least an hour before. If you don't see us, stop a girl with blond, long, straight hair. She's wearing a miniskirt and a gray strapless top with lace embroidery. It's Maggie. You'll recognize her right away. I've already told her you'll be there. She will be there after five o'clock, so you can come later and go in with her and Will. You met him last night. Call me if you need me, okay? And text me when you're there."
I check the time on my phone. I have to run. "I have to run now. I'll see you later, okay? Come dressed as you like."
"Isn't there a dress code?" Vincent calls after me.
I grin, walking backwards. "Of course there is!"
"So what's the protest?" he asks, crossing his arms over his chest.
